Page 126 of Mob Princess

“It has absolutely nothing to do with the second part. Sean alone can deal with Justin. With his entire family, any trace Justin ever lived will disappear. That’s not why I need you. Anyone who knows I’m involved with Sean knows I’m untouchable. But there will always be people like Justin and Ewan who believe that doesn’t apply to them. If I can get one of Ewan’s men to carry out a hit for me, then I make myself untouchable.”

“You’ve been talking to Breda.”

“How’d you know?”

“She’s Sean’s mom. Dillan’s already married, but if you were with him, Siobhan would tell you the same thing. If you were with Cormac or Seamus, Saoirse would tell you what Breda did. I doubt Breda knows the lads discovered she ordered a hit on a guy who worked for Donovan, but it’s been a poorly kept secret for the past decade. You sound like her. Count your blessings she’s your mother-in-law.”

“She’s not?—”

“Nicolina, you’ve met Breda. You’re as good as married to Sean. The O’Rourkes don’t bring people home to their family unless it’s permanent.”

I’m watching Sean. His expression closed off as soon as he realized I’m talking to Colton Senior. I can’t read his feelings. This distance scares me more than anything until now. I fidget. I’m uncomfortable hearing Colton make these assumptions while Sean can hear.

I’m unprepared for Sean to reach across me and unfasten my belt. He sees the flash of worry in my eyes. He kisses my temple before lifting me onto his lap. I lean my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat for a moment before responding.

“Breda spoke to me before I left her house for this meeting. She explained it to me, and I believe she’s right. Will you do this for me?”

“I’ve known Justin his entire life. He’s had his struggles, but he’s been a good guy. He’s also been in love with you since you were fourteen, and he was fifteen. Puppy love back then. It’s more now. He hated you being with Colt, and it devastated him when you accepted Colt’s proposal. But he stayed silent. I’m certain it relieved him when you left Colt. I’m certain he was ecstatic when you moved down here. He believed you’d always turn to him whether you were with Colt or alone. The moment you chose Sean O’Rourke, Justin knew he had no place left in your life. You know he can’t accept that.”

“I do. If he’d only threatened me, I wouldn’t be on my way to use that against him. But he went after Sean. I’m not interested in forgiving, and I’ll definitely never forget. He’s a threat to Sean. Whoever he’s working for—whoever’s feeding him false encouragement—is a threat to the O’Rourkes. Whoever this is won’t let Justin live once he’s no longer useful. Justin will die. That’s inevitable and unfortunate. I won’t let whoever this silent partner is have the satisfaction of tying up that loose end. If Sean doesn’t do it to remove Justin as a threat and to prove to this unknown person that the O’Rourkes aren’t to be effed with, then I need you to do it for me.”

“And if I can’t?”

“At least you didn’t say you won’t.”

“Nikki.”

“The only way you can’t is if something logistical messes it up. Your skill is unquestionable.”

“You haven’t answered my question.”

“Because you know the answer. Sean doesn’t want that for me. I killed someone today, Colton. He doesn’t want me forced to do that again, especially not to a childhood friend.”

“For your sake and your sake alone, I will do this. But Sean needs to know you’re capable.”

I watch Sean as he listens, his eyes on my phone. I’m not sure what to make of his shift in focus.

“He saw what I did today.”

“But does he know I taught you?”

Sean’s gaze jumps to me. I offer him an apologetic expression, but I’m not sure why. Maybe because I hadn’t already told him. But there’s still so much we don’t know about each other. Maybe because I have the skills a sniper taught me.

“Not the details.”

“I don’t want you having to do this. I know you’ll put Sean first, but you’ve still known Justin for most of your life. Contact me when you know if I need to make a move.”

“I will. Thank you, Colton. Outside of Sean’s family, you’re the only one I trust.”

“We love you, pipsqueak.”

“Love to you and Daisy.”

I hang up the call and lean away to see Sean’s face clearly.

“Explain, Lina.”

There’s no bite to his tone. It’s the opposite. His voice is soft as though it’s full of regret.

---