“Fucking idiot. He was going to use the information to take down everyone," Livvie says. "And he decided to use me as bait."
Bronx approaches. "Guys, can you table this whole reunion? We need to get the fuck out of here. The cops will be here soon."
I help Livvie stand. She's steady on her feet despite everything. Tough as nails. God, she’s fucking incredible and I’m never gonna let her forget it.
"Princess. Let’s get these cuffs off and go home," I tell her, holding her tight against me.
“Home,” she whispers softly, her eyes filled with tears and regret.
My shoulders square as we hurry out of the warehouse. Rage infuses every cell in my body.
I'm going to show the Red Tribunal what happens when someone threatens what's mine.
They want blood?
They're about to fucking drown in it.
31
LIVVIE
Panic surges through me, cold as ice, spreading like a snowstorm through my veins.
It’s like my chest is caving in, and the world around me is darker than before.
My heart is hammering in my ears, each beat a reminder of what I’ve just done.
Roman’s blood is still fresh on my hands, soaking through my clothes, staining me with irreversible homicide.
Sure, Kingston fired the final bullet, but I drove a blade into his chest to stop him from hurting my husband.
I knew exactly what I was doing. I knew I’d cross a line. Kill one to save another. But this version of myself isn't who I want to be.
Afterward, Kingston put his arms around me and my heart thumped with so much love I could have cried.
“Princess,” he’d said, his voice so seductive and full of authority. “Let’s go home.”
Home.
I never realized it until this moment, but Kingston is my home now. Not bricks and mortar. Him.
And that thought is both everything I’ve ever craved and everything I fear.
Gazing up at him as he barks orders on his phone, there’s strength in his posture and spatters of blood on his clothes.
He came for his wife without questioning it. And not only that, Kingston brought his brothers with him, too.
Staring at my shaky hands, Roman’s blood is everywhere. I’m bruised, cut open, and just barely holding myself together.
I never wanted to be part of the criminal underworld. I always told my father I’d rather have a violin in my hands than a lethal weapon.
He knew this life would break me, and he didn’t fucking care.
The O’Callaghan name is a shadow that follows me everywhere, a curse I can’t escape. No matter how far I run, my father’s grip will always find me, drag me back.
But now… now I’m a Viacava. And decisions have to be made.
Kingston’s voice holds an edge of frustration as he wraps up the conversation. He finally ends the call, slipping the phone into his pocket and clearing his throat.
