Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Brandon’s hand reached for mine, squeezing it tightly, and suddenly all my fears melted away. I had all the strength I needed walking right next to me. For the longest time, I’d had to stand on my own, but no more. Never again did I need to worry about facing difficult times by myself, not when this amazing man loved me.
Following Brandon down the stairs to the basement, I knew that no matter who had betrayed us, it didn’t really matter. It might sting if it was someone I knew well, but it wouldn’t cut deeply because the only person who really mattered would never betray me—Brandon would move heaven and earth to keep me and our baby safe. I had no doubt we could face any challenge together and come out on top. Including whatever we found on the other side of the door in front of us.
“You ready?” he asked.
I knew if I said no, if I told him I wanted to leave this whole horrible situation to him, then he wouldn’t hesitate to walk me right back upstairs and do exactly what I requested. There was a small part of me that wanted to do exactly that, but I knew I couldn’t listen to those doubts and fears. It would take a strong woman to lead the O’Reillys, as well as to stand by Brandon’s side. I was determined to be that woman, no matter what it took. I felt like we were in the home stretch, and I wasn’t about to show weakness when we were so close to overcoming the final obstacle in the way of our happiness. In the future, it wouldn’t make anyone question me if I allowed Brandon to do the dirty work. He was my enforcer after all. However, these men had committed treason and the severity of the crime meant being dealt with by the boss.
But, boy what an obstacle this was. As soon as we walked into the room, we found three men tied to chairs with their hands behind their backs. I tried to search their faces to figure out who had betrayed me to Sean, but it was impossible to recognize them because there were several layers of plastic wrap hiding their features. It had been wrapped around their heads, ragged holes torn to allow them to breathe—although I was certain Tommy and Ewan had waited to make the rips. Depriving them of air was sure to make them more willing to answer the questions we had, or at least I hoped so.
“Did they talk?”
“They sang like canaries,” Tommy answered my question.
“Which seems appropriate since they squealed like rats to Sean,” Ewan added.
“Are there any other rodents we need to be worried about?” Brandon wanted to know.
“No, Sean was only able to recruit four of our guys.”
“Only?” I repeated.
Ewan ducked his head. “Sorry, it was a poor choice of words.”
“Considering you drove an SUV headlong into a limo to catch Greg, I think we can give you a free pass or two,” Brandon responded dryly.
“You did?” I gasped.
A deep flush crept up Ewan’s neck and cheeks. “I couldn’t risk letting the gobshite get away, not after they’d gotten you on that plane.”
There were six men in this room, and knowing that three of them would give their lives for me was enough for me. It didn’t matter that the other three had sold me out to our enemy. We’d weeded out the traitors, and they’d be six feet under soon. They’d also serve as a warning to anyone else who thought to cross Brandon or me in the future. I’d already demonstrated the lengths to which I was willing to go with the way I’d killed Sean. I felt like it was Brandon’s turn with these three, it only seemed fair.
“Then it sounds like I can trust you to have Brandon’s back while he finishes this.” Ewan’s chest puffed up with pride and Brandon sent me a grateful smile, which grew even bigger when I continued. “Tommy can watch mine while I wait for you upstairs.”
“I’ll make it quick,” Brandon promised, dropping a quick kiss on my lips.
“Take your time,” I replied. “They deserve to pay for what they’ve done.”
“Don’t worry, kitten. Their final moments will be filled with pain.”
I left the room without a second thought, knowing Brandon would make them suffer. Luckily, the basement was soundproof, and I didn’t have to listen while I sat at the bar with Tommy. He poured me a kiddie cocktail of all things, and then cut up an orange and slid it towards me. Two drinks, half an orange, and a pile of cherries later, Brandon slid his arm over my shoulder.
“It’s done.”
I heaved a deep sigh of relief. “Hopefully we can put it all behind us.” It was time to focus on the businesses, detangling the mess left by my father. It seemed a mob boss’s job was never done.