Page 91 of Reckless Desires

Darius and Cameron stiffen but don’t draw any weapons. Alessio drops a suitcase onto the coffee table with a thud.

“Five hundred thousand. I want you out of this city before the sun sets.” His ultimatum hangs in the air, a challenge wrapped in a threat.

“Now you threaten me in my own home?” I ask, irritation bubbling beneath my calm exterior. “That’s strike two, little boy.”

Alessio despises it when people refer to him as a child, and although he’s proven himself fit to be head of the family, there are still a few who are skeptical.

“Lily, let’s go,” he demands, his voice low and dangerous.

“No.” Her response is stubborn.

“What do you mean, no?” He drops to one knee, reaching for her face, desperation lacing his words. “You’re coming home where you’ll be safe and taken care of. I promise you that.”

Every fiber of my being ignites at the sight of him near her, touching her, sending a boiling rage down my body. I need to hold myself back from ripping his spine out. I force myself to remain still.

“I don’t want to leave,” she states with a steady voice.

“Lily, get up,” Darius commands, his tone not looking for further argument.

“I’ll drag you out myself,” Cameron threatens, intensifying the tension in the room.

“No,” she repeats. Her gaze shifts to me in complete vulnerability. “Please don’t let them take me.”

Her plea tugs at my heart, but I can’t deny the gravity of the situation. I’ve finally secured my payment, and the stakes are higher than ever.

“This transaction is complete.” I rise to my full height, towering over Alessio, my resolve hardening. “I’m taking the money. Interest was collected each time she moaned my name. But as for leaving? I’m not going anywhere.” I place my cup back onto the end table. “Now get the fuck out of my house.”

“I’m not leaving without Lily.” Alessio stands his ground, determination flickering in his eyes.

“Take her then,” I challenge, a cold smile curling my lips. “I refuse to fight over a woman. Whether she stays or goes means nothing to me.”

Ignoring the flash of hurt in Lily’s eyes, she stands firm and declares, “I’m staying.”

“Like hell you are.” Cameron lunges forward, managing to unhook the leash from her collar.

Lily fights against him, kicking and pushing, but Cameron’s strength overwhelms her. “No! You can’t take me! Killian, please don’t let them take me!”

“Look at what you’ve done to her?” Alessio’s voice drips with venom, accusing me of Lily’s reaction.

“I love him.” The words tumble from her lips unapologetically.

A stunned silence envelops the room.

Does her confession stun me? No. I saw it happening before my eyes. Her gaze softened each day when looking at me. Her body melted into mine whenever I held her. The lust in her eyes deepened after each orgasm. How desperately she wanted to kiss me to form that final seal of connection.

Darius breaks the stillness, his voice cutting through the tension. “You aren’t staying with this maniac killer.”

Lily scoffs. “Says a killer standing among killers.”

“He’s the only one here who killed his own wife.” Darius glares at me, pulling a piece of paper from his jacket. “I’ve got proof.”

My heart sinks as dread creeps in. Darius has always been meticulous, and I underestimated his resourcefulness in uncovering my buried secrets. Let’s just hope there isn’t anything else he knows.

“Impressive,” I reply, feigning calm as I pour another glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling into the cup. “No one’s ever been able to uncover that information. But let’s not pull skeletons from the closet unless you’re eager to expose your own.”

“This isn’t a confessional,” Alessio snaps. “I came to get Lily.”

“Is that all?” I challenge, taking a deliberate sip. “I hear the Russians have been particularly brutal.”