But what that means is that we must all take some of the dark for Killian’s sake and for that of our families.
“I can hear your thoughts from here,” Killian rumbles as he stops in a dark corner of an alley.
Ahead of us is a door with a single light above.
I softly snort. “Shut up.”
“You’re thinking that it’s your job to kill Vigo and that it’s time I wasn’t the only assassin in the family.”
I turn to him, my eyes wide. “How the fuck?”
“Your thoughts were loud,” he murmurs, like that explains anything. This is how he creeps people out. “You step up there. You make your point. But just know, brother, when it comes to men like Vigo, I was born for the dark.”
Killian talks cryptic. For a long time, we thought it might mean he was crazy. But now, I think I understand that Killian just sees the world differently and sometimes, his view is far more insightful. “I will be the man that protects my family.”
He dips his chin in acknowledgment of my words. “And I will be the man who makes sure you’re still protecting them tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that.”
I open my mouth to argue, but it’s foolish. And…the door swings open.
I see two men I don’t recognize file out, moving through the alley with the assurance of men who are either drunk, or certain they are safe.
Probably both.
A few more men step into the light and I recognize them. Knox Sinclair and his brother Gunner. Knox is a huge man, muscled and broad, where Gunner is far leaner but just as tall.
I wouldn’t like my odds against either of them in a fist fight.
They move with care, alert, as they make their way to two of the parked cars.
A third Sinclair exits, Axel. Axel is the smallest of the brothers, not to say he’s small, but cars are his game, and he’s been known to street race, and even stunt drive in some movies.
He folds himself into a low-slung Maserati, a GranTurismo, and fires up the engine.
Just behind me, I feel Killian tense.
Axel pulls out, Knox and Gunner just behind him, as three more men come through into the alley.
I recognize Rock and Angel, Vigo stumbling between them.
Fuck.
He’s so drunk, the real challenge will be his nephews. I don’t care to hurt either of them, if I’m honest.
It’s not that I like them, it’s that I don’t know them. Are they the assets that have kept Vigo propped up in his seat of power, or are they more of the same?
It’s time to find out. Taking a breath, I step from the shadows…
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Rush
Vigo doesn’t even noticeme, but his nephews do.
Angel crosses his arms, stepping in front of his uncle. He doesn’t say a word, and I appreciate that.
He knows what’s happening and he doesn’t pretend.
I stop, several feet away, on the edge of the circle of light. I want to disappear again if necessary. Vigo finally notices me and surges forward, but Rock grabs his arm, holding him back.
