Page 114 of Reckless Desires

But as Killian’s face falls, my heart sinks with it. “About that…” His voice trembles, and I feel a chill creep over me.

In that moment, I understand. The truth hangs heavy between us. Farrah had spoken of her willingness to sacrifice everything for her daughter, and the thought of her choosing to end her own life sends a shudder through my soul. She must have thought it was the only way to give Evie a chance, and I can feel the pain of that decision echoing through Killian.

I cover my mouth, fighting back tears. “Did you at least get Vidalia?”

“Vidalia is chained up like an animal,” he says, his voice taut with anger. “When you’re ready, you can carve his heart out. Viktor is dead.”

“I never want to see that man’s face again. Just let me know when he’s gone,” I reply, my voice firm.

He nods. “I’ll let Darius know to finish him off.” Then he looks at me, his expression softening. “Lily, with the Evie situation, I understand if you don’t want to play mom. I have to⁠—”

Before he can finish, I grab his face in my hands, desperation flooding my veins. “Can you just shut up and kiss me?”

He leans in, and suddenly the world around us fades into nothingness. The warmth radiating from his body pulls me closer, like gravity itself. When our lips finally meet, it's as if the universe shatters and reassembles in that one perfect moment, forming an unbreakable bond. The kiss starts tenderly, but transforms into a passionate collision of everything we’ve been too scared to admit. I melt into him, all my fears and doubts evaporating like morning mist under the sun.

When we finally pull apart, our foreheads resting against each other, a sense of peace washes over us.

“You were right about the kissing thing.” I smile through the tears brimming in my eyes, my heart swelling with hope. “Very intimate.”

This is the beginning of the rest of my life, a future that feels tangible and bright. I can feel it in my bones, and I can’t wait to embrace it.

Epilogue 1

Lily

“Lily, look!!” Evie summer salts for the tenth time, her red curls bouncing everywhere.

As the sun dips low on the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sprawling countryside, I stand outside the mini castle I call home. The air is crisp, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming wildflowers, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. Killian leans against the weathered stone wall, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watches Evie practice her tumbling.

He sees me watching and walks over to me, placing a gentle kiss on my lips—one hand on my jaw and the other on the base of my neck where the diamond-filled collar lays. No leash attached, for the sake of Evie; however, it does come out when we are alone in our room.

“Your sisters should be here soon,” he says, looking into my eyes with so much love.

My excitement is all over my face. “Are you excited the boys are coming too?”

Killian shrugs, but I know he’s looking forward to seeing Darius and Cameron again. When they are with the Boswells, it’s as though they have been initiated into their brotherhood.

I reflect on the whirlwind of the past year—how I had left behind the busy life in the city, trading it for the serene beauty of the Irish landscape. I remember the first time I had walked back through the castle gates, my heart fluttering at the thought of starting a new life with Killian and Evie. It had felt like stepping into a fairy tale, but it was a story I never expected to live.

Our days are filled with laughter, adventures, and quiet moments spent under the vast sky. Killian has shown me the magic of the land—hidden waterfalls, ancient ruins, and the warmth of his family, welcoming me as the newest Boswell. And now, with our love blossoming like the wildflowers around them, I am about to embark on the most beautiful chapter yet.

I place a hand on my belly, feeling the gentle flutter of life within me. The secret I am about to share is more than just news; it’s a miracle. I can almost hear my sisters’ excited voices, filled with joy and disbelief, as they embrace me and welcome this new addition into our lives.

“Look!” I exclaim, pointing to the winding road that leads to our home. “They’re here!”

As the car parks and the doors swing open, my sisters spill out, pulling me into hugs, kisses, and talking over each other about everything that’s going on in our lives. Cameron helps Naomi out of the car while Darius holds one of each in his arms.

I’ve never felt as though I belong somewhere as much as I do right in this moment. This is my life and I’m so happy to be living it.

Epilogue 2

Alessio

There’s no one who makes my skin crawl more than Thea Andretti. She’s not ugly on the outside, but on the inside, she’s rotten to the core. I sit behind my polished mahogany desk, the surface bare other than a half-empty glass of whiskey and a small silver box that holds more than just cigars.

Across from me, Thea sits with a practiced calm, although I notice her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her glass as she avoids my gaze, the weight of her desperation evident in the subtle twitch of her lips. Thea is a woman who wears her secrets like a second skin, and I have seen through those layers long ago. That’s the thing. When you start on the bottom, you see and hear things you’re not supposed to. And I’ve seen and heard enough of Thea to destroy her.

“I must say, Alessio, you’ve done a fine job as head of the Costello family. Your predecessors would be proud,” she begins, her voice steady.