Page 31 of Mafia Wars

I stiffen, my stomach twisting. “I was hoping you could tell him for me.”

His expression doesn’t change, but the dismissiveness in his voice is unmistakable. “Sorry, but I’m all out of charity right now.” He waves me off again, not even bothering to look up. “Close the door on your way out.”

I turn on my heel, biting down on the string of curses that are fighting to escape. The man might be powerful, but he’s a bastard through and through. The door clicks shut behind me, and I exhale sharply, dragging a hand through my hair. Now, I have no choice but to speak to Liam, Jack’s father. The thought makes my skin crawl. Liam doesn’t just trade in power—he collects debts like trophies. Giving Luna that apartment will come at a cost if Liam gets involved, and I’ll be the one paying it.

Checking my watch, I realize it’s nearly lunchtime. Luna will be at the café—same place, same time, like clockwork. I need to see her. Maybe I still have time.

Sliding into my car parked outside the club, I grip the wheel tighter than I should, my mind racing.

Fuck.

I honestly had thought if I thanked Jack for his help he might just agree to tell his father. I’m sure Liam wouldn’t expect anything in return from his son, but I’m not his son.

I pick up the phone, and for the first time, I pray he doesn’t answer.

“Cian.” Liam’s one word makes me clench the phone tighter.

“Hi, Liam. I know you're busy, so I won’t keep you long.” I start.

“I always have time for my nephew.” Liam’s drawl is already calculating.

“I’ve set Luna up in one of the apartments on Abbey’s Creek. I spoke to Jack about it and said I’d give you a ring.”

“That was wise,” he answers.

I’m not sure if that’s about giving Luna an apartment or calling him about it.

Liam doesn’t expand on what was wise but continues to speak.

“She will have the apartment for as long as she needs.” He finishes.

“Thank you.” I’m ready to end the call, but Liam isn’t.

“I normally wouldn’t be so quick to hand over one of our luxury apartments, but for you, Cian, I will write this off.”

My free hand tightens on the steering wheel. “Thanks,” I mumble.

“I’m sure there will be a way you can repay me.”

I knew it; nothing came free with Liam. “Anytime, Liam.” I finish.

“Great.” He finishes, and the line goes dead. He will call me up on that favor, but it’s not today. Today, I get to see Luna.

The small café is a stark contrast to Jack’s office—bright, warm, and alive with the soft hum of conversation. I spot Luna immediately, sitting alone at a corner table. She’s poking at her salad, lost in thought, her hair falling in soft waves around her face. It’s been three weeks since the attack, and she wanted a fresh start, her own place, so that’s why I got her one. I just haven’t shared with her that I’m her landlord. Not having her under my roof doesn’t mean I’ve let her out of my sight. My men have been watching her, keeping her safe. She doesn’t know, and she doesn’t need to.

I slide into the seat beside her without warning. She startles, her fork clattering against her plate, but when she sees me, her expression softens into something unreadable.

“Cian,” she says, her voice tentative. “What are you doing here?”

I lean back in the chair, watching her closely. She looks better—healthier, stronger—but there’s still a shadow in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

“I was in the area and spotted you through the window,” I say simply.

She tilts her head; humor lights up her hazel eyes. “So, you were just in the area?”

I meet her gaze, holding it. “Yes. How are you settling in?”

She picksup her fork and loads it with greens but doesn’t pop the food into her mouth. “I love my apartment; thank you so much again for helping me find it.”

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