“Agreed.” Luc rubbed his chin. “We can’t know everything that goes on behind closed doors, but that they kept such an establishment under wraps is concerning.”
As we carried on with our security discussions in the aftermath of the Nolita heist—as we were calling it—thingsrounded off with Caruso asking, “Is it true we’re gaining another alliance with the Irish?”
I confided, “In time.”
Luciu smirked. “I give it two weeks.”
Rory’s features lightened a touch. “A month.”
I flipped them both the bird then directed to the council, “You should be aware that she will be working for us in the capacity of a healer.”
“How very Wiccan,” Caruso joked.
“Yeah, yeah.” I rolled my eyes. “After what happened, she’s no longer a security risk with her work at the hospital, so that’s something to be grateful for. Now, next on the list—we need to discuss the security protocols we have in place. Dante Graziola managed to pull the wool over our eyes. Who else has infiltrated our ranks?”
“Is this really the time to start a witch hunt?” Bruno muttered. “When we need all hands on deck to police the streets?”
“There’s never a better time to round up traitors,” Luc said darkly.
“I agree,” Aurora concurred.
“At long last, Star Sullivan has provided me with a list of hackers she thinks will be suitable for our requirements while maintaining that she’ll oversee for us on an as/when basis. I’ll be working with Hunter to narrow down the options, and the first item on the agenda will be going through our ranks. If you suspect anyone has ties to the Italians, now’s the time to tell us because we’ll put their names at the top of the pile.”
Neither Caruso nor Bruno appeared to have a problem with that, and we moved onto other business.
Weeding out Italian vermin from our ranks might not be their priority, but it was mine—I’d been betrayed. Twice. Not them.
It wouldn’t happen again.
FIFTY-SEVEN
KITTY
“God, you guys are so noisy.” Neev’s eyes gleamed. “I love it.”
Raisin mock-retched, but I flicked my hair over my shoulder. “Jealous?”
Neev snorted. “Fighting fire with fire, I like that more. Somehow, Stan’s made you sassier.”
Raisin scowled at us both. “Don’t be a bitch, Kitty.”
“It’s in her nature. She can’t help it.”
“Icanhelp it, Neev,” I ranted. “I just won’t take Raisin’s shit.”
“She’s finally accepted that you weren’t lying about how long you’ve known Stan.”
“Oh, at last!” I prodded her shoulder. “I mean, I’d get it if you were Cade or Lucas. Of course I’d lie to them. But why would I lie to you two?”
Raisin sank onto my sofa. “I don’t know.”
I cut Neev a look, who shrugged as she dragged the ottoman over to the couch so she could prop up her legs while she devoured the cottage pie Ma had brought us to eat.
“What are you three talking about?” Ma stuck her head around the door. “You’re not still going on about the boy, are you, Raisin?”
The boy.
And she actuallylikedStan. Especially after I’d told him to give her that orchid of Storm’s as if it were from him.
