Page 80 of Declan's Dove

“I’m afraid that’s between myself and Thomas.” Vincenzo pulls another cigar out of his jacket pocket and lights it, breathing in deeply.

“What did Thomas get out of the deal?” Gabe snaps, his fists clenching and unclenching on the table in front of him. “Did you promise to grant him freedom from his crimes? Because you don’t get a say in how that son of a bitch dies. He took my wife and played a part in the hell my daughter has lived through for years. My uncle’s blood is on his hands. He owes far too many debts for anyone to promise him his freedom. Death will come for him, and by my hand.”

Vincenzo smirks, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “I didn’t promise anything to do with his freedom or forgiveness for his sins. His life is yours to do with as you see fit, but the fact remains, he still owes me a debt. So, keeping him alive until he has repaid it is a benefit to us both.”

“What then, did you promise him? Because as Mack said, everything comes with a price. There’s nothing I can see Thomas valuing more than his own life.” Gabe glances up at Vincenzo curiously.

“Oh, but there is,” Parisis says smoothly. “His daughter.”

Mack damn near comes across the table for the son of a bitch. Matteo is on his feet, putting himself between Mack and Parisi. If Jake hadn’t been there to stop Mack with Caleb’s help, we would be pulling them off each other.

“The fuck do you mean? Does Sadie know any of this?” Mack bellows. “If you let that motherfucker near Sadie—if he hurts her in any way—I’ll skin you alive.”

Vincenzo shakes his head, chuckling. “This is why I like you all. You’re so expressive and protective of your loved ones. Again, reckless and unwise, but loyal to a fault.”

“Mack, sit the fuck down!” Gabe bellows. Jake says something to his dad to get him to calm down and take his seat.

“I would never harm Sadie, nor would I allow anyone else to, including her father.” Vincenzo states. “I gave my word to protect her, and that includes from her father. I am, after all, a man of my word.”

“All right. If we do this, you bring Thomas to me.” Gabe’s voice is thick and full of ire. “Who else is it you think has wronged my club that would be of interest to us?”

Vincenzo doesn’t smile. He looks directly at Hawk, and says, “Nate Hawkins Sr.”

Ah, fuck.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Declan

Gabe agreed to the terms of Parisi’s deal and sent him on his way so the club could discuss our next move. Church was suspended while we all escort Parisi and his men through the clubhouse.

Vincenzo stops next to Violet and whispers to her. I watched from the sanctuary doors. She doesn’t seem uncomfortable, and I figure she needs to hear about her friend. The chances of Vincenzo saying anything discussed in church are slim to none. He won’t risk Violet going off half-cocked to rescue her friend again in the dark.

Matteo walks over to Sadie, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and kissing her on the forehead. It’s an almost brotherly gesture. She leans into his hug and smiles sweetly up at him. Something doesn’t feel right about it, and I’m not the only one who thinks so because Hawk has stormed across the room and stopped right in front of them looking pissed as hell.

“Shit.” Jake takes off after Hawk. “I don’t want to have to fight that big Italian bastard tonight.” I chuckle but follow behind him.

“The fuck is this?” Hawk asks between gritted teeth. “Since when did you two become so close?”

Sadie’s eyes are full of fire and challenge. “What business is it of yours? I’m nobody’s ol’ lady. I’m too out of control and stubborn. Isn’t that what you told the prospect?”

Hawk flinches at her using his own words against him, but it doesn’t stop him from being an ass. “And you think fucking a foot soldier is the next best thing? Is that it?”

Matteo looks amused at their argument. “A foot soldier would be a step down for Miss Jenkins. You’re right. He would be similar to your prospect. Low man on the totem pole, so to speak,” Matteo explains smoothly. “However, I’m what you would call the underboss. It would be the equivalent to what your club calls a VP. Therefore, yes, I am the next best thing. If Sadie were my woman, she would be treated as royalty. But she’s right. The choice is hers.”

Hawk takes a step forward, but Jake is there to pull him back. “Don’t you fucking dare. I know you’re pissed about your dad, but starting a fucking war in the clubhouse isn’t the way to go about making yourself feel better.”

Sadie’s face is filled with concern as she looks between Hawk and Jake, then back up to Matteo. He gives her a subtle shake of his head, and Sadie quickly drops her chin, squeezing her eyes shut.

What the hell is that about?

Matteo kisses Sadie’s forehead once more. “I’ll reach out later, Dolcezza. Answer your phone.” Sadie nods, but her eyes are now locked on Hawk, who is headed toward the bar shouting at the prospect to pour him a double shot of whiskey.

Violet sidles up to Sadie, offering her a side hug. “You look like you could use a hug.” Sadie accepts the comfort.

“How’d you know?” she asks.

Violet shrugs. “I’m a mom. It’s one of our superpowers.”

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