Page 68 of Reckless Desires

“Glad you could make it. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to pull yourself away from your other obligations.” Cameron smiles as he places a hand on my shoulder to greet me.

“There’s always time for a good party, especially when it’s hosted by those who owe me a solid,” I shoot back, removing his hand from me. He is always too touchy for my liking.

“Thank you so much, Killian,” Selene’s voice cuts in so sweetly. “I couldn’t sleep until I knew Lily was home safe.”

Cameron and Selene are the opposite of Darius and Stasia. One pair has blond hair and light eyes, while the other has raven-black hair and looks at you like they are ready to kill. It’s like day and night.

“This is Donal,” I introduce him to the ladies.

Both Darius and Cameron don’t look pleased when Donal takes their wives’ hands and kisses them. I know he is doing it on purpose just to irritate Darius and Cameron.

“Oh, Selene, that’s the director to the hospital,” Stasia says. “Come say hi with me.”

Stasia and Darius shoot each other a look before she and Selene glide away.

“I trust you’ll continue to keep the Russians in check?” I look between Darius and Cameron.

“You know how they are,” Darius replies as though it’s not his top priority. “They don’t take kindly to interference.”

“I don’t give a shit what they don’t take kindly to.” My jaw tightens.

“Alessio just prefers to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Cameron adds. “We are all trying to keep our men alive.”

Donal cuts in, “Now that the girl has been brought back safely, will the Russian still take your warning seriously?”

There’s a glint of menace flashing in Darius’ eyes. “I’ll make sure I give them a reason to remember who they are dealing with. The Costello family isn’t just a name. It’s a legacy.”

My gaze pierces through the crowds then back to Darius. “You just don’t want blood splattered all over your fine walls.”

“I understand you lost a chunk of men because of us⁠—”

I cut in like a sharp blade. “You don’t want to see what I’m capable of, Darius, and I’m not afraid to show you. Loyalty is a fragile thing. Don’t let mine slip through your fingers.”

“Let’s stay on the same page here,” Cameron says, trying to diffuse the growing tension. “We kicked out the Russians, and you brought Lily home.”

I smirk. “You think it’s over?” I laugh, with Donal joining. “It’s just getting started. I now have a target on my back because of you.”

Cameron pulls his brows together. “A target?”

“Oh, you thought I just walked in and took her?” I shoot back. “I purchased her for five hundred thousand dollars and got Nico Vidalia on my back.”

“Vidalia, ” Darius repeats as though trying to recall the name.

I notice he gulps. “I’m guessing you know about him.”

Darius puts his hands in his pockets. “I’ll wire you the five hundred thousand, but as for Vidalia, that’s on you.”

“Interesting,” I mock him. “If Alessio knows the girl is still in danger, you think he’d agree with that?”

There is an unspoken panic between Cameron and Darius.

“You were told to bring her home,” Darius says. “I didn’t say make an enemy.”

“Let’s just enjoy tonight,” Cameron says. “We can revisit this conversation tomorrow.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Lily