Laughing at my comment, Kinsley said, "Not every home can be dark and gloomy like our crypt."
The man in full livery opened the back passenger door and offered his hand to assist Kinsley. She accepted it, and I was grateful he held an umbrella in the other hand to shield her from the rain. I emerged behind her, standing next to Oliver. Logan joined us at the same time the SUV pulled to a stop and the other men climbed out.
"Six guards doesn't exactly show trust," Caden said in an undertone as he joined us.
"You and Logan aren't guards in my organization," I responded. "So technically, there are three guards for four people."
"Let's hope they feel the same."
A beefy security guard stepped out from the shadows at the top of the wide stone steps, running a handheld metal detector in front and back of each of us. The men were subjected to a pat-down, but luckily for them, they allowed Kinsley entrance without it. Especially since I silently dared anyone to so much as lay a fingertip on my wife.
As the man escorted us into the mansion, I noticed Kinsley barely refrained from gaping. The interior was extravagantly decorated, making my house look thrown together with glue and string by comparison.
"Ah, Mr. Gallagher." A middle-aged man came forward, hand extended to shake. "Mrs. Gallagher."
He shook our hands in turn, ushering us to sit on the couch in the spacious living room dominated by a fireplace taking up one wall.
"Carlos, it's nice to see you again." I sat beside Kinsley on a sparsely stuffed couch in lemon yellow. "I'm happy to have the chance to introduce my wife."
"Yes, it's nice to have a visit among allies."
I appraised Carlos's posture; he sat rigidly on the edge of the cushion, belying his pleasant words. Though tall, he appeared small in stature, his closely cropped black hair only a few shades darker than his skin.
"And where is the lovely Posey?" I asked politely, referring to his wife.
"I believe she'll be along in a minute." Carlos focused on Kinsley. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gallagher."
"It's just Kinsley, please."
"Of course." Flicking his gaze among the other men, he inclined his head toward the fireplace. "Don't hover, gentlemen."
"Caden and Logan are my associates," I said. "They'd prefer to be included in our conversation."
At my words, the two men sat in separate chairs arranged near the couch. The other three fanned out in front of the fireplace, standing with their hands clasped in front of them.
"Marvelous." Carlos refocused on me. "I can see why you fell for such a beautiful woman, Burke, but what am I to do with my Pepper?"
I shifted, angling my knees toward Kinsley. "I'm certain there are men lined up around the block in the hopes you'll grant them the honor of meeting your daughter."
"But they lack a certain lifestyle; the position I promised her."
I nearly sighed. "Carlos, you and I both know we never had an agreement. You and Carson had a few words over drinks and tossed the idea out there to solidify your alliance."
"And yet, I left the table believing we had an arrangement. I promised my princess she would be the wife of a mafioso."
Apparently sensing my agitation, Kinsley put her hand on my leg and squeezed it. "I've heard Blaine Navarro is looking for a bride."
Carlos scoffed. "A consigliere is not the same."
"No, but it is an important rank," she pointed out. "Alternatively, I think the brother of the Carmichael boss is ready to marry. However, I believe he is older than you."
Carlos spoke to me. "Did you marry her or hire her? Wives are appealing creatures, Burke, but they do not speak for us men."
Trying to rein in the bristling anger I felt rising, I said in a low tone, "We Irish don't use the term consigliere, but that's what she is to me. A valued advisor."
"A female advisor? Ha! You have years yet to learn, my friend, but I caution you against such a thing."
"I'll take your advice under consideration." It was the best I could say in the face of such disrespect aimed at my wife. "Kinsley and I became involved during a difficult time for me amid a death in the family. We have a son now, my heir, and I value my wife’s contribution to my household. I apologize for any oversight you feel I've committed, but Carson does not speak for the Gallagher Family any longer—and hasn’t for some time," I reminded him not-so-subtly.
