“Getting close was a part of the mission. Seduction was a very real possibility.”
“And how’s that working out so far? Do you know Doyle’s whereabouts? Do you have anything solid we can use against Declan?”
“I know where he is. He’s here, at the hotel. Declan’s men are all over this place like shit on a shoe. If I can just get?—”
“That little pencil dick is privy to our books. Our entire enterprise. My father is dead, and I’m trying to hold things together. Meanwhile, you and your hard-on are following Maeve Gallagher around LA like you’re a teenage boy and she’s Margot fucking Robbie.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It’s not?—”
“I’ve seen the footage, Kellin. You weren’t even on the property last night.” His dramatic pause knots my stomach. “I have a team at the ready to replace you.”
No.“Finn, all due respect, I’m doing my job the best way I know, however messy it appears on camera. I’m very close to getting access to Doyle.”Lie.“And I have a plan that includes taking down Declan.”An even bigger lie.“Give me forty-eight hours. I won’t let you down.”
“You have twenty-four.”
He hangs up.
Fuck, fuck, shit, fuck.
All I’ve wanted since leaving the vice grip of my natural-born family was to use my strengths, barbaric or not, to contribute to something bigger than me.
This is my chance to prove my worth to Finn. To the Kings.
I have to deliver.
Not even all the way dried off, I shove my legs into briefs and pants. Then I yank a starched Oxford off a hanger like it owes me money and button it up in a huff. No tie today.
Finn will send another team if I don’t follow through, and I doubt they’ll be half as nice to “Declan’s daughter” as I’ve been.
I slip on the tailored jacket that goes with the pants, grab my keys, and with both determination and a fair amount of recklessness pumping through my veins, I’m off.
I need this energy to up my game.
As I rev the G-Wagen I rented from the airport to life, my GPS tracker pings.
What sweet timing.
Declan Gallagher’s at the docks.
During the drive, I attempt to conjure up ideas about how this assignment won’t explode in my face. Won’t hurt Maeve.
I knew I was delaying the inevitable. I tried to convince myself our growing bond was all part of my recon. The hike, the sunset, Chateau Marmont.
Learning about her mother.
Fucking her against the wall of our room. Twice.
Yeah, all part of the plan.
I’m such a dumbass.
But this ends now. After today, there’s no way this thing we share will survive.
I pull into the docks, still no plan in sight. I do spy Declan’s S-class Benz and realize one thing.
I don’t believe Maeve is the key to delivering Doyle or intel on the Port Kings. Not anymore.
But I know who is.
