Page 83 of Captivated

I relax only the slightest, still chewing on my bottom lip as we make our way to the Bronx. When we reach the pub, Gabriel pulls up to the open spot, one car down from the front doors, and the other SUV double parks beside us.

We get out, and I take the lead, not even waiting for Nico or Leo. I walk right into the bar and scan the inside for that piece of shit, Liam. He’s sitting at a table towards the back with his two goons.

“Where’s my brother?” I demand, and Liam looks up with that stupid shit-eating-grin he wore yesterday.

“Back so soon, sweetheart? I assume you have my money then? And if not, it’s still good to see such a fiery, beautiful woman two days in a row. Especially if you’re here to offer me an alternate form of payment.”

“Watch your fucking mouth,” Nico snarls from right behind me.

“Ah, so you’re taken. Damn it.” Standing, he and his henchmen walk up to us.

“I am,” I confirm. “Not that you ever had a chance. Where’s Sean? I have your money.”

“Already? How did you get it so fast?” he asks, giving me another crooked grin and a wink.

“If you don’t watch how you speak to her, you won’t get your money or be breathing in the next five minutes.”

I ignore Nico’s threats and step towards Liam, which results in a grunt of disapproval from him. I know exactly how to play this idiot. “Actually, I got it exactly how you think,” I tell Liam, smirking. “I’m as good as you’re thinking.” It’s my turn to throw him a wink, and he laughs. “Now, bring my brother out or my man will follow through on his threats.”

Liam laughs and takes a step back. “Go get him,” he tells the guy on his right.

“I should’ve asked for more money if I knew you had such a generous benefactor.”

I know right away Nico isn’t going to take one more insult out of this guy’s mouth.

“Now you don’t get any money,” Nico says calmly. Too calmly. And Liam just laughs. I think he has a few screws loose for taunting Nico and not realizing the danger he’s in or who he’s talking to.

“Is that right? And who are you to threaten me and get away with it?”

“Nico Carfano.”

Liam’s eyes flash with recognition, and his smile is wiped from his stupid face.

Leo takes a step forward to stand right beside me. “And Leo Carfano. It’s nice to meet you, Liam. Every encounter I’ve had with the McLaughlin family has always been somewhat cordial. Until now.”

Liam doesn’t say anything, but it looks like he’s going to shit a brick.

“So,” Leo continues, “we’re going to call the rest of this debt cleared since you caused us the trouble of coming all the way here. You won’t come after Sean or Cassie or anyone associated with them from this moment forward. If we continue to have an issue, then I’ll be forced to tell Conor how you conducted business with my family.”

“Yes, Mr. Carfano. I understand,” he says eagerly.

Wow, are you serious?

Leo has rendered this idiot speechless and turned him into a complacent soldier with manners in seconds. He must have a big reputation and hold a lot of power in this city if his name andpresence hold such weight that it crosses over to the Irish mob as if he was their boss barking out orders.

I look past Liam and see Sean being led towards us. Luckily, he doesn’t look any worse than yesterday besides dark circles under his eyes like he didn’t get any sleep.

“Sean!” I breathe a sigh of relief and push past Liam to give him a hug.

“Hey, Cass. You’re early,” he jokes, coughing on a short laugh.

“I’m just glad I’m not too late. How are you?”

“Fine. I’m ready to get out of here.”

“Let’s go.” I loop my arm through Sean’s and lead him out, with Nico and Leo following close behind.

“Sean, you’ll ride with me. I have something to discuss with you,” Leo says, his tone leaving no room for discussion, but Sean still looks at me.

---