“I see. I will.” At this point, I have to take his word for it. I don’t see any reason for his people or mine to want to stop our alliance. We’ve both seen too much bloodshed, lost too many good men. Which means the interference came from the outside. This piece of information I keep to myself—for now.
But who could it have been? The Russians? Doubtful as they are seeking their own alliance with the Italians, and so far my people don’t have any beef with the bratvas. But there are so many others who could want to stop us. The Albanians, one of the Cartels, maybe even a single person with a grudge. The possibilities are endless. Unfortunately.
“Cian, you can’t do this.” Wolfe stands in my way, as if that will stop me from exiting my own house. “Let me do it. Let me go in your place.”
I sigh, tired of this argument. “No. That’s final. It’s also an order.”
“Fuck you, you stubborn bastard,” he says, but his tone holds no venom, only exasperation. He looks tired.
“Keep my wife here and safe. That’s what I need you to do.”
Heels click on the tile floor of the entry hall, alerting me to Ravenna’s arrival. “I’m not staying here while you get repeatedly punched in the face.”
“Oh?” I lift a brow. “Is that something you’d like to see,broc meala?”
She folds her arms. “With how stubborn you’re being about this, yes, I very much want to see someone punch you in the face. You should let Wolfe do the fighting. What are people going to think when you, leader of the Gaelic Devils, loses the match to an Italian?”
Wolfe stands in the background, scrutinizing Ravenna. He has yet to warm up to her, much like the rest of my men. Which is fine, I don’t want them getting too cozy with her. They need to keep their interactions professional.
I shrug. “They’ll know I threw the match.”
“Oh really? How’s that?” Her hands land on her hips. Fuck, I missed her sass.
“You’re so sexy when you’re upset with me.” I step closer to her, trailing my fingertips along her rigid jawline. I bend downfor a kiss and she lets me press my lips to hers. I hum with approval.
“This is the way it has to be. If I put anyone other than myself in that ring tonight, my men will be upset when they lose. But they know me. They know I don’t go down easy. They’ll see this for what it is—a peace offering in blood.”
Ravenna huffs in frustration and I pull her in for another kiss. It’s the most sexual contact we’ve had since her return. Her healing bruises give me pause about touching her anywhere else.
One more lingering kiss.
Then it’s time to go.
I point to Wolfe. “Keep her by your side at all times.”
His brows reach his hairline. “You’re lettinghercome with us?”
“Believe it or not, my wife is as stubborn as I am. There’s no point in arguing with her once she’s made up her mind about something. Now come on. The car’s waiting.” I jog out the front door, duffle bag in hand.
There was never any question in my mind about who to put in the ring. It has to be me. The Italians will get the show they want, of one of their own beating the shit out of me, leader of the Irish. And my men trust my authority. Once I lose, and order them not to retaliate, they’ll honor my wishes. It’s a win-win.
This fight is in the spirit of solidarity. Good old fashion sportsmanship. We all understand that.
The Kozlov Russians agreed to let us hold the fight atRiot’sunderground arena. They will also be there to ensure the peace. No blood will be shed on their turf, outside of the ring. Inside the cage is an entirely different matter.
As the car starts to roll, I pull Ravenna into my side, unable to keep my distance from her now that she’s with me again, in my arms. Where she always should have been.
Guilt claws at me as I dwell on everything she’s been through since I rashly returned her to her father. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.
She’s mine to protect, and I gravely failed in my duty.
Kissing the top of her head, I murmur, “How are you doing?” I don’t have to say more than that, she knows what I’m talking about. My question encompasses everything from how she’s feeling both physically and emotionally. I also want to know how she feels about her parents’ deaths. Everything.
“I’m okay, I guess. Still reeling a bit. My sister’s staying with our cousins, but I want her to come live with us after tonight. I need to keep an eye on her after… everything that’s happened.”
“Consider it done. And the funerals?” A sliver of guilt cuts through my chest knowing that I’m responsible for not only the deaths of her brother and father, but also, in a way, her mother.
If one day Ravenna turns on me, I’ll know why. I’ll also know I deserved it.
