Page 81 of The Mafia's Bride

He was my father’s favorite runner, promoted to higher ranks almost immediately. He didn’t spend much time with me, but when he was home, he was always available for an impromptu fashion show or to watch me twirl in my tutu.

“You know each other.” Lex’s voice is tight, jaw clenched.

“Of course.” I jerked a thumb to the man and smile. “He’s been living in my house for years. If Pops’ favorite wasn’t already Collins, I would have assumed Killian took that title.”

Killian smirks, rocking back on his heels. I didn’t recognize him in the manor, probably too focused on the fact I’d be meeting my futurehusband, but now, it’s easy to see the boy who showed up one night and never left.

Dark, black eyes that are absent of light, with pale olive skin that seems more pallor than bright. Probably from working too many nights. He’s always been tall, he’s got a few inches on Lex, yet nowhere as bulky.

“Does Maeve know you’re here? She must. You’re probably staying at the house.”

His face closes off. “Not exactly.”

Odd.Maeve and Killian grew up together, only a few years apart. There was always a rivalry between them that bled over to things outside of clan matters.

One time, Maeve stabbed Killian in the arm for trying to take the last chocolate cupcake after dinner. He has a nasty scar down his forearm.

If he’s here, it’d only make sense Maeve should know about it.

Before I can ask, the ship blows a low horn, alerting us to their presence. Startled, Lex holds me tighter, keeping me from falling over.

Tony stands on Lex’s other side, arms crossed, bald head reflecting the spotlight from ahead. There’s a dark mark on his neck and I know that’s from my hysterics in the office. He doesn’t appear to hate me though, shaking my hand before we stood, waiting for the ship to dock.

A heavy rope is thrown over the side, a few dockhands grabbing and securing it. They appear out the shadows, just to return to it once the rope is knotted.

All the men watch the boat and hold still, as if waiting for something. Glancing to Killian, I elbow him. “What are we doing?”

Rolling his eyes, I can’t help but smirk. It’s the same annoyed face he used to give us kids whenever we’d follow him around and beg for him to play with us.

“We aren’t doing anything.” He looks pointedly at Lex’s arm around my shoulders. “We’re checking shipments. You’re staying here.”

“I amnot,” I argue, feeling Lex’s eyes on us. He doesn’t intervene though, trusting me to handle this. “I’m as much into this as any of you. Even more so. I’m married into it. What areyou? My sister’s lapdog?”

“Menace,” Lex cautions, but Killian just smirks.

“Woof.”

“Asshole.”

“Sloane.”

“To answer your question,Sloane,” Killian drawls, withdrawing a cigarette from his pocket, lighting the tip with a practiced ease. “I am here because your husband asked for my help. You shouldn’t be here. Do you want to knowwhy?”

“Why?”

“Because if you get hurt or something happens to you andshefinds out, she’ll burn this entire fucking city to the ground.” He shoots Lex a telling look. It’s almost pitying.

I’m still stuck on Killian’s words, his declaration that Maeve will avenge me. Does he know something I don’t? Maeve’s retaliation is legendary, and I’m sure she’ll react to protect what I am—a liability—but it intrigues me to know my big sister might actually fightforme.

She’s never fought for me. At least, to my knowledge.

Killian flicks away ash. “Or will, once she finds out about earlier today. You better pray you know what you’re doing, heir.”

Lex growls, “Stop worrying about my job and fucking do yours, reaper.”

The ship finally stops, engines turning off. A few men call down and Tony answers in a clipped, cold tone. Killian doesn’t look back to me or Lex but takes the lead up the metal walkway, boots stomping in his hurry. He flicks the cigarette into the ocean.

Lex grabs the back of my neck, turning me to face him. “Remember, little menace, you follow my orders. Don’t speak to anyone up there. Don’t leave my fucking side.” His jaw clenches, irritation pulling at his features. He’s worried about me.