Page 62 of Killian

Every eye is on me, taking me in. It’s not until I spot the familiar tattoo that I relax.

Staring at the Catalini man, I meet his eye. “Greer Catalini.”

His eyes widen as he holds out his hand to mine, pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“Hello, Greer. Sabato. Nice to meet you. Join us, please. Can I get you a drink?”

There it is. The loyalty I was looking for. The man may be attracted to me, but the tone of his voice says he knows he has no chance in hell. He will stick close to me most of the night, which is good. I have Enzo and Alex hanging back but having him appear as my date will ward off some unwanted attention.

Sabato escorts me toward the bar, holding his arm out for me to hold.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up as I feel as if I’m being watched. I glance over my shoulder and see Killian’s eyes locked on me.

He has a pissed-off look in his eye, but if you didn’t know him, you’d think that’s just how he is.

Two can play this game, Killian.

“The Irish are why most of these guys are here,” Sabato whispers as if he’s sharing a secret.

He holds out a glass of champagne to me. I take a tentative sip.

“What about them?”

“The young Cleo is being offered for marriage. Shane has been broadcasting it for years that the day she turned eighteen she was fair game. Hell, he’s been accepting offers outside of this, but everyone knows he is greedy. He’s here to showcase her and see if her worth goes up.”

I glance back over at them. “You think they will stay within the Irish. Seems Killian O’Reilly has a thing for her.”

He snorts, spitting out part of his drink. He wipes his mouth.

“Sorry,” he apologizes.

“What?”

“I forget you’re not from around here. Killian is her godfather. There’s no way he is interested in cradle robbing that particular cradle.”

I feel a weight lifted off my chest as I study them again, seeing the touches for what they are. Comfort for the girl.

How could you be so blind?

“Anyway, they are thinking either us or the Russians. The Yakuza are still at odds with them, so I’d be surprised if they offer anything. They avoid each other at all costs.”

“I see. You seem to know everything.”

His eyes lose the humor, becoming serious. “I take my job seriously. The only reason I’m here tonight is for intel. Don Bastiano always sends me to these things.”

I study him again. He’s on the taller side with dark hair styled back from his face. He has a handsome face with a kind demeanor.

“I can see why. You put people at ease.”

He smiles again. “Whatever I need to do to get the dirt.”

I chuckle. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Why are you here?” he asks quietly. “Not that it’s any of my business, but maybe I can help.”

I give him a genuine smile. “Don’t let some asshole whisk me away. I’m here only for show, not to find a husband.”

“Well then, consider me your savior tonight.”

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