Page 9 of Innocent Union
She finally meets my eyes. “You … weren’t?”
“I’m not a liar, Mia.” I smile at her, then walk away.
Antonio meets me when I get outside. “Don’t mess with my sister, Killian.”
“I’m not.” I raise my hands in surrender when Antonio quirks his eyebrow at me. “I’m not. You know I wouldn’t do that.”
“We know,” Nina says. “And for what it’s worth, Killian, I think Mia would be lucky to have you.”
“Whoa,” I say. “Whoever said I was going to marry the girl?”
“You practically proposed to her in there,” Antonio says.
“I was just standing up for her against your heartless littler sister. Man, Lucia is savage.”
“She’s young,” Antonio points out. “She’ll learn. But Mia is twenty. Her future is on the line. I need to find her a good husband and soon. I don’t need you coming in and getting her hopes up.”
“Hey, the girl needed a little bit of flattery, ok?”
“Sure. But it should come from someone who’s serious about her. Besides, my mom hates you. Even if you were serious about Mia, my mom would never approve.”
“What are you saying? Your mom loves me.”
Antonio huffs. “My mom hates you, and you know it. So, just leave Mia alone. It’s for the best.” He and Nina get in their car and drive off.
I remain standing on the stoop of the Moretti family home a little bit longer, thinking about just how much I disagree with Antonio. Mia is clearly upset. I don’t think it’s for the best she’s denied affection.
I needa second-in-command if I’m ever going to take down Patrick O’Connell. My first choice is a man named Jimmy Campbell.
We meet at an Irish dive bar owned by a friend of mine.
“So, Jimmy,” I say as we take our seats in a back booth. “Are you up to the job?”
Jimmy is known for his stark, red hair and scrawny build. But I know he’s a strong guy. I’ve seen him take down multiple guys in a bar brawl.
“I would love to be your number two. What would that entail?”
“Helping me take down Patrick O’Connell. I’m ready to take over New York. I need all the help I can get.”
“And you’re still working with the Italians?”
“Antonio and I are tight. We can count on him to help us.”
Jimmy sticks out his pale hand. “Then deal. I’m ready for a new leader anyway. Patrick thinks he can boss anyone aroundwho’s Irish, as if we all work for him. Promise me you’ll be a better leader, and I’m on your side.”
“I promise.” I shake his hand. “I have no desire to boss others around. I want loyal men. Simple as that.”
Jimmy smiles darkly. “Then let’s take back New York.”
Once I finish my conversation with Jimmy, I head over to the hospital where my mom is staying.
I find her in the room I help pay for. She has an oxygen tube under her nose. Her hair is starting to grow back in, but despite the bald patches, she’s still one of the most beautiful women on the planet. Erin Brennan, the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
“Hey, Mom,” I say, walking over and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Killian.” She grabs my face and holds me close to her for a moment.
My mom is battling breast cancer. Has been for the past couple years. One moment, there’s hope, and the next, it’s dashed as her cancer comes back.
