Page 70 of Broken Blood Ties

Kieran chuckles an unbelievably stoic and quiet laugh that sends a shiver down my spine. “Ye will not be taking her anywhere. This woman is not involved in this life. Release her.”

“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong.” Marco drags a finger under my chin, forcing me to raise my head and stare at Kieran. I want to scream. Seven years of hiding and the promise of a life in Boston, all undone in a single moment. “This here is Isabella Buscetta.”

Chapter23

Kieran

Impossible. Of all the scenarios I pictured happening out here when I heard the screams and banging, seeing Summer practically strangled by Marco was not one of them.

I stare at Summer, hands fisted at my side. Marco has damned near lost his mind. Isabella Buscetta has been missing for seven years. I’d remember. I was there when Luna, her older sister, traded herself to EV—I was part of the team to rescue her, per Luka’s request.

Summer’s trembling. Her hair has practically fallen out of her clip and Marco’s hand rests where her neck meets her shoulder. I snarl under my breath, wanting to cut off each of his fingers touching her and shove them one by one up his arse.

I’d never met Isabella, but I know Luna, and—I study Summer. Shite. The tan olive skin, deep brown eyes, rich hair, her pert nose. Damnit. They’ve got to be related … and if they’re related …

She doesn’t move. Eyes wide as she stares at me, and I wait for the denial. For theyou’ve got the wrong person!to tumble out of her mouth. I wait for some explanation, but it doesn’t come. Instead, she stands there, face drained of any color and frozen.

The windows behind where Marco and his men stand blur.

She’s Isabella.

She’s a Buscetta.

She’s Cosa Nostra.

Indignation roars in my blood. While I don’t flinch or move, I clench my jaw. I let this woman into my life, into my world, and near my daughter.

Damnit!

I let her near my daughter.

Stiff and blindsided, I can’t seem to catch my breath. Cormac rubs his face with both hands as if he’s now just realizing what Marco said may, in fact, be true.

Why does it feel like the room is closing in on me?

“Oh, Kieran. Were you blinded by a pretty face? I knew she looked familiar that first night I walked into your pub, and she was sitting at the bar. Hadn’t talked to my brother Matteo in years, but I gave him a call and asked him to send me a photo of the missing Isabella Buscetta.

“Sure, her hair is a bit shorter, but I knew.” He licks his lips. “You’ve grown into quite the sexy?—”

“Don’t finish that sentence!” I bark, then I turn my attention to Summer. “Is it true?”

Her face melts, chin falling to her chest. “Kieran, please?—”

“Is. It. True?”

She pinches her lips together, her expression straining with a tiny whimper before several tears fall. Then she nods her head.

I huff, snapping my gaze away from this woman I don’t know. I can’t stand to look at her. I definitely shouldn’t be worried about her. She’s Cosa Nostra after all. It doesn’t matter how many years have passed, she’s a Buscetta, and I can’t interfere. Can I? I was so quick to help her on my yacht. Iwantedher to need me, and now …

“What are ye going to do with her?”

“Take her back to Salvatore. He’s had plans for her before. Though she’s a bit older, I’m sure they still stand today.”

I bristle. “Ye’re not necessarily a fan of the Bratva and Cosa Nostra alliance, why the sudden change of heart?”

He snorts. “Let’s just say our faction here in Boston doesn’t stand a chance against Riku and the plans he has for the city. And the Irish aren’t exactly poised to keep control. If there’s anyone I hate more than the Bratva it’s Riku.”

Chancing a glance, I peer at Lizzy, who winces.