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By the end of my ten hour day, I am exhausted. I had only intended to go in for a few hours to get back in the swing, but once I was there, I couldn’t get myself to leave. The entire drive home, all I can think of is getting into an ice bath in Tino’s room.
That plan is quickly ruined when I pull down the road that leads to the gates to the compound.. I spot Killian and Grady in a standoff with two other men at the gate entrance. I don’t recognize the two men as being from the Italian side. They either don’t care or don’t hear my car approaching. I keep driving down the road until my car is out of sight. I park and use the shadows to creep back to the confrontation. When I’m close enough to hear their voices, I recognize their accents. It’s faint but there. Russian.
I don’t like that Killian has a gun aimed at him, even with his own pointed back. And where the fuck are the Italians. How is it that this is their compound, and yet two other mafias are in a stand-off at their front gate without them noticing.
Fuckers. Guess I’ll fix this shit. Moving quickly, and staying in the shadows, I get close to the Russians. Seeing the one has his trigger finger looking itchy. I decide to go for him first. Leaping out as quietly as I can, I get on his back with his weapon hand bent behind him in and uncomfortable angle. The pain brings him to his knees and weakens his grip so I can pry the gun loose. “Move and I’ll brake your wrist.” I growl into his ear. Pulling my new weapon up and pointing it at the second Russian, I tell him to drop the gun.
In my periphery I spot Killian putting his weapon away and stepping forward. Grady moves with him, but keeps his gun pointed at the man. They get to my side, just as Tino, Luca, and Elena come barreling down the driveway on a golf cart.
“Damn. Did we miss it?” Asks Elena.
“Nothing to miss.” I say. “These assholes were just leaving.” I pull on the arm of the man I’m holding. He rises to his feet. To his credit he doesn't make a sound.
“Nyet.” Says the other, as he tucks his gun away.” We have business to discuss.”
“Funny.” Says Killian as he crosses his arms over his chest. “So do we.”
“Gentlemen.” Jumps in Luca. “Our three families have a common enemy. I believe it is time we join forces to take back our city.” Then Luca gestures towards the house. “Please, come to the house, let us discuss this together.”
Ivan is silent and stoic for a moment before he gives a nod and tucks away his weapon. Only then, do I release my captive and hand him back his gun.
His eyes trail up and down my body appreciatively. I don't let him see a reaction. I know he is sizing me up. “Not bad.” He finally says, then turns with his boss to head to the house.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Val
I CAN ALREADYtell this meeting with be interesting. We hadn’t anticipated that when we called Killian to come over and discuss the proposed alliance, that Ivan would be making a surprise visit to also discuss his alliance with us. No matter. Luca, Massimo, Bosco, dad and I have spent all day ironing out the details on our end. We are prepared, as long as no one starts shooting. Elena has her gun on her, and I’m a little terrified she’s feeling trigger happy.
Keira is seated next to me on the couch in the living-room. Once again the office was too small, and the dinning room table felt too formal for discussions between friends. She must be exhausted. I want to send her up to our room, but know that she will want to be here for this meeting.
“Ivan, to catch you up to speed, Killian will be taking over for his father in the coming months. His position is being opposed by his cousin. He came to us to seek out an alliance to strengthen his position. We have found the offer to be mutually beneficial, as well as preferable to a war with the cousin if he is to gain power.”
Ivan turns to Killian. “I hate your fucking cousin.”
Grady barks a laugh from the corner. It’s amazing to see the three families having such similar customs. Massimo is also in a corner, while the Russian’s second has taken up sentry duty beside the open doorway. Each position has a different tactical advantage.
Killian smiles back at Ivan. “We share the sentiment.”
“So what of this alliance, does it effect the proposal we have shaken on?” Asks Ivan.
Luca shakes his head. “The only effect it has is that it takes Val out of the equation. The alliance to the Irish has been agreed upon by our Council, pending the union of Val and Keira.”
Ivan’s eyes wonder over to us. His eyes flick closely over Keira. “Cahira, the warrior. I have heard many things about you.”
“You know of me?” She asks.
“Yes. You recently took down one of my best men. Bruno. It’s because of you that they have added trainings to their schedules.” He replies.
“Oh, I’m not sure that is a bad thing, so I’m not going to apologize.” Ivan leans forward, the ghost of a smile on his lips.
“Don’t apologize, it was a valuable lesson to my men. One I do not think they will forget for some time.” He pauses a moment. “You are not of Irish blood. Are you sure the union is sufficient?”
A growl rips from my throat. “Of course it is.” I bark.
“Ah, you are in love with the warrior.” He states.
“Yes.”
