Page 10 of Shameless Royalty

As I walk away, the weight on my chest feels just a little lighter. Ma’s got that effect, even when she’s threatening to kill people. It’s what keeps this family together. Keeps me together.

And God help me, I’ll bring Cat home if it’s the last thing I do.

Chapter 6

Connor

Da’sleanedoverhisdesk, papers and maps spread out in front of him, and a glass of whiskey sitting untouched at his side. The man looks unshakable, like he could face the devil himself without flinching. I guess he’s done the next-best thing plenty of times.

“Da,” I say as I step inside, shutting the door behind me.

He doesn’t look up right away, just gestures at one of the chairs across from his desk. “Sit.”

I drop into the seat and watch him as he marks something on the map with a pen. The silence stretches for a minute before he finally sets the pen down and fixes me with that piercing gaze of his.

“What is it, Connor?”

“I want to talk about Malachi,” I say, leaning back in the chair. “Now that we’re gettin’ Cat back, what’s the plan with him?”

Da’s expression doesn’t shift, not even a flicker. He picks up the glass of whiskey, swirling it slowly before taking a small sip. “We’re keepin’ him. No questions asked.”

I blink, caught off guard by how casually he says it. “Keepin’ him? You mean as leverage?”

Da sets the glass down, his jaw tightening just slightly. “I mean, keepin’ him here. Under our control. Where his father knows exactly where he is and exactly what will happen if he steps out of line again.”

I shake my head, the frustration bubbling under my skin. “He’s not involved in any of this, Da. You’ve seen him—he’s not some criminal mastermind. Hell, he barely knows what’s goin’ on.”

“And that’s exactly why he’s valuable,” Da counters. “He’s innocent. Untouched by the business. Do you know how rare that is? How much his father would give to protect that?”

The knot in my gut twists tighter. “You can’t be serious. The kid didn’t even know what his father was up to. He’s not part of this.”

“He’s a Dawson,” Da says simply, setting his tumbler down. “That’s all that matters.”

“That’s bullshite,” I snap before I can stop myself.

He shoots me a very specific look and I feel the weight of his authority pressing down on me. “Watch your mouth, lad.”

I exhale sharply, leaning back in the chair and running a hand through my hair. “You’re punishin’ him for somethin’ he didn’t do. He’s not Anthony. Hell, the kid can barely see without his glasses, for Christ’s sake.”

Da’s eyes narrow, his voice dropping to that dangerous calm that makes your blood run cold. “And you think that makes him less of a threat? You think Anthony wouldn’t use him, even now?”

I shake my head, my hands gripping the arms of the chair. “He’s not a threat. He’s… he’s just a kid, Da. A stubborn, annoyin’ kid with no clue what the hell’s going on.”

“That stubborn, annoyin’ kid is the only thing we have over Anthony right now,” Da says, his tone final. “We let him go, we lose that leverage. And we can’t afford to lose anythin’ when it comes to this family.”

“Da—”

“You’re thinkin’ with your heart,” Da interrupts, his voice cutting.

“No, I’m not,” I snap. “I’m thinkin’ like someone who knows right from wrong. And this? Keepin’ him locked up in this house like some kind of trophy? It’s not right.”

Da stands, his hands planted on the desk as he leans toward me. “This isn’t about right or wrong, Connor. The Dawsons made their move, and we’re respondin’ in kind. Keepin’ Malachi here ensures they don’t try anythin’ again. It sends a message.”

I clench my jaw, my chest tightening with frustration. I know he’s right. I don’t like it, but I know. Letting Malachi go would be a mistake, no matter how harmless he seems.

“You think Anthony will just sit back and let us keep his son?” I ask, my voice a low murmur.

“He doesn’t have a choice,” Da replies. “Not if he values the boy’s life. But Malachi stays here under guard. He’ll have a comfortable life, but he doesn’t leave. Not until I say otherwise.”

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