Page 65 of Mafia Kingdom

Damien nods, then adds almost reluctantly, "There's one more thing. James is back."

This catches me off guard. James had just left, and he normally tried to keep his distance from our family business. He wanted to go straight after marrying Mary.

"Where is he now?"

"At Father's estate. Arrived this morning from France."

I consider this development, uncertain whether to count it as advantage or complication. James has always been the smartest of us, the strategist. Having him on our side could prove valuable against the O'Reillys. But his loyalty—like everyone's these days—remains a question mark.

"Set up a meeting," I decide. "Neutral ground, tomorrow morning."

"Is that wise? With the O'Reilly situation escalating—"

"We need all hands on deck, Damien. Family first." The irony of invoking this mantra after killing Lucas isn't lost on me, but some principles must stand, even when tested by betrayal.

Damien accepts the instruction with a nod. "What about the girl and her family? Bringing them here paints a target on your back. On all our backs."

The criticism is implicit but clear: my personal attachment to Sasha is complicating an already volatile situation.

"They're under my protection," I say flatly, brooking no argument. "Anyone who has a problem with that can take it up with me directly."

Damien studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "You really care for her."

It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes."

"Enough to risk everything? Our business, our territories, our lives?"

I meet his gaze steadily. "Yes."

He sighs, running a hand over his face in a rare display of fatigue. "Then I hope she's worth it, brother. For all our sakes."

After Damien leaves, I return to the window, watching as Tony's convoy approaches the gate. Two black SUVs, flanked by motorcycle escorts—the full protection detail I ordered. From this distance, I can just make out small figures in the back seat of the second vehicle. Lily and Karen, coming into my world.

Into danger because of me.

The weight of responsibility settles heavier on my shoulders. I'm not just protecting Sasha anymore; I'm responsible for a child, an innocent, completely foreign to the violence that defines my existence. The stakes have never been higher, the margin for error never slimmer.

My phone buzzes with a message from one of my informants:O'Reilly calling meeting of all major players. Tomorrow night. Neutral ground.

Interesting timing. Deckie O'Reilly making his move in the open, declaring his intentions. Either a show of confidence or a strategic error—I'll determine which soon enough.

I text back a simple acknowledgment and pocket my phone as I head downstairs to meet the new arrivals. In the grand foyer, I find Sasha already waiting, anxiety evident in her posture despite her attempt at composure. When she spots me, relief flashes across her face.

"Are they here?" she asks, moving to my side instinctively.

I nod, placing a steadying hand at the small of her back. "Just pulling up now."

We step outside together as the vehicles come to a stop. Tony emerges first, scanning the surroundings with professional vigilance before opening the rear door. A small figure bursts out immediately—Lily, Sasha's nine-year-old sister, her eyes wide as she takes in the imposing estate.

"Sasha!" she cries, spotting her sister and breaking into a run.

Sasha drops to her knees, catching Lily in a fierce embrace. "I've missed you so much," she murmurs into the girl's hair, holding her as if afraid she might disappear.

I watch their reunion with a strange ache in my chest. This is what I'm fighting for now, I realize. Not just territory or power or the Walsh legacy, but this—Sasha's happiness, her family's safety. Somehow, without intention or permission, their wellbeing has become linked to my own.

Karen emerges from the car more hesitantly, her expression wary as she takes in the armed guards and imposing mansion. I can read the questions in her eyes, the fear and suspicion. She's piecing together the reality of who I am, of what Sasha has become entangled with.

I approach her, offering my hand. "Ms. Gillespie. I'm Marco Walsh. Thank you for trusting us with your safety."

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