Page 1 of Dublin Devil

CHAPTER ONE

Piper

This is my big night, and it’s going perfectly. After nineteen years of being babied and treated like I have nothing to offer the family business, tonight I’m finally making inroads and proving to my father and my brothers that I deserve a place at the table.

My rightful place.

I’m a McGuire, the youngest of seven, and the only daughter of the biggest crime family in Dublin. I’m just as savvy and strategic as my brothers, and tonight I’m showing them I’m an asset to the McGuire empire.

Sitting in the private dining room of the NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch, I put on my best smile as I shift my napkin from my lap and lay it on the table. “It’s been a wonderful evening, gentlemen: great food, engaging conversation, and now, I’m sure you’ll find the executive suite my father booked for you just as pleasing.”

Vladmir Volkov, the younger of the two Russian Bratva representatives I’m schmoozing this evening, is the cousin ofthe big boss, Anton Volkov. He’s the man to impress in St. Petersburg and told Da that if Vladmir is happy with what he sees here in Dublin, he’ll consider establishing a business arrangement with my family.

Vladmir runs fat fingers through his chaotic beard. “Everything is wonderful, Miss McGuire. Your father is wise man. Giving you to us. Good for business.”

I chuckle. “I’m glad you enjoyed my company. Come, I’ll show you to your suite.”

The other man, Arkady Sidorov, grunts his approval and buttons his suit jacket when he stands. He carries the same jacked-up, muscled frame as his partner, but with a much stronger stalker vibe.

He has eyed me up and down all night likeIwas his dinner instead of the four-hundred-dollar wagyu steak he ordered and inhaled.

But I grew up around dangerous men, so, while they intimidate me a little—the Bratva are violent and deadly—it doesn’t stop me from doing my job.

All evening, I’ve smiled and played the part of the perfect hostess—the task my father assigned to me.

The hotel lobby is busy, the murmur of voices carrying from the reception desk and seating areas all the way to the restaurant entrance.

I gesture to the main doors as we walk toward the hotel lobby. “If you gentlemen would like to try your hand at roulette or blackjack, I can arrange a private table for you at the casino down the block. A quick taxi ride and you’ll be all set.”

Arkady purses his lips. “Nyet. Up to room.”

“Of course. I’m sure you’re tired after your travels. This way.” My Louboutin heels clack out a steady rhythm on the polished marble tiles as I lead them to the bank of elevators.

Da has them set up in one of the top-floor suites overlooking the River Liffey. He mentioned that he’s arranged female entertainment for them this evening as well. Men like this expect those kinds of business gestures as complimentary perks.

That’s beyond my scope of the business, but I know my brothers often discuss the new girls they’ve got in town and what they’ll be able to charge for them.

I don’t judge.

A woman’s body is a woman’s choice.

When the elevator door closes behind us, I tap the key card to the sensor and push the button for the top floor. In the reflection of the mirrored walls, Arkady is checking me out. I discretely tug the hem of my short skirt down my thighs.

Da instructed me to wear something sexy to schmooze his Russian guests while I soften them up for the pending gun deal. He hated what I picked out and made me change three times until I put on this red sheath dress.

It’s more wild night at the club than dinner with business partners, but he’s the boss and I wasn’t about to argue.

So, for the last three hours, I’ve made nice and done everything I could to put our family in a favorable light. I glossed over the recent trouble with the rival mafia family on the north side of the river, downplayed the trouble the Quinns are causing us, and even held it together when they brought up how our enemies recently killed my brother, Declan.

Apparently, the Bratva are very interested in how my father intends to respond to the killing of my brother. The Quinn’s enforcer killed Declan over the betrayal of a woman they were both sleeping with.

I didn’t have the answer, but assured him that the McGuires command everything south of the River Liffey with an iron fist. Retaliation will be brutal.

Personally, I’d like to know what will be done to the woman, because Siobhan Daley caused that situation by being a lying, spying bitch.

I don’t get to ask such things—not yet, anyway.

But if tonight ends on a high note, like I think it will, Da and my brothers will take me more seriously.

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