Page 153 of Savage Hearts

“If I wanted you dead, you already would be.”

He smiles. “That’s my line. I like you already.”

“What is this about?”

“In a nutshell, the future of nations.”

He says it with a straight face, as if I’m supposed to have any fucking clue what that means.

“Uh-huh. Sounds important.”

“There’s no need for sarcasm.”

“Are you one of those annoying people who can never get to the point?”

“And now you’re insulting me.” He shakes his head. “When Pakhan said you were short on charm, he wasn’t kidding.”

Fighting the urge to take his skull between my hands and crush it, I say slowly, “Get. To. The fucking. Point.”

His tone dry, he says, “Since you asked so nicely.” He reaches over, picks up my cup of coffee, and takes a sip. “Hmm. That’s quite good.”

I’m about to smash a fist into his nose, when he says, “Pakhan has cancer. Pancreatic. He’s got a few months left, if that.”

It sets me back onto my heels. I sit with that piece of information for a moment, digesting it in silence.

Killian watches me with eyes as sharp as a hawk’s.

“Why isn’t he telling me this?”

“He will. I mean, if you’re still alive by the time that conversation occurs.”

“Threaten me again and see what happens.”

He casually lifts a shoulder. “It’s not a threat. It’s a fact. If this meeting goes sideways, you’re a dead man.”

I chuckle. “You might be the stupidest person I’ve ever met.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to be afraid, but I’m telling you the truth. I’m very good at what I do.”

“Not as good as I am.”

He smiles at me like you’d smile at a baby. “Okay. Moving on. Are you still planning to try to kill Declan O’Donnell?”

“Try?” I repeat through gritted teeth.

“That wasn’t an insult. I just need to know where your head’s at.”

I growl, “You have exactly ten seconds before I lose my patience and send you to meet your maker.”

It could be my imagination, but I think this son of a bitch wants to roll his eyes.

“Pakhan recommended you as his replacement.”

I almost fall off the stool.

“Oh, look,” Killian says, amused. “Godzilla is surprised.”

I manage to repeat,“Replacement?”