Page 105 of Yours

“If I have to take him out—” I began.

“No.” Her voice was sharp, her green eyes blazing as she stepped closer. “You can’t kill him, Ronan.”

“If I have to, I will,” I said coldly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”

“And you think that’s what I want?” she shot back, her voice trembling with emotion. “Do you think putting a target on your back—or on mine—is going to keep us safe?”

I opened my mouth to argue, but she cut me off with a look that left no room for debate.

“No,” she said again, softer this time, but no less firm. “You know it’ll only put us in more danger. Marco has allies—powerful ones. If you kill him, you don’t just start a war. You make yourself the center of it.”

Her words landed like a blow, the weight of them settling heavily on my chest. She was right, damn it. As much as I hated it, she was right.

I took a deep breath. She wasn’t wrong—Marco’s smug face alone was enough to make me want to throw the first punch.

But hearing her say it, hearing the raw honesty in her voice, forced me to confront a truth I wasn’t ready to admit.

She didn’t get to tell me no, but the truth was, I didn’twanther to. Not now. Not when I needed her just as much as she needed me.

“I understand Marco’s a dirtbag,” she continued, her voice firm, but pleading. “But there’s no reason for this to end in a fight. I won’t let you pretend you’re doing this for me when we both know it’s more about your pride.”

I turned to her fully. Without a word, I reached for her, my fingers tangling gently but firmly in her hair. I pulled her close, my lips brushing against hers in a kiss that silenced both of us.

When I pulled back, I kept her close, my forehead resting against hers as I spoke.

“You’re being sassy, my queen,” I murmured, my voice low and rough. “But you’re wise.”

Her breath caught slightly, her hands curling into the lapels of my coat as she looked up at me. “Someone has to keep you in check.”

A faint smirk tugged at my lips, and I kissed her again, slower this time, savoring the moment before stepping back. “I’ll handle this,” I said, my voice softening. “For all of us. No fights, no war—unless Marco gives me no other choice.”

She nodded, her eyes still searching mine. “I trust you.”

“Good,” I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Stay close and let me take care of this.”

As if on cue, Declan’s voice crackled in my earpiece. “Boss, Marco’s team just pulled up. Three cars. Standard formation—lead, target, and tail. He’s inside the middle one.”

“Copy that,” I replied, my voice steady.

“Mayor’s car is a block away,” Declan continued. “He’ll arrive right after Marco. Timing’s good. Everything looks clean so far.”

“Keep eyes on it,” I said, glancing at Kiera. “We’re going in.”

I stepped toward the entrance, my movements deliberate, but unhurried, Kiera close behind me. The host greeted us with a polite smile, his gaze lingering on me just long enough to confirm my identity before leading us to the private dining room walled off by frosted glass panels and heavy curtains.

The mayor had done well. This place would ensure the kind of privacy we needed for this meeting while maintaining the illusion of civility.

A long table sat in the center, set with pristine white linens and crystal glasses. I took the seat at one end, my back to the wall and opposite to the door, while Kiera sat to my right.

Moments later, the door opened, and Marco Benedetti walked in.

He looked every bit the part of a kingpin—impeccably tailored suit, hair slicked back, his expression a mask of smug confidence. Behind him, two of his men lingered just outside the door, their piercing gazes scanning the room before stepping back.

Marco’s dark eyes landed on me, and his lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.

“Ronan,” he said smoothly, taking the seat at the opposite end of the table. “It’s been a while.”

“Not nearly long enough,” I replied evenly, my tone cold.

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