Page 9 of Brutal Vows

Kieran declines. But I think I’m going to need liquid fortification to get through this meeting, so I accept.

From a bottom desk drawer, Caruso removes two cut crystal glasses and a carafe of ruby-colored liquor I assume is wine. By the time I’ve swallowed a mouthful of the bitter shite, it’s too late.

It sears a path down my windpipe, singeing all my nose hairs in its wake.

Caruso smiles at me with toothy anticipation. “It’s Campari. You’ve had it before?”

A shake of my head is all I can manage. If I tried to speak, I’d retch.

Over her shoulder, Reyna throws me a glance. She sees the look of disgust on my face and quickly turns back to the window, but not before she can hide her small, satisfied smile.

Maybe I’ll burn the house down after I marry the daughter. The neighbors would thank me, no doubt.

Caruso’s still rattling on about the Campari, how it’s famous in Italy, blah blah fucking blah, but I interrupt him to ask when I’ll meet Liliana.

“Oh. Yes. Liliana.”

For a moment, he looks disoriented, like he lost the plot. But he pulls himself together and plasters on his shite-eating grin again. “She’ll be right down.”

He turns slightly toward Reyna for confirmation.

She remains silent but nods.

In his smarmy politician’s way, Caruso says, “In the meantime, Mr. Quinn, allow me to extend my gratitude to both you and Mr. O’Donnell for the visit. I’m looking forward to getting to know both of you better as we join our families—”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I interrupt, setting the glass of foul liquid onto his desk. “After I meet your daughter, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about the future. As of right now, this deal hasn’t been inked.”

“Yes, of course,” he says, his voice subdued. “Please forgive me.”

Reyna turns from the window again, this time to send her brother an outraged, tight-lipped glare.

She’s thinking he’s a pussy for acting so weak. In his own bloody house, no less.

She’s right.

I rise from my chair, gazing at her. “Actually, I’d like to speak with your sister first for a few minutes. Alone.”

Caruso looks startled by the request.

Reyna looks like she’s wondering where the nearest hatchet is so she can bury it in my skull.

I have no idea why this woman hates me so much, but it’s starting to get annoying.

Regardless of what my dick thinks about her, she’s pissing me off.

Kieran stands, already knowing my request will be granted. Caruso follows, sending a nervous look in Reyna’s direction.

“Certainly. We’ll give you a moment. Kieran, why don’t I show you my collection of Fabergé eggs?”

With a straight face, Kieran says, “Can’t think of anything better, mate.”

They leave. As soon as the door closes behind them, I look at Reyna. “All right. You’ve obviously got something to say to me. Say it.”

She turns from the window, blinking. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what you mean.”

Her hand rests at the base of her throat. Her eyes are wide and guileless. She’s the picture of innocence, and she’s entirely full of shite.

I say, “Too late, woman. I’ve already seen the swamp witch you’re trying to hide under that human skin suit you’re wearing.”