Page 23 of Royal Beast
Before he can get any closer, I place a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. I keep my voice calm, though I’m every bit as furious as he is. “Not here, Liam. Let’s not give him the satisfaction.”
Aleksey chuckles, leaning back in his chair again, the arrogant look never leaving his face. “Smart move, Kellan. Very smart. I’d expect nothing less.”
I turn, guiding Liam toward the door. We can hear Aleksey’s quiet laughter trailing us as we leave, fueling the fire building inside.
As Liam drives, I dial Rory, listening to the line ring while we both sit in silence, stewing over the scene we just left. Rory picks up on the second ring, his voice sharp and businesslike.
“What happened?”
I lay out the situation—Aleksey filing for the permit, the clerk’s resistance, and worst of all, how the Russians have been strategically slipping their people into city positions, blocking us at every turn.
For a moment, there’s only silence, and I can picture Rory’s face set in a hard line, calculating a way to strike back.
Liam glances at me, shaking his head. “This is out of hand, Rory. They’re getting bolder. It’s not just permits. They’re getting inside our walls.”
“We can’t keep letting them close off every avenue,” I add, my grip tightening around the phone. “We need to send a message, something to get under their skin.”
Rory’s voice finally comes through. “Then we’ll go right over their heads. If they want to stack the ranks with their people, fine. We’ll meet them at the top. There’s an election coming up, and with the right influence, we can plant our own people in their strongholds. Start working our way back up.”
Liam smirks. “The primary fundraiser is this Friday. Perfect chance to work our way in and get some face time with the ones who’ll make things happen.”
“Exactly,” Rory replies, sounding energized by the plan coming together. “You two need to get on that guest list and start making inroads. We don’t need all the seats—just a few of the key ones to send a message that we’re still in control.”
I nod, feeling the fire sparking back up. “Understood. We’ll be there.”
“Good. I’ll start greasing a few wheels on my end,” Rory says. “We’ll remind the Russians who’s really pulling the strings in this city.”
He hangs up, and I slip my phone back into my pocket.
Liam’s still stewing as we pull up to City Hall where we left my car earlier. “Keep me posted on the situation, okay?” he says as I turn to get out of the vehicle.
I nod. “Yeah. I’ll let you know.”
He drives away, and I slowly get into my car, turning my thoughts to the situation with Darcy. There’s no way she isn’tstill furious after this morning, but she has to realize she’s backed herself into a corner. We had an agreement.
On the ride home, I try to decide whether it’s better to stand firm or to smooth things over. Maybe somewhere in between, just to get us back on even footing.
The quiet hits me first as I step inside. I close the door slowly, scanning the room, waiting for a sign that they’re home.
Nothing. The place is empty. Not a sound, not a hint of her anywhere. I rush from room to room and realize that my office is open. Darcy’s keys and my credit card are gone from my desk.
A knot tightens in my chest with the growing realization that they’re gone.
11
DARCY
The steady hum of the engine does nothing to settle my nerves. I’m driving without a plan. All of our things are still back at Kellan’s apartment. My hands steer almost on their own toward the interstate exit that leads to my father’s house, but I slam on the brakes, pulling over just before I merge.
I can’t go to Max. He’s the one who pushed me into this mess, who forced my hand when he made promises he couldn’t keep. I haven’t forgiven him for that, or for endangering me and Rose.
I take a deep breath, thinking of anywhere else I can go. No family, no friends. Just me and my daughter. Finally, I turn back onto the road and head for the mall across town. It’s got an indoor playground where Rose can let loose. Maybe I can get my head on straight while she plays.
I’m either going to find a way to make this arrangement with Kellan work on my terms or walk away from him for good.
With a destination in mind, I feel a weight lift from my chest as I head to the mall.
The indoor playground is a child’s dream, with climbing equipment and slides and plenty of places to play and hide out.
