Page 62 of Stay, Swear.

I feel the color draining from my face, “Eric is Robert’s other best friend. If you’ve found him, you’re hovering right over Robert and David too.”

All six sets of green eyes lock onto me, Kieran’s the one who speaks up but he’s not talking to me, he’s talking to Mac, “Last name? An Eric is my next target too?”

Mac and I answer him at the same time, “Stone.”

Kieran brings one hand to the back of his neck and squeezes, “How the hell is that possible? That’s my guy too. Did he break off when they were caught to start his own thing?”

The realization hits me like a bullet to the chest.

“Oh, my God. They never stopped.”

* * *

I’m exhausted, grumpy, and my uterus is trying to fight its way out of my body. In short, I don’t have time for this bullshit today. Too bad for me, I’m walking to my office to have a meeting with my boss. I’m not apologizing. I have nothing to apologize for. He’s a big baby who can’t handle that he lost an underground fight, that he shouldn’t have been a part of anyway. Ryan stays about five or so steps behind me, Collin about five or so ahead.

This is really the first time I’ve been with them alone and these are not the same men who joke around at the house with Kieran and his brothers. They’re stoic, with their‘don’t talk to me’expressions, and all black suits. You can tell theytake this job as seriously as they would if they were protecting Kieran himself. Collin reaches the door to my building first and holds it open for me.

“Thank you, Collin.”

“Ms. Mitchell.” is his only response.

He takes up his spot in front of me again as we make our way through the large lobby. The walls are glass, the ceilings are impossibly high, and everyone bustles around trying to get to meetings or their offices. It doesn’t take but a minute to step inside the elevator and make our way up to my floor. The doors open and Simone lifts her head up from her desk in front of Mr. Phillips office. Her eyes widen as she takes in the two men flanking me, both easily six foot four or so, both incredibly handsome in their own right. I give her a small wave as we move past her and to Mr. Hall’s office door.

Before I can knock Ryan leans down and whispers, “Who is that? Is she single?”

I try to stifle my laugh and mock glare at him, “Excuse me, you’re working Mr. Murphy. Focus, we can gossip about how single Simone is later.” He straightens and gives me a singular nod. Gone is the playful Ryan that was there just a second ago and back is the down to business man who has been trusted to protect me. I knock on the door and a moment later a gruff,“come in”filters through the space.

Collin pushes the door open and moves directly in front of me. After the room is checked to his contentment he moves behind me, allowing me to enter WHILE both men flank my sides. Jackson looks thrown off but doesn’t comment until he notes Ryan on my left.

“He can wait outside.” He practically snarls.

“No can do Jamie-boy. I’m on assignment. If I go Ms.Mitchell has to go too.”

His eyes snap to mine, “Assignment? You in danger Brittany?”

“That’s not your business, Mr. Hall. I’m here to discuss my future, or lack thereof at this firm.” With calculated steps I move to the chair in front of his desk and sit crossing one leg over the other while straightening my spine and lifting my chin. I can feel my detail move to stand on each side of the chair.

“Listen, Britt. I know you’re still pissed,I get it, but I don’t thinkyou do. The Pit isn’t safe. You were there alone, crying, and anything could have happened. I overreacted but I really was just worried. You have to be safe.”

He’s confusing me. I thought he was mad I was with Kieran, but his voice is laced with so much concern and he sounds like he’s trying to talk in code. His eyes widen to the size of saucers a second before the door to the office slams open and chaos breaks out everywhere.

32

Chapter Thirty-Two

Kieran

Phoenix left about an hour ago to go meet up with James. Ry sent me a confirmation text about fifteen or so minutes ago that they made it there and were about to go into the office. I haven’t heard anything more, so I’m assuming that everything’s going well. While I wait I’m doing what any other self respecting enforcer for the mob would do… I’m playing Mario Kart with my youngest brother, while my other brothers look on, waiting for their turn. Every time one of us knocks the other off the track the room fills with genuine laughs and good natured ribbing. My phone rings and I pause the game as I see Ryan’s name flash across my phone. I hold up a hand to my brothers, silencing their collective groans of protest.

“Talk to me Ry.”

Hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as my muscleslock up at the voice on the other side.

“Kieran Byrne, I hear you’ve been looking for me. I also hear you’ve got my daughter. I want that little whore delivered to me. If you want your buddy here returned alive, you’ll get me what’s mine.”

Before I can respond I hear Ryan yell in the background, “It’s okay Kieran. I’m okay, don’t do anything. I love you, brother.”

“You have twenty-four hours Byrne, don’t make me kill your best friend.” With that parting blow he hangs up. I’m doubled over trying to force air into my lungs. Ryan. Nix. Wait Nix?

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