Page 108 of Stolen Temptation

“The De Lucas aren’t our only enemies.” My spine straightens. “The Red Hill boys could have done it. Or the Gabroni family. The Riccis were always jealous of our holdings in Manhattan. Everyone knows we’re embroiled in war right now. This is the perfect amount of chaos for someone to feel safe looting.”

“But how would any of them have known the shipment would be there tonight?”

I don’t understand why this is even a question. “Because we have a fuckingmole.”

Thomas throws up his meaty hands and spins away, muttering to himself about how we’re ignoring the biggest reason for people to torch our entire operation to the ground. I even hear him grumble Kiara’s name under his breath.

My fists ball up, ready to pummel his face in.

After what seems like an eternity, Finn moves from behind my mobile desk and commands the attention of the room.

“Let’s focus on one thing at a time. Our top priority is the mole. If we can’t figure out where these leaks regarding our business operations are coming from, it’s not going to matter what we do to appease Leo. If he’s being fed inside information, he’ll find some other way to blackmail us?—”

“You’re wrong!” Thomas whirls around to point at Finn. “You’re all wrong.”

I’d like to say I’m shocked by this outburst, but Thomas’s hot temper is rather famous in the upper levels of this mafia. Though I admit I’ve never seen it directed at Finn.

“Watch your mouth, Thomas.” Finn’s scowl is strong enough to break a mirror. “Don’t tell me?—”

“Finn, that’s enough.” Donal doesn’t normally speak up to Finn anymore—not since Finn started taking on more heir-like duties—but now his voice is a welcome addition, especially since Shane hasn’t moved an inch. “Thomas. You’ve said your piece.”

Thomas’s vitriolic gaze shifts from Finn to Donal and finally to Shane. “You’re just accepting Finn’s failure, and we’re all going to pay the price. Returning the girl would have spared us from this. Things will only get worse now.”

“Is that a threat or a promise?” I stalk around my desk to stand at Finn’s side.

Thomas’s head snaps in my direction, like I’m pissing him off.

Good. Because no one threatens my little painter but me.

“Your father was soft on you,” Thomas growls at me. “Never taught you any damn manners.”

“Maybe not.” I move into Thomas’s personal space. It’s like getting up close and personal with a shark. “But he did teach me how tothink. And right now, I’m thinking that you’re head of the Irish Kings’ security, and if one of our facilities burns down on your watch, that’s your fault. Not Leo’s.”

Thomas narrows his eyes. “I’ve been loyal to this mafia longer than you’ve been alive, Rory. And you’d do well to remember that.” He turns to Shane. “We need to deal with that girlnow,while we still have something Leo wants. Unless you want the De Lucas to bring us to our knees.”

With that parting shot, Thomas storms out of the room, leaving the rest of us in his wake.

Once he’s gone, Shane addresses me. “Since he raised the question…what is your plan with the girl?”

His mild tone catches me by surprise. “Why are you asking me?”

“I’m asking you because it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that your relationship with her goes beyond abductor and abductee.”

“It shouldn’t.” I rake my hand through my hair. “She lied to me…us. Maybe Thomas is right…maybe we should deliver her to Leo’s doorstep with a bow on her head.”

Shane studies me for a moment before dipping his chin. “If that’s what you want, just say the word. But maybe take some time to think it over first. Once you take a drastic action like that, it can’t be undone.”

Chapter 29

Kiara

My mom sits at her favorite easel in the garden, painting something with details I never recall. All I remember is her dark ponytail drifting in the wind and the speck of cobalt blue gesso dotting her cheek.

She’s so pretty from up here in my favorite tree.

The whole world is beautiful from up here.

I wish I never had to climb down.