Page 45 of Redemption

“You don’t need to worry about me,” I say. “I understand what’s at stake. Despite what I always told myself, these connections aren’t weakening me. They’re making me more determined than ever to come out on top. He doesn’t get to threaten my family and get away with it. I might have to play the long game here, but I still know how to win.”

Lorcan nods and slides into the car as Kim comes out of the mansion. When she and I pass each other, we don’t make eye contact.

At the top of the wide, curved staircase I turn left toward the suite we were assigned. The first set of rooms, closest to the stairs, are Pierre-Jacques’s. Noel made a note of telling me to stay away from them when he gave us his very brief tour.

When I wander past, the door is cracked, and voices explode with anger. I should keep going, but instead, I pause at the door and catch a glimpse of Pierre-Jacques and Jade arguing. He grabs her forearms, dragging her against his chest, her floral dress whirling around her legs. Her breathing is labored, and she turns her face toward the door. Our gazes connect for an instant before she turns back to Pierre-Jacques, her chin thrust out in defiance.

He eases his hold on her, but she rises on her toes, pushing against him. Their eyes are locked, and silent communication happens. What is she trying to tell him? He drops her forearms and slaps her across the face. The smack of his palm on her cheek echoes in the hallway. She cries out and staggers, falling to the ground. Her gaze slides to me in the cracked door.

I cock my head. The exchange should be shocking, but it’s like I’ve witnessed a performance, a dance. Does she think I’ll interfere? Step in and defend her? Or is there something else at play?

I’m weighing the pros and cons of interfering when Pierre-Jacques looks in my direction. He crosses the room in three quick strides and slams the door in my face.

Chapter Twenty

Carys

JayandFinnpasseach other in the doorway, and the expression on Finn’s face is puzzled. I can count on one hand the total times he’s been baffled by a situation. Jay told me about Pierre-Jacques threatening the kids, and Finn’s uncertainty doesn’t ease my anxiety.

“Please tell me you have a plan.”

He sighs, and his gaze darts around. “Did he search the room?”

“No.” I’m tempted to mention Kim, but she went to such great lengths earlier to turn on the water and close the bathroom door before talking to me I don’t suppose she’d want me saying that out loud.

He lets out a frustrated noise and doesn’t talk to me while he tears the room apart. When he finds a listening device the size of his fingertip, he holds it up before replacing it. He takes his time putting everything back in its place.

“I’ve been considering our options.” He winks at me, but his voice remains concerned. “I’ve got no plan. No clear way out. He’s got us by the balls. The bastard is clever.”

Since he showed me the bug and winked, none of this is what he believes. The compliments are for whoever is listening in. Are we going to leave the device in place? I frown. “Should we go for a walk? Fresh air might help.”

“Yeah,” Finn says slowly.

I change into my flats again, and I lead him toward the castle side of the property. When we get to the door, he points to the front entrance instead. We walk the long gravel path, well beyond the house, and then Finn says, “Please tell me he didn’t say Lorcan’s name during your conversation?”

“No, no. He told me he didn’t have any idea what you were going to do about Pierre-Jacques’s threat. I don’t know if he was being careful or if we got lucky.” I replay the discussion to make sure. But Lorcan never came up. Jay was too distraught about them knowing his kids’ names.

“He threatened our kids?”

Finn shoves his hands into the pockets of his jeans and stares into the darkening fields. The sun has sunk into the horizon. “We’ll have to move them.”

“Where?” The tail of my braid rests on my shoulder, and I give it a little tug. I’m trying to keep calm because he always has a plan, and when he doesn’t, the two of us make one. He won’t let me down.

“Lachlan…” The name sticks to his tongue. He avoids addressing his brother whenever he can. “… suggested we need a connected family to give them the greatest chance at maximum protection. I don’t disagree.”

I shake my head, a laugh escaping. “None of them like you. Every family you’re associated with wouldn’t be keen to offer you any favors. Hagen was your best bet, but my parents said he was sniffing around you in prison.”

A frown mars his forehead. “Your parents?”

“They came to see me because of the explosion.” I hold up my casted hand. “My father told me I’ve got sharks circling me. PLA, Hagen Volkov, who knows who else.” If I asked my father to keep the kids, Lena, and Sofia safe, I’m sure he’d employ the best people, spare no expense. I won’t let them stay unprotected, so I’ll ask if I have to.

Finn nods, his gaze focused on my hand. “Come here.” His voice is gruff. “Nobody is getting to you while I’m still breathing.”

I snuggle into his chest and wrap my arms around his waist. “What’s your plan?”

“I need you to call Demid Kunznetsof. I can’t rely on the Volkovs or the Byrne family.” He tightens his grip on me. “I don’t know where else we turn.”

“My father,” I whisper. Even suggesting him sends a surge of anxiety through me.

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