Page 76

I didn’t sleep much last night. My mind kept replaying that scene from the chop shop. That shit was cold, and I’ve killed quite a few bastards in some pretty savage ways.

Freddie was cold and cruel at times when it came to executions. He left a message when needed, so I’m not entirely surprised. What I am is curious.

I have a ton of questions running through my mind, but I don’t think my woman will answer them. Not until she knows the truth herself. I can’t say I blame her.

I get that, like LaSalle, Freddie wanted to keep his anonymity. It’s smart. Danika is making a wise decision.

I’ve already been told there will be no meet with the new horseman before the roundtable. If I didn’t already know it was her, I’d be pissed. Knowing it’s my woman makes me possessive and protective of her.

She’s a boss among bosses. She will rank high in the hierarchy of the Alliance. Like mine, her seat is set.

However, what does that mean for Dean and our relationship? I don’t even know if I can call her Dean anymore. How will she feel once she knows I know the truth?

I want her, I have no doubt about that, but will she accept my role in our world? Can she accept me as an equal? Will she balk at the knowledge of who I truly am?

My mind goes to the loss of my love and my child. Maybe I can let the fear I’ve held onto for years go and have someone I love permanently in my life. Danny can hold her own.

I thought I was there to handle the situation for her, but the meeting was her way of settling things herself. She did a grand job of it. I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight.

“Hello,” Dayton says on the other end of the line.

“Aye, good morning.”

“Good morning, Ronan. I guess you’ve heard about the Albanians. Do we have a play?”

“Ach, we all operate as usual. Their replacement is in motion, but that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Oh?”

“Aye.” I pause, not sure how to say what I’m calling for. “It’s about Danny. Ya seem to know her well. She’s mine, but I haven’t told her who I am.”

Dayton snorts. “I have a hard time believing Baby Girl belongs to anyone. You sure about this?”

“Aye, I’m sure. Ya can ask her for yerself.”

“Then why not tell her? Danny is a big girl.”

“I get the feeling she keeps her identity a secret for deeper reasons than Freddie did. I care about her. I don’t want this to come between us.”

“Then don’t hide it from her. Danny is complicated and has trust issues a mile long. Freddie was the only man in her life who showed up for her as he said he would.

“I love the girl as if she were my own, but she keeps me at arm’s distance as well. She was once close with my twin boys, but something changed. My youngest son changed after his mother and twin died and his relationship with my oldest son and Danny has been strained ever since.

“He and Danny are still close, but she often watches him as if she can’t trust him. I think that’s made him jealous of Lyric.”

“Lyric?”

“My oldest. Her right hand. He came into the picture after I lost my wife and son. I believe my son resents that. Lyric is learning a lot through stepping in for her.

“He’s going to make a great successor. I’m proud of the two. Ah, you didn’t call to hear about my family drama. It’s all connected, but that’s a conversation for another day.”

“I want to know anything that helps,” I reply.

“Ah, Yes, Danika. She’s extremely smart, but just as hot-tempered. Tell her before she sets your bed on fire,” he chuckles.

“Aye, thanks.”

“As I told you, Freddie would approve. I guess he didn’t have anything to worry about with the age gap.”