Page 59 of Líadan's Code

“I never said that,” my father says, shaking his head. “You’re going to need people to help you, Líadan.”

My girl snorts at his words, shaking her head.

“Seán had bugs in his home,” Jordan grunts beside me. “The things he says and the way he treats women is disgusting.”

“Yeah, Dad is an asshole,” I mutter. “He killed my mother when I was three. He’s not getting anywhere near our girl.”

Jordan smirks at my words, but nods.

“What happened to getting married?” Dad asks. “I’d make a fine husband, Líadan.”

I think I just puked in my mouth.

Pulling my reserve gun from its holster, I do what I’ve been wanting to do for years. The recoil of the firearm as I shoot my father is almost as satisfying as knowing the light died in Bruin’s eyes tonight.

“I believe Brendan just declined that very offensive offer from his father,” Lía says cheerfully. “I will be sending out invitations that are non-negotiable to come visit me in Chicago. Failure to meet with me will result in your death. I will not be marrying anyone at this time, and when and if I do, it will not be up for discussion. Do I make myself understood?”

“Yes,” the room grumbles in unison.

“Perfect. Now, the club is closed. Gather your belongings without bloodshed and get the fuck out,” she growls, hopping down.

Dropping the mic, she begins to walk toward the exit. Jordan scoops up her heels and jacket before following me.

“Let’s be a little more regal, Princess,” he mutters, dropping to his knees to help her put on her shoes. Picking up the jacket, I drape it over her shoulders, because he’s right. Even though she’s covered in blood, there is a correct way to leave.

Unfortunately, we don’t have transportation to get back, so we disappear into a subway station before anyone else leaves.

“Alright, folks, we shouldn’t return to the hotel tonight. I’m booking us a room somewhere else and we’re going incognito,” Jordan says brightly, already working on his phone.

“I already had a maid remove both of your clothes and belongings,” I say with a shrug as they glance at me. “That includes your laptop, Jordan.”

“Thanks,” Jordan grunts before going back to work.

Tugging Lía into my arms, I bury my face in her hair, breathing deeply. Cinnamon and apples fill my lungs as I groan.

“You are incredible and terrifying in equal parts, milseán,” I sigh. “Let’s enjoy the next day or so and then regroup and figure out how to whip these deviants into shape.”

“I’m pretty sure the fear will make them malleable for at least a little while,” Jordan says. “Exploit the fuck out of that.”

“Can you ground the planes of those who are international?” Lía asks, her mind already working.

“Uh huh,” he mutters. Jordan is adorable when he’s in the groove. I’ve noticed that he rarely wears glasses unless his eyes are tired, and they’re currently firmly perched now on his nose. His hair is thoroughly rumpled in just the time he jogged down to the subway, deep in his plans.

“We have a hotel, and they’re transferring our belongings now. It’s all under the umbrella company your house is bought under,” Jordan says as the train comes screeching in. His eyes flick up as he winks at us, looking smug and sexy as hell. “I’ll work on grounding planes and bad little mafia men and women now.”

Lía giggles, holy fuck, and I look down in awe at her as her eyes sparkle.

“Ding dong, the king is dead,” she says with a grin as we step into the train together.

Sometimes, a little blood shed goes a long way toward helping to heal someone. I’m not an idiot, I know we have a long way to go, but her laughter is everything. It’s been six years since I’ve heard it.

Glancing at my watch, I smile back as I see that it’s two in the morning.

“Happy birthday, beautiful,” I tell her, hugging her tightly to me. I’m squishing her a little, but she hasn’t stabbed me yet, so I’ll take it.

Jordan steals Lía easily, only because I release her instantly when he reaches out to her.

“Way to start a new year out with a bang, Princess,” he teases her, dipping his head down to kiss her hard. “Looks like you’re both stuck with me now.”

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