I attempt to think like Connor Gallagher. What reason would he have to kill Eduardo, head of the Ricci family? What would he gain from Eduardo’s demise?
Nothing. I can’t come up with a single logical reason. East or West Coast, the Gallaghers don’t benefit from my father’s death. Weakening our family only increases the probability of a Russian takeover. We’re stronger together. Finn knows that. I’m sure Declan does too.
Connor has a knife in his boot, and he could take my gun away if he wanted to. Kill me and save himself. Let’s face it, I’m no match for his strength or guile.
I study him, the gun’s muzzle denting his temple.
His show of faith has completely disarmed me, and with every ounce of my being…
I know Connor didn’t kill my father.
He was willing to give up his life to me. That’s how much he trusts me.
He knows me like no other. Well, maybe not as well as my father did, but close.
He certainly knows me better than Nino.
Connor Gallagher might be the only person left in this world that I can depend on.
But where does that leave me?
Can I set him free? Doing so would mean turning my back on Nino, on the family. Do I have the strength—with my father no longer in the picture—to follow my heart and trust my gut?
Father said a real leader thinks outside the box and chooses the course of action that benefits all, even if it means betraying a member of their own family.
And now, cruel fate has forced me to honor him.
The gun is so heavy, and I’m so very tired, but I can’t seem to lower the weapon as I hang my head and sob.
Chapter 24
Connor
Cat’s hand goes limp around the gun. I extract her fingers, one by one, and pull the SIG inside my cell, where I set the safety and pocket the weapon. Then I guide her as close to me as possible while still separated by bars.
“Cat.” I kiss her forehead and wipe the newest wave of tears from her face. “I’m so sorry, babe.”
To prove my empathy, I plan to kill the motherfucker who did this. I’ve never seen anyone so distraught.
Caterina Ricci, I vow to avenge your father’s death.
She could’ve ended me a minute ago, and I would’ve let her.
Instead, she believed me.
She believes in us.
Cat’s mine, and I will kill for her.
I’ll avenge her father’s murder by any means necessary. The rush to help her is all-consuming, buzzing through me with enough power to fuel a small city.
I brush my lips against her wild curls. “Cat?”
“Yeah?” Her voice is so small against my neck, her fragile breath akin to the flutter of a bird’s wing.
I hate it. She’s so, so strong, and I never want to see her like this again.
“Get me out of here.”
