“Devlin?”
Yeah, love. It’s me.
CHAPTER 23
ERIU
People start running toward the exits, in fear for their life as the man—no, not just any man, but Devlin—stands there with a gun in his hand.
Security locks the doors, not allowing anyone out, while my eyes never leave his.
It can’t be him…
How could he not tell me? How could he pretend this whole time! The things he did to me…here!
I can’t think straight.
“What have you done?” I whisper to him as his eyes connect with mine.
I know he can read lips. But he doesn’t say anything in return, his body rocking with heavy breaths as men surround him, their guns pointed at his head.
At any moment, one of them could pull the trigger!
A door slams in the distance, heavy footsteps thundering, and the room starts to go quiet until a man I’ve already met, the owner of the club, stands on top of the stage.
Too close to me.
Esther grips my arm while my pulse thuds with harrowing speed. Whatever is about to happen won’t be good for either of us.
The owner slips off his mask, not a care in the world that everyone can now see him. The hollows beneath his cheekbones deepen from the tension on his face.
“Oh, what a pity…” he tsks, staring down blankly at the dead, bleeding body. “I didn’t expect so much excitement tonight, but here we are.” He throws a hand in the air, his icy grin sending wafting terror down my spine. “You’ve created such a mess, my old friend.”
The guards move on Devlin while he stares back at the boss who clutches a weapon at his side.
“Do you realize who you’ve killed?” The owner climbs down the steps of the stage and starts toward Devlin as the guests panic in his wake, moving as far away as possible, like they’re parting the sea.
Not a pin drop can be heard except for the music coming from the rest of the club.
“Don’t worry. We will clean this up for you. But you see…” He grabs the collar of Devlin’s shirt, his chuckle a deadly sound. “Now you owe me three million dollars. And congratulations. You’re now the proud owner of Eriu’s virginity.”
“Don’t bloody do this,” Devlin grits, pushing his hand off.
Do what?
My heart leaps into my throat. I just want to go home with Devlin!
“You’re the one who came to my club and shot one of the most powerful men in my circle.” He releases his grip on Devlin, straightening the lapels of his suit jacket. “So, you see, now you’re at my mercy, and you will do exactly what I say.”
He reaches into his waistband and removes a gun before he points it right at me.
“Or you and the Irish princess die right here in front of all these people.”
Women gasp. Some cry.
“You feckin’ savage,” Devlin growls, raising his weapon at the man.
“I’d be very careful where I was pointing that thing. Wouldn’t want to give my men the wrong idea. Wouldn’t be good for anyone, do you think?”