Page 59 of Mob Princess

He said that about his sister?

Me

Nounours please don’t get angry about this. This is just how he and I are. Sometimes we’re great together and I really like him. But this isn’t easy for either of us. I’m already pissed at him all the time. I don’t want that spilling over to you. I know you don’t like each other but I don’t want you any angrier than he makes you without me in the picture.

Sean

For your sake I’ll leave him alone when it comes to how he speaks to you. But I told you before I’m only so flexible about that. Even rubber breaks when it’s pulled too far.

Me

I can think of something I wouldn’t mind pulling on.

That was pathetic. I don’t pull on his dick.

Sean

All the more reason for me to visit as soon as I can. It may be a few days before I can chat again. I’m glad you texted me cailín. I’ll let you know as soon as I’m done.

Me

OK

Sean

If you need anything go straight to my cousins. Promise?

Me

Promise. Be careful. Bye

Sean

Bye

I love how easy it is to chat through texts. It’s not like it wasn’t easy to talk to him on the phone or in person. It’s nice to have three ways—three non-physical ways—to communicate.

I kick off my shoes and lie back on my pillow. I scroll back through the conversation and reread it. I roll onto my side and put my phone next to my bottom elbow. I usually sleep pretty much in the middle of the bed since I sleep alone and can. I enjoy having the entire queen size bed to myself. It was the same way in my apartment back home. But as I look at the empty spot that a red-headed man with entrancing emerald eyes and constellations of freckles could fill, it seems huge for one person. It’s enormous for someone as thin as me. Good, bad, or in between; I just don’t take up that much room.

“Nikki, are you hungry? I’m ordering lunch. Do you want sushi?” It’s Ewan.

He knows I love sushi. He’s being conciliatory. I stand and slide my phone into my back pocket after checking the screen’s locked, not just dark. I open the door and look up at him.

“That would be nice. Yes, please.”

“Can I come in, Nik? Please?”

I step aside. Did he pull his head out of his own ass? Or did Colt do some tugging, too? Definitely not the same kind I thought about five minutes ago.

“I know I’m screwing you over. I’m not so egomaniacal that I can’t tell that. Yeah, I’m doing it because it serves me. I won’t pretend like it doesn’t. But that’s because I serve the organization. What our branch needs comes first. It needs stability after the shitshow Dad put us through for almost five years. The decline we were already in while Grandpa led. You know the danger we face every day. Think how exponentially worse it will be if I’m deposed. Another family takes over. Do you think they’re going to want any reminders of the O’Malleys? Do you think going back to Montreal, or never having come here in the first place, would protect you? Being a Tremblay doesn’t make people forget you’re also an O’Malley. We have to stay on top just to stay alive. Knowing you not only abandoned a meeting with Pablo but then spent all afternoon in bed with Sean… I think I have a right to be pissed off as your leader. But I also have a right to be terrified as your brother. Sean will hurt you. Maybe not physically, but he will emotionally.”

“You assume he’s using me.”

“Maybe he is. Maybe he isn’t. But when it comes down to a future, do you really think you have one with a man whose brother not only put a hit on our dad but made sure it was carried out?”

I snort. “You’re pissed that they did you a favor that has you indebted to them.”

“Because that’s the kind of people they are.” He throws his hands up in the air.

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