Page 67 of Mafia Kingdom

"I don't know yet," she admits quietly. "I just know that whatever happens between us, Lily's well-being has to come first."

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with an incoming call—Father's private line. "I need to take this," I tell Sasha, already moving toward my office. "Will you be alright getting them settled?"

She nods, understanding the dismissal. "Go. We'll be fine."

I answer the call as I climb the stairs. "Father."

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Marco

"YOU'VE BROUGHT CIVILIANS onto the Walsh estate." His voice is cold, disapproving. "Without consultation."

News travels fast, especially when Gerald is watching. "They were in danger," I reply evenly. "The O'Reillys had men watching the aunt's house."

"So I've heard. Along with reports that you've become…personally involved with the Gillespie woman."

I enter my office, closing the door firmly behind me. "My personal life is not up for discussion."

A soft, dangerous chuckle comes through the line. "Everything is up for discussion when it impacts the family business, Marco. You know this."

"The business is secure," I assert, though we both know it's not entirely true. With the O'Reillys circling and internal loyalties in question, the Walsh empire is more vulnerable than it's been in decades.

"Is it?" Father's tone sharpens. "Because from where I sit, it appears my heir is distracted by a pretty face while our enemies gather at the gates."

I bite back the immediate retort that springs to mind. Arguing with Patrick Walsh is rarely productive and oftendangerous. "I'm handling the O'Reilly situation. Damien is coordinating with our northern contacts, and I've scheduled a meeting with James tomorrow."

"James," Father repeats, a note of something like amusement in his voice. "Yes, he mentioned you'd reached out. Interesting timing."

"We need all available resources," I say carefully, sensing some undercurrent I can't quite identify. "Family first."

"Indeed." Father's voice turns contemplative. "You know, Marco, I had similar concerns about your mother once."

The unexpected mention of my mother catches me off guard. Father rarely speaks of her, especially not in connection to business matters.

"She was a distraction," he continues. "Beautiful, spirited, entirely too good for the life I offered. I worried she would make me weak, compromise my judgment, and become a target for my enemies."

I remain silent, unsure where this unprecedented confidence is leading.

"In some ways, I was right. Loving her did make me vulnerable. Did influence my decisions. Did give my enemies leverage they wouldn't otherwise have had." A pause. "But it also gave me something worth fighting for beyond power and territory. Something real."

I grip the phone tighter, stunned by the admission. In all my years, I've never heard Father speak this way—reflective, almost nostalgic.

"Whatever happens with this woman of yours," he says, his voice hardening again, "remember that in our world, love is both a weapon and a weakness. Use it carefully, and guard it well."

"I will," I promise, the words inadequate for the complexity of emotions his advice has stirred.

"Good. Now, about the O'Reillys—I've sent Gerald to attend tomorrow's meeting as my representative. You will accompany him."

My instincts flare in warning. "Is that wise? With the current tensions—"

"It sends a message of unity," Father interrupts firmly. "The Walsh family standing together despite recent losses. Gerald has my complete confidence in this matter."

The instruction leaves no room for negotiation, despite my growing suspicions about Gerald's loyalties. "Understood."

"One more thing," Father adds, his tone deceptively casual. "Michael will be overseeing security for the Gillespie family during your absence. I'm sending him to the estate tonight."

This is a power play, pure and simple—inserting Father's man into my home, establishing control over Sasha and her family while I'm required to attend the O'Reilly meeting with Gerald. I want to refuse, to assert my authority over my own domain, but challenging Father directly would only escalate tensions at a time when we can't afford internal conflict.

---