Page 77 of Sweet Deception
Even if I hadn’t researched the Kings before infiltrating that wedding, I would’ve clocked him as the head of their mafia at a glance. The palpable power he wields is evident even when he stands quiet and motionless, without an ounce of amusement or warmth on his face.
Seated on the couch behind Shane is, I presume, Darren’s father. Donal. They share a few similarities but don’t really look all that alike to my eye. Although, they’re both handsome men. A trim, shapely beard clings to Donal’s face as well, and when Piro leaps onto the couch, he traces my kitty’s spine while the furry little traitor stretches and shimmies against him.
Well, now I know where Darren gets his animal touch…
Donal sets Piro down on the couch and rises. Maybe I’m imagining the way Darren steps between us, almost shielding me from their view. Is he really trying to protect me? Even when the most important men in his life are watching?
This is the worst time in the world for butterflies to take flight inside me, but that’s exactly what happens.
I expect the men to greet us or appraise me somehow. To make threats.Something.But the awful silence drags on, Darren locked in some kind of silent exchange with his father. Finally, he shoves a hand into his pocket.
“I have the evidence right here.” He produces the flash drive and crosses the room to the television situated above the mantel.
He does a few techy things I can’t see, with impressive speed and precision, and soon, my secure files are on the screen for everyone here to peruse.
Piro hops down from the couch and trots toward me. Bless him. Maybe he can tell how much I need the support. I scoop the little guy up in my arms and clutch him close as Darren presents the proof to his boss and his father. I wasn’t gathering intel on anyone. Just helping women. End of story.
But the truth doesn’t seem to penetrate the men’s staunch, displeased states.
With terrifying gravitas, Shane swings toward me, his needling glare raking me up and down. Every instinct in me screams to back up, but I force myself to hold my ground.
“So, you make women disappear.” His voice is a gravelly, rough rasp. Lifelong smoker for sure.
I nod but don’t speak.
“You help women who aren’t yours to touch.” His accusatory tone is sharp enough to draw blood. “That makes you a threat.”
“With all due respect, women are people. Not property.” The words leave my mouth before I remember that correcting a leader of one of the most powerful crime families in New York isn’t the smartest idea.
Surprisingly, Shane Gallagher offers me a wide, wicked smile. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Veronika Kotova. You’re going to walk away. Get back to your life. We’llhandle Red Hill. And if you’re smart, you’ll stay the fuck away from this family. Or we’ll have to take care of you.”
His visceral threats cause my teeth to clamp shut on their own.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Darren start to speak, but the slightest shake of his father’s head stops him.
Shane slams the tip of his staff into the hardwood floor, recapturing all the attention in the room. “It goes without saying that you’re also going to stay away from my nephew.”
Nephew?My eyes slip to Darren’s. He’s this terrible, dangerous man’s nephew?And he didn’t think to mention that?
Darren’s intense eyes meet mine and a feeling of helplessness passes between us.
“Last chance, Kotova,” Shane growls. “Take the deal.”
Everything in me wants to object—these men don’t understand that Lucy’s life hangs in the balance—but Darren’s tortured expression convinces me to keep quiet.
I don’t nod, but I don’t argue either.
Darren pipes up after another moment of tense silence. “Until Troy’s dealt with, we should keep her here at the safe house. For our protection and hers.”
Shane doesn’t acknowledge his nephew’s request. “Let’s go.”
I step aside as Shane, Donal, and Darren funnel through the den’s entryway.
Wait. They’re…just going to leave me here?
The only people who don’t budge from their places are the armed guards in the hallway. I throw an anxious glance at Darren, but he only stares back at me for a moment before following his uncle through the front door.
Before the three killers disappear, I catch a stony-faced Donal studying his son.
