Page 158 of Fallen Rook

In the end, Tom had sacrificed everything.

His morals, his ambition, his entire fucking being.

For me.

Beneath it all, my skin crawled. He was putting so much on the line to save my ass. Not just his career—which had been the center of his life before I walked into it—but also his freedom. If this went sideways, which it very well could, he’d be thrown into prison for a long time. He’d spend the rest of his days a dead man walking.

I wasn’t going to let it happen.

I was going to be on Slava’s ass the second the FBI left the port with the Bratva soldiers.

“This is going to fuck the Russians over big time.” Achilles rubbed his hands, pleased. “Alex will be in the red for a long-ass time.”

“Since when do you hate Alex so much?” Luca frowned.

“Since…always,” Achilles mumbled ambiguously, gaze coasting sideways. “It’s not like I need an excuse.”

“We need to start planning how we catch Slava,” Luca said. “And resume operations on all of our drug routes. Collect all of our protection money, pronto.”

“You sure you trust Rothwell this much?” Achilles rubbed his mouth. “To restart business as usual?”

Luca threw me a glance. I jerked my chin in a nod. He looked back at Achilles. “Do it.”

“You’re the boss.” Achilles whistled, pulling his phone from his pocket. “For now,” he added just for shits and giggles. I didn’t miss the tense look that passed between them.

I was still shell-shocked from the realization that Tom was about to throw away a three-year-long case that would earn him all the accolades and glory—for me. Especially since my ass was no longer his dick’s favorite parking spot.

“All right.” Luca snapped his fingers. “We got a lot to do. Let’s start moving.”

I turned to leave, as I had about thirty establishments to collect money from, thanks to our backlog. I also wasn’t eager to stick around for fear that the subject of my sexuality would resurface. I knew the Camorra was losing soldiers left and right because of my coming out, and that our underground channels were still flooded with shit talk about me. All the homophobes were running for their lives, in case queerness was contagious. I’d never understood straight men who were concerned about gay men lusting after them.

Yeah, Chad, I find your questionable grooming methods, ill-fitting clothes, and ass acne irresistible. I’ll try my best to keep my hands to myself, but it’ll be a challenge.

“Enzo.” It was Luca. And he sounded…not completely pissed off, which I guess was a good sign.

I swiveled, cocking a brow.

“I get that he pissed you off, but you need to get your head outta your ass and forgive him. He’s about to lose everything for you.”

“Yeah, man, if you don’t marry him, I will.” Achilles stabbed a finger at his chest.

“Tierney might have a thing or two to say about it.” I gave him a sharp look. Could people stop lusting after my man?

“Are you kidding me? Tierney would be thrilled. She is all about being an ally and shit.”

“She is.” I laughed. “You don’t deserve her.”

He shrugged. “Tough fucking luck I never let it stop me.”

My thoughts twisted into a ball of anxiety. I was worried sick about Tom’s operation, about his future, but I also couldn’t forgive him for betraying my trust.

First, he’d started our relationship with a lie. That was egregious, but I could see myself forgiving him for it. But he could’ve come clean about it sooner. And the plea deal he’d offered showed me he knew so little about me and the way I treated my family. But right now, I was more concerned with saving his ass than figuring out our situationship.

“One step at a time.” I licked my lips, wanting to say something more, but not sure what. I shifted my weight between my feet. “Let’s cross the Slava bridge first.”

My brothers watched me.

“Anything else?” Achilles slanted his head.