“Don’t. Leave them alone.”
“Why? You wanted them dead. We both want power. This will give it to us.”
“I don’t want Ciara put into danger. And neither do you. This war will lead to that and you know it. You already have power, Patrick. We can gain more without death. You know it’s a better plan.”
He stares at me for a long moment before sighing. “I don’t want my daughter to be hurt. That is true.”
“Gianna and Will are not worth our time. And maybe one day we can try to kill Enzo.”
“He’s too well guarded. You know that.”
“I do. In the meantime, we’ll go after their money. Weaken them that way. But we don’t need to kill to achieve it. I don’t want that anymore.”
“You don’t sound like the man who came into my restaurant over a couple of months ago, asking to make a deal.”
“Your daughter has changed me. I want something else now.”
“What?”
“Happiness,” I admit. “I’m tired of letting my anger dictate my life.”
“Well then… I can’t say I’m upset by that. I’m glad you want to keep my daughter safe. I want that too. If you think this is the best way…”
“I do. We’ll gain more power, Patrick. One day. Let’s focus on making more money. That will do it. Death will just lead to more death. That’s what I’ve learned.”
He places his hand on my shoulder, startling me. “I’m glad I made a deal with you. You’re good for my daughter. I believe it.”
“How so?”
“I’ve seen her fight for what she believes in more than ever since she married you. Before, she was aimless. But now she has a purpose in life.”
“What are we going to do about Cormac? He’ll still come for me. You know it.”
“Leave my son to me. Go back home to Ciara. Make sure she’s safe, always.”
“You won’t come back for Will or Gianna will you?”
“Now that you’ve left them alive, they’ll probably move anyway, making it harder to get to them.”
“True,” I say. “I know it’s not ideal.”
“No, it’s not. But you’re right. Death will just make things messy. All I’ve wanted is power. I don’t care how I get it. If focusing on taking down their empire through money is the way, then so be it.”
Patrick calls off the ambush and drives me back to my home. The moment I step foot inside and see Ciara in the living room, a weight lifts off my shoulders. My heart feels lighter. I was confronted with what I thought I wanted but it was never what I truly wanted.
What I’ve needed was someone to choose me and for me to choose them in return.
“Ciara,” I say, going to her.
“You’re home late.”
“Your father and I went after Gianna and Will.”
She tenses. “What?”
“But we didn’t kill them. I couldn’t kill them. I had the chance but I didn’t take it.”
Her eyes widen before she slowly stands up. “Why?”
