Page 94 of Mafia Kingdom

"Not in the compound," I clarify quickly. "Not in the direct operation. But nearby. I can't sit here alone, Marco, just waiting to see if you come back."

His instinct to refuse is obvious, written in every line of his body.

"It would be dangerous," he warns. "If something goes wrong, if the operation is compromised..."

"Then I'd be no safer here than there," I point out. "The O'Reillys have already proven they can breach the estate when properly motivated."

He can't argue with this logic, though I can see he wants to.

"You would stay in the command vehicle," he stipulates finally. "With Tony. Under no circumstances would you approach the compound or involve yourself in the operation directly."

"Agreed," I say quickly, before he can reconsider. "I just need to be there, Marco. To know what's happening as it happens."

He sighs. "Sometimes I wonder if you realize how extraordinary you are, Sasha Gillespie."

The unexpected compliment warms me despite the gravity of our situation. "I'm just doing what anyone would do for the people they love."

"No," he contradicts gently. "You're not. Most people would have run from this—from me—as fast and far as they could. You stayed. You adapted. You've faced things that would break most people without flinching."

I shake my head, uncomfortable with this characterization of courage I don't entirely feel. "I've been terrified every step of the way."

"That's what makes it brave," he says simply. "Doing what needs to be done despite the fear."

Before I can respond, another knock interrupts us—Tony, this time, his expression apologetic but insistent.

"Sorry, Boss, but we've got the final reconnaissance report from the team at the compound. You'll want to see this immediately."

Marco nods, professional focus instantly replacing the momentary tenderness. "I'll be right there." After Tony withdraws, he turns back to me. "We'll continue this discussion later. For now, focus on getting Lily and Karen ready for tomorrow."

"I will," I promise. "What time do they leave?"

"Dawn," Marco says. "Tony's arranged the transport—unmarked vehicles, multiple route changes to avoid being tracked. Six of my most trusted men will accompany them to Kerry and remain as security detail."

The thoroughness of the arrangements reassures me somewhat, though nothing can completely erase the anxiety of being separated from Lily during such dangerous times. "I should finish packing, then. And talk to Karen."

Marco nods. He kisses me briefly, a casual gesture that still sends warmth spreading through me, before heading out to review the reconnaissance reports.

Once alone, I finish packing Lily's essentials, carefully including her favorite books and the stuffed rabbit she's slept with since infancy. These small touchstones of normalcy will be crucial in helping her adjust to yet another disruptive change in her young life.

With Lily's suitcase completed, I steel myself for the more difficult conversation awaiting me down the hall. Karen has been avoiding me since the attack, her disapproval evident in every avoided glance and abrupt exit when I enter a room. But we can't send her and Lily to Kerry without clearing the air between us.

I find her in her temporary bedroom, methodically folding clothes into a small suitcase. She looks up briefly when I enter, then returns to her task without greeting.

"Can we talk?" I ask, closing the door behind me to ensure privacy.

"What's left to say?" Her voice is flat. "You've made your choice, Sasha. You're choosing him, choosing this life, despite everything you've seen."

"I'm choosing a future," I correct gently. "One that includes Marco, yes, but also you and Lily. A future where we can all be safe, be a family."

She laughs, a brittle sound utterly lacking in humor. "Safe? After what happened last night? Men with guns invaded this house, Sasha. People died mere feet from where Lily was sleeping. That's not safety by any definition I recognize."

"That's why you're going to Kerry," I explain, working to keep my voice calm despite her accusatory tone. "So Marco and I can deal with the threat permanently, make it truly safe for all of us."

Karen finally looks up, her expression a complex mixture of disappointment and concern. "Listen to yourself. 'Deal with the threat.' 'Permanently.' You're talking like them now. Like violence is just another tool, another option."

The observation stings because there's truth in it. I have adapted to this world more rapidly, more completely than I sometimes realize.

"What would you have me do, Karen?" I ask quietly. "Run? Hide? Hope the O'Reillys and their associates just forget about us?"

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