Passion(11)

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.





Chapter 7


Brandon


“Keep your eyes closed, kitten,” I instructed as I carefully led her up a set of stairs.

Carly mock pouted but she couldn’t hold the expression and a sly smile slid onto her face. “Will you punish me if I don’t?”

I was immediately hard, remembering the last time she’d disobeyed me. My naughty little kitty cat seemed to rustle up trouble on purpose from time to time. Apparently, my punishments were not a deterrent. I couldn’t disagree with that line of thinking because it led to so much pleasure. Just picturing her pretty pink ass, her rosy lips wrapped around my cock, and the sight of her lost in ecstasy as I held her on the precipice of orgasm had me tempted to turn around and take her right back to the bed we’d barely left an hour before.

But, I focused on my purpose for being at our location. I couldn’t wait to see her expression at my surprise. My girl deserved a break and a reward after working so hard lately.

I’d always known Carly had a good head on her shoulders, but in the last several weeks, she’d blown me away. I didn’t think it was possible to be more impressed. Her instincts for business were excellent and it didn’t take long for her to lay out a plan, one that would be very lucrative, and begin to implement it.

She also sold off her father’s personal assets, having no desire to ever be reminded of her life with him. We decided to move out of our apartment and find a home where our family could grow. Since I owned the building, we offered the place to Thomas when we eventually moved out.

One night, as we lay in bed talking quietly, Carly described the kind of life she dreamed of for our children. The childhood she wished she’d experienced, a happy home with loving parents, and laughter. The beautiful sounds of laughter and joy. She even gave me a vague picture of the kind of house she wanted. It gave me an idea, and I was on the phone with Nic the next morning. I turned my idea into a reality, one I was excited to share with Carly.