Page 79 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

"I'm saying something needs to be done about your brother before other members of my family take matters into their own hands."

"No." She shakes her head. "No, you're not touching him."

"Then what do you suggest?" I cross my arms over my chest. "Because doing nothing isn't an option. Not when he's actively investigating us."

"I'll handle it."

"How?"

"I'll talk to him. I'll make him stop."

I study her face, looking for any sign of doubt or uncertainty. All I see is determination. "You think he'll listen to you?"

"He's my brother. He'll listen."

"He's a cop with cop instincts who thinks he's protecting you from a dangerous criminal. That's not something you can just talk him out of."

"I'll make him understand." Her voice is firm, absolute. "I'll make him see that he's putting himself at risk, that he needs to back off. He'll listen to me."

I want to believe her. I want to think she can convince Jack to stop before this situation escalates beyond my control. But I've been in this life long enough to know that good intentions don't always translate to results.

"You have one week," I tell her.

"That's not enough time."

"It's all the time I can give you. If Jack is still investigating after one week, I'll have to take action. For his safety and ours."

"What kind of action?"

"The kind that ensures he stops asking questions." I hold her gaze. "I won't kill him, Kiera. But I will make it clear that continuing down this path will have consequences he won't like."

She swallows hard. "One week."

"One week," I reaffirm. "Whatever you're going to do, do it fast."

She nods once, then turns and walks out of my office without another word. The door closes behind her with a soft click.

Luca waits until her footsteps fade down the hallway before speaking. "You think she can convince him?"

"No." I return to my desk and drop into my chair. "But I'm giving her the chance to try."

"And if she fails?"

"Then we'll handle it my way."

Luca nods and leaves, taking the folder with him. I sit alone in my office, staring at the closed door and thinking about the look on Kiera's face. The fear, determination, and absolute certainty that she could fix this.

I hope she's right. Because if she's not, things are going to get very complicated very quickly.

Hours later, I'm still awake.

I've tried to sleep. Went to my room, stripped down, got into bed. But my mind won't shut off. It keeps circling back to Jack Walker, the investigation, and the ticking clock I've set in motion.

Finally, I give up. I pull on a pair of sweatpants and head downstairs to the kitchen. Maybe food will help. Or at least give me something to do besides stare at the ceiling.

The estate is quiet at this hour. Most of the staff have gone home or retired to their quarters. Only the night security remains, patrolling the grounds and monitoring the cameras.

I push open the kitchen door and stop.