Page 34 of Blood in the Water

“Aye, I can respect that. But why not ask us? Why ask the assassins?”

I frowned. I knew we were already on thin ice with the Irish and their good graces, and insulting Fallon now wouldn’t get us anywhere. But the Shadows were specialized—professionals on an entirely different level.

“The Irish are good at what they do, but I need to take Max out as soon as possible. Before he gets a foothold into my father’s businesses and gets comfortable there,” I replied. “I’ve heard the Shadows can complete focused, efficient, quick work.”

She studied me carefully. “Revenge won’t fix all your problems. Trust me, I know.”

My jaw clenched. “It’ll damn sure help.”

She yanked the knife from the desk and began flipping it again. “Look, I like ya, Leona. I see a piece of my younger self in ya. But you’re also naive, and ya have too much to learn,” she shook her head, and my fists tightened in my lap. “So I’ll only offer this to ya once. If ya run, right now, I will consider the additional debt to us, from your safe keeping and Caspian’s treatment, wiped entirely. All favors will be resolved. We’ll have a clean slate. I’ll even finance your escape and cover your trail so the Italians never find ya.”

I blinked, trying to keep my reaction under control. “Or?”

“Or I can reach out to our friend in the Shadows and connect ya. I’m offering ya the choice I never had. Call it empathy from one powerful woman to another.” She used the knife edge to clean under her nails. “So what do ya want? To commit to this life, double down into a world filled with murder and crime? Or do ya want freedom and peace, to leave all of this behind?”

A powerful woman.

Power did not mean running. I was tired of running. There was still a hit out on us anyway. How could I leave my entire life behind? How could I forsake my father’s memory like that?

And here Fallon was, a woman with the strength to command an entire organization, withthreepartners beside her.

I could do that. I could figure this out if I had the help.

“I want your contact with the Shadows.”

Cas exhaled slowly, and the heat from his disapproval radiated down my back.

“Grand,” she said, pulling a phone from her pocket. “One warning. The Shadows are expensive. Like more money than you’ve ever seen expensive, even for a spoiled princess like ya.”

“I understand.”

“Payment in full will be expected,” she added.

I nodded. “That’ll be between me and them.”

“They never,ever, go easy on people who default on their payment.”

“I’ll figure it out,” I said through gritted teeth. I had money. The only problem was getting a hold of it. And I could work through that problem and figure out a solution.

“Alright, then.” She typed away on her phone for a few moments. “It’s done. I’ve sent the message.”

I sighed in relief and stood from the chair. “Thank you.”

“Leona, one more thing,” Fallon said as she stood and reached out her hand to clasp mine. “Even though I think yamade a stupid choice, I would have been a little disappointed if ye had run.”

The corner of my mouth pulled up. She matched my grin.

“Remember this. Women are fucking strong,” she said as she squeezed my hand. “We can fight and win. But don’t ever forget the power that comes with the love of the people around ya.”

Her eyes flicked behind her shoulder to her three men—her partners. They looked back at her with a deep lust in their eyes, so much so that it almost had me blushing.

I let go of her hand with a nod. “So, what now?”

“You’ll hear back within three days.” She gestured to Colin. “My brother will take ya to a new safe house where you can wait and regroup.”

“I appreciate it.” I stepped away from the chair and headed for the door, with Cas following right behind.

“Good luck to ya, Leona,” she said.