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My breathing falters, unsteady and shallow.I know Ruairi.He’s not bluffing.

I should be afraid.I should be devastated.

But instead, something colder, stronger rises in me.

Resolve.

“If you’re waiting for me to fall into line and obey,” I say, my voice like steel, “you’re going to be waiting a long fucking time.”

Without waiting for his response, I end the call, dress quickly, and head for the door.The moment I step out, two of Eamon’s men move to block my way.

“Boss said you’re to stay inside.”

“We all know I don’t take orders from your boss.”My hands find my hips, stance defiant, chin lifted just enough to make my point clear.

The two men exchange a glance, clearly torn between their orders and the reality of who they’re dealing with.

One of them straightens, setting his jaw.“It’s for your safety.”

“And you think standing here playing gatekeeper is going to keep me safe?That’s adorable.”The sarcasm rolls off my tongue as I cross my arms, letting the weight of my glare do the rest.

The other guard shifts slightly, but neither moves to stop me as I step forward.

“Miss Quigley,” the first one says, his voice strained with warning.

“Unless you’re planning on physically stopping me, you should move out of my way.”

They exchange glances, but neither makes a move.

“That’s what I thought.”I brush past them and step into the elevator, catching one of them already reaching for his phone, no doubt to call Eamon.

My pulse is steady and my spine straight as I press the button for the lobby.

Good.Let him know I’m coming.

This isn’t just his war anymore.It’s mine.

When the doors open, Eamon’s waiting there.His stance is rigid, his face carved from stone.He doesn’t yell.He doesn’t have to.The fury radiating from him is enough to make the air feel charged, electric.

I don’t give him the chance to speak first.“I spoke to Ruairi.I needed to know if he’s responsible for the fire.”

Eamon’s nostrils flare, his jaw clenching.“And?”

“He acted like he didn’t know what I was talking about,” I reply.

His expression darkens into something lethal.“Do you believe him?”

I lift my chin.“No.He threatened more violence if I don’t break things off with you and go home.”

Eamon’s silent for a moment.“And what do you want?”he asks, the tension in his body coils tight.

I meet his gaze without hesitation.“Ruairi needs to understand that no amount of threats will break me.”I take a step closer, closing the distance between us.“I choose you, Eamon,” I say, my voice softer but no less fierce.“It’s not about defiance.It’s about choice.And I won’t let my brother, or anyone, take that from me.”

I see the war raging inside him.“I’ve been holding off on going after him,” he finally says.“Out of respect for you.But this?This changes everything.”Eamon clenches and unclenches his fists at his sides.“He brought the danger too close.We could’ve been in that club.You could’ve been hurt.”

My stomach twists.“Did anyone?—?”

“All the guests made it out,” he says.“But one of my men is in the hospital with severe burns.”