Page 86 of Yours

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” I shot back. “It could be Marco, trying to prove he’s the heir to his father’s throne. Or it could be someone looking to stir the pot—someone who thinks they can play us against each other and come out on top.”

Victor let out a low hum of consideration. “Marco would be the obvious choice. He’s reckless, and with Lorenzo out of the picture, he’s got something to prove. But he’s not stupid enough to make a move this direct without a reason.”

“Unless he thinks he’s untouchable,” I said coldly. “Taking Leena would be his way of sending a message—telling me he’s in charge now.”

He didn’t argue, though his sigh was heavy with doubt. “And what if it’s not him? You’ve got plenty of enemies, Ronan. So did Lorenzo. Someone could be using this chaos to settle old scores.”

“Then you’d better start asking the right questions,” I said, my voice cutting. “You know everyone worth knowing in this city. You’ve got informants, insiders, people who owe you favors. Someone knows who took my sister.”

“And you think they’ll tell me?” he asked skeptically.

“They’ll tell you,” I said firmly. “Because if they don’t, they’ll have to deal with me. And I’m not in the mood to play nice.”

Victor chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. “You’re a relentless bastard, I’ll give you that.”

“Flattery isn’t going to change the facts,” I said darkly. “I need answers, and I need them now. If Marco’s behind this, fine—I’ll deal with him. But if it’s someone else? Someone trying to start a war in our city? That’s your problem too.”

“My problem?” he repeated, his voice rising slightly. “Let me remind you, O’Malley, that I don’t answer to you. This city’s mine to run.”

“And mine to protect,” I snapped. “We both know your office doesn’t mean a damn thing without the backing of men like me.If this turns into an all-out war, it won’t just be the Benedettis and the O’Malleys who suffer. It’ll be the whole damn city.”

There was a long pause, and when the mayor finally spoke again, his tone was quieter, more measured. “Fine. I’ll start making inquiries. But this stays between us, Ronan. I don’t want this blowing up in my face.”

“It won’t,” I said, my voice hard as steel. “Just make sure you find something useful. And remember—if Leena doesn’t come back, there’s no deal, no alliance,no city. There will just be ashes left blowing in the wind.”

The mayor exhaled sharply. “You’ve made your point. I’ll call you when I have something.”

“Good,” I said, ending the call. If there was anyone in this city who could uncover the truth, it was him.

For now, all I could do was wait. And plan for what came next. I reached for my phone again, my fingers hovering over the screen as I considered my options. There was only one name that came to mind, one connection strong enough to give me the kind of backup I’d need if this turned into a fight for the whole damn city.

I scrolled through my contacts until I found the number I hadn’t called in years.

A number with a Boston area code.

My thumb hovered over the call button, the familiarity of the digits sparking old memories. The man on the other end of this line was powerful in his own right—brutal, calculating, and someone who didn’t owe favors lightly. If I called him, it would come with a price.

But if Leena’s life was on the line, I’d gladly pay it.

I pressed the call button, bringing the phone to my ear as it rang once, twice, three times.

Then a voice came through the line, low and rough, tinged with a faint Irish accent.

“Well, well,” the man drawled. “If it isn’t Ronan O’Malley. Didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again.”

CHAPTER 31

Kiera

The clock on the wall ticked softly, each second stretching longer than the last. I sat curled up on the couch, my arms wrapped around my knees as I stared at the empty space where Ronan had been just hours ago.

Leena.

Her name pulsed in my mind, a constant drumbeat of worry and guilt. She was out there somewhere, scared, alone, and I couldn’t shake the horrible thought that this was my fault.

If I’d told Ronan about her trip sooner, if I’d been honest from the start, maybe he could have done something. Maybe none of this would have happened.

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it hard to breathe.

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