Page 8 of Stolen Hearts

“All good here.”

While he’s been away, I’ve basically been running things over here for Cillian. Ten years ago, when he found me broken, closed-off, and emotionally dead, I first started as Neve and Eilish’s bodyguard. But as they got older, and had less need for me, I moved into other aspects of the Kildare empire.

Today, I’m basically Cillian’s number two. And that’s a responsibility I take very, very seriously.

“Liam McCarthy wanted to set up a meeting about some business expansion ideas he has for Boston.”

The McCarthys are one of the Kildare vassal families, and strong allies.

“What are your thoughts?”

I arch a brow. “My thoughts are…for you to have a meeting with him when you get back.”

Cillian chuckles. “I want to know whatyourthoughts on his idea are.”

I pause before answering. “It’s a solid strategy, I think. The area of Boston he’s looking at is recently contested ground. It does border territory controlled by the Byrne family, but Liam is in talks with them, and they seem amicable.”

“So would you okay the move?”

I nod slowly, sipping my water. “I think I would. Strategically, it’s a very good idea. The Byrnes could be a powerful ally, and having the McCarthys in Boston shores up numbers and keeps the balance between Irish and Italian. Micky O’Sullivan’s crew down in Southie might put up a stink about it, but he doesn’t have the manpower or the resources to hang onto the territory Liam’s looking at. Yeah, I’d recommend okaying his plan.”

Cillian exhales slowly. “Okay. Make it happen.”

My brows knit. “What?”

“Make it happen. Have a meet with Liam, loop in Colm Byrne if he’s available, and give it the stamp of approval.”

I open my mouth to say something, but then I shut it again.

“Anything else going on I should know about?”

I shake my head. “Nope, that’s the big one. Everything else I’ve just been handling on a case-by-case basis.” I frown again. “Look, I haven’t wanted to bother you on your honeymoon. But I can loop you in more on these smaller decisions—”

“Not necessary,” he growls quietly. “I trust you. And it’s good practice.”

I arch a brow. “For?”

“For when you take over as head of the Kildare family.”

I freeze. The kitchen goes pin-drop silent as I blink.

“Excuse me?”

Cillian chuckles deeply. “Yeah. Thought that might catch you off-guard.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, well, funny joke.”

“You know I’ve never been a very funny man, Castle,” Cillian grunts. “And I can promise you, I haven’t been writing new material in Ireland. That wasn’t a joke.”

I go silent again for a few seconds.

“Cillian, what the fuck are you talking about?”

He exhales again. “I’m talking aboutperspective. Look, Castle, I’m forty-fucking-one years old. For the first time in my life, there’s a peace inside of me. That roaring in my head has—foronce—finally shut the fuck up.”

I smile wryly. “Una?”

“Bingo,” he growls.

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