Page 65 of Innocent Union
Killian needs Antonio right now, especially to help take down Patrick after what just happened.
“I’m going to see Antonio,” I tell my mom.
“No. It’s safer to stay inside right now.”
“Killian is busy with the deaths of his family and friends. Antonio wasn’t at the funeral when he should have been. Someone needs to talk sense into my brother. Tell Killian I’m going to see Antonio.”
As I head for the door, I see Killian in the kitchen, still on the phone, dealing with more pain and death. It’s not fair. It’s not fair a good man like him is be punished like this.
All I want to do is comfort him, but I know that’s not what Killian needs right now. He needs to kill Patrick for what Patrick did. And the only person who can help him with that is Antonio.
I leave the house and head for Antonio’s office. I know he spends his days there, holding meetings with his men. He’s talked about it before.
I find Antonio in the conference room of his office building, standing before his group of men, talking about … whatever Mafia men talk about.
I burst into the room.
Antonio stares at me slack jawed for a moment. “Mia?”
“It was Killian’s mother’s funeral today, and you should have been there.”
He glances at his men. “We should talk in private.”
“No.” I keep my head held high as I storm up to my brother, stomping past his men. They watch me with amusement. Fine. Let them think I’m just some funny little girl. I’m tired of being defined by how other men see me.
It’s time I stand up for myself.
“You should have been there,” I tell Antonio. “And you weren’t. Patrick O’Connell just shot the place up.”
Antonio tenses. “Is everyone all right?”
“No. Everyone is dead. Mom was there. She could have died. Fortunately, she’s ok,” I add before Antonio can freak out. “But the point is, you should have been there. I get you’re mad at Killian for what he did. But those men—your men—were going to rape me. He saved me. He should have received a medal from you. Not your disappointment.”
While Antonio only stares at me, some of his men chuckle.
“He doesn’t have to listen to you, little girl,” one of them says.
I spin around to face the group. “I’ve had it. I’m done hearing all of you shit talk me. I’m done hearing you act like I’m a piece of meat you can just say whatever you want about. Call me crazy. Call me insane. Call me whatever. But I’m innocent here. I’ve done nothing wrong to warrant any of the behavior you’ve thrown my way this year. I’m not going to listen to you boys badmouth me again.”
They all stare at me in shock.
I turn back to Antonio. “I am your sister. You should care whether I’m ok or not. Killian saved me. He … loves me.” I realize how true it is the moment I say it. “He was there for you when you were in hiding. He helped build the empire you have now. He needs you know. He needs both of us. So, don’t punish him. Be an ally to him. And if you don’t, I’m going to keep coming back here and scolding you in front of your men until you do as I say. I’m done being bossed around. I’m done being bullied. Antonio, go help Killian. You know it’s the right thing to do.”
Antonio’s eyes harden once I’m done speaking. “I think you need to leave, Mia.”
I deflate a little bit but hold strong. “Ok. I will. But I’ll come back if you don’t change your mind.” I turn to his men. “And all of you should be ashamed of how you act. Treat women with respect. Don’t treat us like we’re toys you can do whatever you want to with us.” With those words, I leave the room.
I can feel everyone’s eyes on me.
I made an impression. I know it.
And I don’t even care anymore if they say shit about me.
I’ve discovered my self-worth because of Killian. I’m going to be the wife he deserves just like he’s been the husband I deserve.
I’m not going to cower any longer. I’m not going to cry any longer over what random men say about me.
I’m going to stand confident at my husband’s side as we make it through this trying time.
