Page 55 of Conall's Reign

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The sun hunglow in the sky as we stepped out of the coffee shop, the warm scent of roasted beans trailing behind us. Cora insisted on taking a selfie before we left, claiming it was for her “siblings’ group chat,” which I strongly suspected was merely a way to tease Conall later. I laughed as she held up her camera, capturing a quick shot of us before swinging it back around her neck, just as Lev helped her into a blacked-out SUV.

Finn and Sean flanked me as we approached our car parked at the curb, their casual postures concealing their constant vigilance. Sean wiped his mouth with a napkin, likely savoring the remnants of his devoured Rice Krispy treat, but his eyes scanned every shadow and passerby. Finn walked just a step ahead, his shoulders squared and his hand resting gently on his jacket. I felt safer with them nearby—safer than I had in weeks.

The air shifted as they emerged from the black SUV parked a few feet from ours: Cosimo Oliveto and Nico. My stomach twisted into a tight knot, and I froze mid-step. Cosimo’s sharp suit and easy, wolfish smile contrasted with Nico, who clenched his jaw and looked away.

“Well, if it isn’t the new Mrs. O’Kelly,” Cosimo said, his voice laced with malice. “What a surprise to see you.”

Sean and Finn instinctively shifted, positioning their bodies between me and the men. I couldn’t see their faces but could sense the tension radiating from them like waves.

Cosimo’s smile remained steady as he paused a few feet away. “You look well,” he said, his eyes briefly scanning me before resting on Finn. “Gentlemen, always so observant. I admire that.”

“What do you want, Oliveto?” Sean’s voice was icy, a tone that made my skin prickle.

Cosimo feigned an offended expression. “Must I always want something? I was simply in the neighborhood and thought I’d say hello. It’s not every day that I get to see the lovely Francesca.” He inclined his head toward me while maintaining eye contact, and it took everything in me not to flinch. “I heard about your… unfortunate incident. Such a shame. I trust you’re recovering well?”

His words oozed with false concern, and my throat constricted as the memory rushed through my mind. The man in the hospital who grabbed me had his hands around my neck as he hissed the warning.You’re a murderer. We’re watching you.I had no proof, but every fiber of my being screamed that Cosimo was behind it.

“I’m fine,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Thank you for your… concern. That’s very kind of you. I’ll be sure to mention it to Conall.”

Nico shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the side as if he wished he were anywhere else. He always seemed to carry a weight he didn’t know how to put down. However, his discomfort felt sharper today, as if he sensed something I didn’t.

“Forgive me for saying,” Cosimo continued, “but I couldn’t help but notice that Conall isn’t here with you. It’s odd, considering the circumstances. I would have thought he’d want to keep you closer these days.”

My stomach pitched as he watched me with malevolence. It was evident what he intended. It was a threat.

Sean stepped forward, his voice calm and firm. “Conall trusts us to protect her. If you have something to say, then say it.”

Cosimo raised his hands in feigned surrender. “Easy, easy. I’m just trying to make conversation. There’s no need for hostility among allies.”

“We aren’t allies,” Sean said plainly. “We’re business partners. Let’s not confuse the two.”

Cosimo’s smile sharpened. “Ah, I see. Business, then. In the spirit of business, I’ll leave you to escort your charge home. But, Francesca”—his gaze landed on me again, sending shivers down my spine—“let me know if you need anything. After all, the O’Kellys and I share a mutual interest in keeping you safe.”

Safe.The word twisted like a knife in my gut. He wasn’t offering safety, reminding me how easily he could take it away.

“I will keep that in mind,” I said, my tone intentionally neutral.

Cosimo tilted his head, a predator’s farewell. “Until next time.

Nico cast me a brief, apologetic glance before following Cosimo back to the SUV. I couldn’t tell if his discomfort made him more or less dangerous, but he was marked in the untrustworthy column.

Finn turned to me as the car pulled away, his jaw tight. “You okay?”

I nodded, despite my shaking hands. “Fine.”

But I wasn’t fine. Not at all. I could feel Cosimo’s words clinging to me like smoke, a reminder that he was watching and waiting. I glanced at Sean, who stared after the SUV, his expression inscrutable.

“He’s checking his chessboard,” Sean muttered. “Looking for a weak spot.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the knot in my stomach tighten. I didn’t know what game Cosimo was playing, but I was certain of one thing: he wasn’t here by chance. He wanted something. If Sean was right and he was looking for a weak spot, I didn’t want to be it.

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My hands trembled as I sent Theo a message:

Me: I think Cosimo knows something

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