“But Loch?—”
“Loch’s decided he’s done with being an official part of the clan,” Ronan interrupts. He sticks his hands in his pants pockets and gives a shrug. “His choice, and after what he’s been through, I’ve gotta respect it. He’ll be a free agent who’s still involved in family business here and there, but he won’t have a title. Besides,you’rewho I want for Warlord.”
It’s an unexpected proposition.
I’ve been the Callahan’s boneman for the better part of a decade. I worked my way up from buttonman and decided it was where I wanted to be.
Moving up to another rank never occurred to me. It’s never been on my radar.
But as Ronan makes the offer, I think about what it’d mean. I’d be the one commanding the crews of buttonmen. I’d be running a lot of the daily operations.
Never a role I thought I’d want.
It’s why I hated the idea of filling in for Ronan a few months ago. I’m not the guy who wants to be in charge or lead people.
But I’d done it. I’d successfully held the clan together and even waged war against the Bratva.
As if reading my thoughts, a crooked grin comes to Ronan’s face. “You filled in for me as Clan Chief and held your own. You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“I’ll… I’ll think about it,” I say slowly. “Never had Warlord on my clan bingo card, but what the hell? It might be time to try on a new hat.”
“Good. Give it some thought and get back to me. Between me and you, I’d be glad to have the backup. Simone’s pregnant, and that means more time off once the baby comes.”
“Let me guess, the honeymoon where you two must’ve been fucking like rabbits.”
His grin only spreads. “Actually, no. It was all the fuckingbeforethe honeymoon. She’s starting to show, so can’t keep it a secret much longer.” He turns as if about to return to the weapons inventory, then pauses before he does. “By the way, you coming to the surprise party we’re having for Chantal at Callahan House?”
“When have I ever been into parties, Ro?”
“Drop by for a few minutes. You might see some familiar faces.”
He walks off and leaves me to ponder the cryptic message—andthe new job promotion offer.
I fucking hate parties.
Always have, probably always will.
Exactly why I don’t know what the hell I’m thinking as Iturn up to Callahan House for Chantal’s surprise birthday party.
Sean’s with me as we arrive a few minutes late and realize the surprise part already happened.
“Drinks,” the redhead says. He pivots toward the minibar. “I’ll catch up with you later, Kill. Don’t wait up.”
I shake my head and grab a bottle of beer from a passing server. I make my way through the house, occasionally nodding at faces I recognize and ignoring the ones I don’t.
The house is packed with people ranging from clan members, Callahan associates, their wives and girlfriends, some of Chantal’s friends, and a few others I don’t know.
I head out to the terrace where most people are gathered and find a spot where I can be disgruntled and sullen in peace.
Shecatches my eye almost immediately.
Jhene’s hovering on the opposite end of the terrace with a cocktail in hand, quietly observing her surroundings.
My pulse jumps in my veins at the sight of her.
How’s it possible she’s gotten more beautiful since the last time I saw her?
Her curls are fuller and shinier than I remember, teasing her shoulders as she wears them down. Her glasses are perched on her face, but they can’t hide how pretty her coffee-brown eyes are or the shy little smile she gives whenever someone glances her way.
