Brennan tilts his head. “What kind of alliance?”
“A marriage,” I say without hesitation.
The room falls silent again, the weight of my words hanging in the air between us.
Kieran tucks his hands into his pockets and leans against the oak desk. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
I stalk over to the bar cart and pour myself a double shot of whiskey.
Only after the alcohol is burning my throat do I face Kieran.
“I’m talking about Ciara McCarthy.”
Brennan’s eyes almost jump out of their sockets. “Oh, shit. I thought Dad was joking when he was talking about that.”
“Talking about what?” Kieran looks between the two of us, a deep crease between his eyebrows.
I shrug. “He wanted me to marry Ciara. He thought it would be a beneficial alliance to merge both of our families, and…I agree.”
“Clearly, Da didn’t know what the fuck he was talking about.”
“Watch your mouth, son,” Lorcan warns, but Kieran doesn’t even flinch.
“Fucking hell, Ronan, are you seriously suggesting we marry into the McCarthy family? They’re falling apart!”
“I’m suggesting we marry into the McCarthy familybecausethey’re falling apart.” I down the rest of my drink and set the empty glass on the cart. “They’re on the brink of collapse, Kieran. They need a lifeline, which is exactly what we can offer them, for a price, of course.”
“Why the McCarthy chick, Ronan? Why not someone else? Someone who isn’t wrapped up in her family’s mess?”
“Ciara isexactlywho we need. Not only will marriage reinforce our alliances and project unity among us, it will also prevent outside forces from manipulating the last of the McCarthy remnants, an issue our own father was trying to find a solution to.”
Kieran opens his mouth to retort, but I hold up my hands to silence him.
“Ciara is also in the dark about what her father did, which works in our favor. I can control the influence her family still holds, which may prove to be a very valuable asset.”
Brennan frowns. “So, this isn’t just about power? This is about fulfilling our father’s last wish?”
I nod slowly, my gaze still locked on Kieran, daring him to argue.
“This is what he wanted, and whether you like it or not, this is the move we need to make. The McCarthys are barely holding on, and they’re vulnerable. This is our chance to solidify everything we’ve built and to show the world that the Sullivans are still untouchable.”
Kieran shakes his head. “Sounds more like an elaborate plan to get into the chick’s pants.”
I close the distance between us in two strides and grab my brother by the collar, yanking him away from the desk and pushing him up against the wall by his throat.
“This isn’t about a quick fuck. It’s about fuckingpower.So, I suggest you get on board or get the hell out.”
“Is this how it’s going to be?” Kieran chokes as I tighten my grip.
“That’s up to you, brother.”
His face starts turning red. “What about Callum McCarthy? He’ll never agree to this, considering what happened to Ryan. After everything?—”
“Callum will agree. One way or another.” I drop my hold on Kieran.
He gasps for breath, but the fight is still in his eyes as he straightens. “How the fuck is this a power move, Ronan? You’re talking about marrying into a family that’s weaker than we are. A union with someone whose father has made enemies left and right. You seriously think that’s going to make us stronger?”
I meet Kieran’s gaze, my jaw tight.
