Page 154 of Sinful Sacrifice

Some men have sat back down in their seats while others stand in front of Riona, waiting for what she’ll say next.

I stand to the side, arms crossed, and allow her to do her thing. She and Kian have rehearsed this several times. We’ve gone through different scenarios of questions the men might ask her and ways to argue concerns they might have.

Not one woman works on the crime side of the Koglin family. Most are homemakers and wives who are left in the dark about inside matters. I told Riona she could step aside and allow Kian to take the boss role, and for a second, I thought she’d try to shoot me.

She stared at me, ready to put my ass in its place, when I held up my hand and said, “You’re proving yourself. But the real test isn’t until it’s time to kill Odhrán. You can’t have hesitation. No one will respect you if you don’t murder him in front of them. Don’t flinch when the bullet collides with his skull. Ignore any splattered blood. Remain confident and unemotional in your killing.”

That was exactly what she did.

The Riona I’d met—the timid, innocent Mafia daughter—was nothing but a front.

In reality, Riona was a scorned woman, ready to seek vengeance for her love. I’m proud to have helped her achieve that.

I’m also glad I helped Kian get his revenge for the violence his mother suffered at the hands of his father and for the loss of his friend. Everyone got their revenge, and now, Cernach is dead. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.

Now, it’s time to create the perfect one.

With Pippa as my wife.

I raise my leg, rest my foot on the concrete wall, and drum my fingers along my knee. We have one more task to complete, the final box in our plan that needs to be checked off.

I was nervous about Riona executing our plan. So far, she’s done well. I need her to keep the momentum because she’s holding my future in her hands.

Riona kicks the chair, causing it to topple, and Odhrán’s body falls to the ground. Kian grabs him by the shirt collar and pulls him away from the front of the room. The floor streaks with his blood in its path.

She clears her throat. “As I said before, I’m my father’s only child, and I take over. Behind the scenes, my father made sure I was ready for this day when it came.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her lie.

“Odhrán knew that my father wanted me to take over, and he was jealous of that. He told my father on numerous occasions. Some of you might be worried about a woman taking the lead, so that’s why Kian will be at my side. He’s been in this world as much as me, and he’s proven his loyalty.” She scans the room. “As for the elders, the ones who’ve been in this family for decades, best believe I will call on all of you for your help and advice. We are a family, and we will work together as one.”

Her eyes lock on me for a moment, and she offers me a flicker of a smile. “I’m promising to you today that I will be the boss you expect.” She grabs the pin from her hair, letting her red curls loose. “With that being said, that role will be incredibly time-consuming. I’m not in a position to put time into being someone’s wife, especially a wife for a man in a different family?—”

“He signed a contract—” a balding man in the corner interrupts, violently shaking his head.

Riona speaks over him. “I’m aware, and as my father always said, no one breaks a contract with the Koglins. It doesn’t matter who’s in charge. While I told Damien we can’t marry, he still has to honor the deal he made with this family. I have contracted him to marry my cousin Pippa. My father was in the works to find her a husband, for her to finally pay her dues in this family, and I believe this is the best way. He’ll marry Pippa, and when the day comes that I decide to marry, I’ll make sure it’s approved by all of you.” She scrubs her hands together and doesn’t even wince at the blood on them. “Now, who wants to help me get rid of this asshole’s body?”

Damn, she just made me proud.

Never underestimate the power of a woman to get shit done.

Also, never underestimate her to mind-fuck men who’ve done just that.

54

I take the letter and sit on the edge of the bed.

Pippa,

I’ll never forget the day we sat in your living room, talking about marriage, and you had stipulations. One was a hundred-word essay on what kind of husband I’d be. Here you go, my sweet dancer.

I’m beyond wanting you. I need you, and I won’t be complete until I have you. If you accept me as your husband, I’ll be loyal, always protect you, and watch every dance routine. While I might not be the funniest, I’ll do everything I can to always make you smile. I want to be your first kiss in the morning and your last one good night. And if there’s ever a time I’m failing at being the perfect man for you, tell me. I’ll correct every mistake I’m making because I love you so damn much.

I went over my word count, but I’ll always go the extra mile for you.

I place the letter on my heart.

Who knew a murderous criminal could say so many sweet things?

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