Page 148 of The Devil's Heir

"Come in and close the door, Lily," Joey orders gently, waving me in.

His tone has me on high alert—he's got bad news for me.

"What is it, Joey?"

"I've debated telling you, but I didn't want your wrath coming down on me if you found out and you didn't hear it from me," he states with a hint of a smile to lighten the mood.

"Okay, so tell me. You're making me nervous." My voice is clipped.

Sighing heavily, Joey blurts, "Something is wrong with Jarek."

"What do you mean?" I ask, taking the chair in front of his desk.

"My father has eyes on Jarek since he isn't allowed near him, and he's been informed that Jarek is very sickly. He looks worse than when they let him out of his cell."

"Why would he besick? I don't understand?" I ask worriedly.

"The maid seems to think that he may be getting poisoned to keep him weak," Joey explains.

I can see in his eyes that he's concerned for his best friend. I can't break down right now—I need to be strong to help in any way I can.

"So, what are we going to do?" I ask, straightening up in the chair.

"Liliana—"

"Don't you dare say that I can't help! I think it's time that bitch knows that she has no rights over the Falcon Empire. Jarek has an heir who will receive all rights…" I tell him.

"She may decide to kill Jarek immediately and then search for your son," Joey states, concerned.

"Well, it's time you let our allies know wearealive and well. They will protect Keirnan. I don't care about myself as long as he's protected."

"You know damn well that Jarek will have my ass if anything happens to you," Joey groans.

"I really don't think he's in a position to do any of that. Do you?"

"Maybe not right away—"

"Let's worry about it when the time comes, then." I cut him off, not letting him finish what he was going to say.

"I don't know, Lily…"

"There's nothing to think about, Joey. I'm coming forward with or without your help with the others. I'll find my own way to protect Keirnan."

"Jesus, Jarek was right—you certainly are stubborn." Joey sighs.

"Aw, Jarek said that about me?" I ask, amused.

Joey's gaze is sharp, but I catch the moment he gives in. His shoulders sag slightly as he sighs. "Fine, but you better listen to everything I tell you to do, Lily. Got it?"

"Yes, Joey—I promise."

A grin spreads across my face as I push to my feet and head for the door. "I'll lay Keirnan down for his nap, and then we can get started on the planning."

As I walk out of the office, I hear Joey's low grumble when he says, "He's going to fucking kill me."

My grinonly widens, but I make a mental note—I'll ensure that homicide never happens. Joey's a good guy, all things considered. Over time, he's become a friend of sorts, and of course, I'll do my best to protect him from my devil.

The heads of five crime families joined Joey in an undisclosed location an hour from where we're staying. It took a lot to convince Jackson to stay behind and protect Keirnan, but eventually, he agreed.