Page 19 of Desecrated Reign

Suddenly, Lorcan’s phone pings with a text, drawing me from my thoughts. Opening my eyes, I tip my gaze forward to find Lorcan peering between the seats. His familiar eyes find mine. “Are you ready, doll? It’s time.”

My lungs expand with my heady inhale. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Together, the four of us exit the car and make our way around the side of the building. As we walk past Fiadh’s car, Lorcan dips his chin, acknowledging my mam who’s sitting in the front seat.

“Be careful.” The words filter through my earpiece, but before I can respond, Lorcan eases her worry.

“Don’t fret, Dove. I won’t let anything happen to our wee’an.”

Within seconds, Rohan appears next to me, reaching for my hand. His fingers interlock with mine, and he gently squeezes, reassuring me. Craning my neck, I gaze at him from beneath my brow, giving him a soft smile when he mouths, “I love you.”

With every step, my throat dries, but I moisten my lips with a swipe of my tongue, then square my shoulders and straighten my spine. Finally, the fire escape door comes into view. Thankfully, Seamus Murphy, the Connacht king, left it slightly ajar with a small piece of two-by-four. Unbeknownst to Gabriel, Beibhinn convinced Seamus to at least hear us out. Elouise did the rest, using her relationship with Seamus’s right-hand man to leverage our case.

I’m still shocked that our plan worked and that we somehow convinced him to help with our entrance. Honestly, I get the impression he hasn’t much time for Gabriel and his antics, and he wants him gone sooner rather than later, so it’s a win-win situation.

Slipping inside, the four of us—Lorcan, Keelan, Rohan, and I—sneak down the narrow hallway, following the directions Seamus texted to Lorcan earlier.

“It’s down here on the right.” Lorcan points towards the end of the T-shaped corridor.

Careful not to alert anyone of our arrival, we creep closer, veering right at the end. Then finally, two black double doors span the width of the hall.

The four of us share a look, all nodding when we’re ready. Anxiety boils in the pit of my stomach, but I draw in a deep breath and blow it out through my nose. When Lorcan’s gaze finds mine, he tips his head towards the door, giving me the green light.

My fingers curl around the handles as Rohan flanks my back, and Keelan and Lorcan take either side. Rohan leans forward, bringing his mouth to my ear. “Whenever you’re ready, love.”

Use the hurt, the pain, the anger. Channel it, Saoirse. You said you’re stuck in a storm. Then become it.

Steeling my facial features, I paint on a wicked smile and push the doors open.Four sets of eyes flick towards us from the round table in the centre of the room. Shock weaves across each brow line except for Seamus, who knew we were coming all along.

“Hello, boys,” I greet with a raised brow as I stride into the room with my family around me.

Next, Gabriel pushes from his seat, slamming his hands down on the tabletop. “This is a private meeting for the High Kings only. See yourself out, little girl.” His tongue moistens his front teeth with a click as his gaze roams over the men standing around me in a circle of protection. “And take your muscle with you.”

Breaking from the guys, I waltz into the room, pull out a chair, and lower myself into it. “I think I’ll stay. After all, I am the only Ryan heir. Which makes me the only person able to represent my family.”

In a move that screams intimidation, Gabriel whips a gun from his waistband and points it in my face. “Get out!”

Leaning back on the chair, I fold my arms over my chest and cross my legs. My dress rises, giving Gabriel a peek at the gun strapped to my thigh. Then, with a raised brow, I cock my head to the side. “Now, now, Gabriel. No need for the hostility. Besides, Ollie’s here.” I point at Liam and Beibhinn’s father. “And last time I checked, he was a bishop, not a king.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are?”

Careful not to let him see past my mask, I shoot him a beaming smile. Fake it till you make it, right?

“Oh, I know exactly who I am, Oliver. I’m Saoirse fucking Ryan. The next Leinster Syndicate queen.”

Gabriel’s thumb grazes the trigger, and Lorcan and Rohan step forward, guns raised.

Keeping my stare steady, I hold Gabriel's eyes. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. My fiancé doesn’t take kindly to anyone who tries to hurt me, and well, let’s just say I’m a daddy’s girl.” I smirk, quipping my lips. “I’m sure you can figure out the rest.”

“Sit down, Gabriel!” Lorcan commands, his Northern twang heavier than ever.

“What makes you think I’ll listen to you?”

Lorcan huffs out a slight chuckle. “Do I look like a man who wastes words? Either sit, or I place an ounce of lead between your eyes. The choice is yours.”

Gabriel contemplates his next move, fighting between what he wants to do and what he should do. Peering at the other members around the table, he looks for backup, but thankfully, none of them make a move—every man for himself and all that.

Finally, he lowers himself into the chair behind him as his eyes scan the rest of the group, appealing for them to take his side. “This is outrageous. We’re here to discuss Lorcan’s misconduct and how he and Èanna Ryan disregarded syndicate law, resulting in an heir of two provinces.”

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