Page 64 of Mr. Kelly

Teddy chuckles as he locks the door. His clothes begin to disappear, and I watch like an addict who needs her fix. Myhusbandis naked and aroused by the time he gets to me.

“The only energy you’re about to get is the kind what makes you hoarse from screaming my fucking name.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

THEODORE

It’s only beentwo days since meeting The Reaper, but he doesn’t waste any time. The death of someone in Father’s orbit is already on the news cycle. We know it’s him because he branded his victim with the grim reaper ring I saw him wearing the other night. He must have confirmed Andrea’s theory quickly. If he’s true to his word, he’ll continue to kill his way to the top. I hope he succeeds.

I enter Andrea’s room with a smile. I’ve seen Andrea in some sort of suit most of his adult life, but I’ve rarely seen him in a tuxedo. This is the third time, to be exact. The other two times were on my behalf, but this time it’s for him. It may not be the romantic story that I’d want for him, but this somehow fits his chaotic lifestyle. Sure, crime bosses have fallen in love the traditional way, but Andrea loves being different. Plus, I’ve noticed lately that he regards Delaney differently than he’s looked at any other woman.

This is beyond her being good on paper; it’s something else. He chose her for a reason. I wouldn’t be surprised if his unconventional ways led him to love. What if he saw something that none of us can see yet?

“You’re thinking too hard again,” Andrea says with half a smile.

I shake my head with a shrug. “I was just thinking that, despite you always being calculating, you’re really about to get married on a whim.”

“Just say you’re jealous that someone else will have my attention,” he teases.

I’m aware that our marriages change things, but I’d never deny him the joy of being in love. Still, I give him one of my serious looks.

“Are you sure about this? You plucked her out of her life to have your baby. I want you to have a bride absolutely in love with you.”

Andrea drops both of his hands on my shoulders and looks me in the eyes. “I’ll be fine, brother. Your concern is touching. I know what I’m doing.”

I nod, agreeing with his statement. Andrea is usually doing exactly what he intended, but I’ve been able to see the path of his plan in the past. I can’t see the other side of this union. This is where blind faith comes into play. He didn’t interfere when I married Helena, so I won’t interfere further now. The difference is I don’t dislike Delaney, and Helena at least pretended to love me. This is a stark reminder of how Andrea and I differ. I would have never considered a forced marriage, yet it somehow works for him.

“Okay,” I concede, pulling him into a hug. “I support you.”

I could be reaching, but the other night Delaney seemed more disgruntled than terrified. I don’t know what happens between them when I’m not around, but I feel in my gut that she’s not in distress. I would have interfered if she were in any real danger of being hurt.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” The way he casually moves to another subject tells me what he’s about to say next will be anything but casual. “We found out who purchased River.

His declaration immediately shifts my brain into protective mode, and I’ve already packed at least three weapons in my mind.

“Good…”

He cuts me off before I can finish. “But we can’t kill him.”

“That sentence is really starting to piss me off, Andrea.”

He grins like he’s amused watching me become flustered. “Relax, I saidwecan’t kill him. I didn’t say he couldn’t die. He’s a notable figure so his death has to look a certain way.”

“But I want to rip out his fucking throat,” I growl, hating having to play politics.

“We don’t rip out the senators’ throats unless we like federal investigations.”

“Ugh! These fucking politicians.”

I want to break something. No. Someone. I want to break his fucking spine.

Andrea walks me over to a table where he has a paper with two names scribbled on it. “I know two ladies who’ll eliminate your problems without anyone ever knowing.”

“Luci specializes in poison. She can come up with a concoction that won’t be traced unless someone knows where to look. Luci is a petite Afro-Latina who looks so damn innocent that he’d happily take one of her tainted cupcakes. She's on Founder’s Island and works for Andres Bishop." He taps the other name. "Then there's Kinnie." He laughs the way he always does when he has a fond memory. There is only one kind of fond memory Andrea has with women.

"You've fucked her before."

He doesn't confirm it right away. He just keeps talking.

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