Page 44 of Royal Beast
Being with Kellan hasn’t been anything like I expected it to be, and maybe that’s not a bad thing,I think as I drift off.
22
KELLAN
Over the past few weeks, things with Darcy have been getting better, though the criminal underworld seems to relish throwing new problems our way every time we get closer.
My phone buzzes as I reach for my jacket. Rory’s name lights up the screen and I close my eyes, already knowing this can’t be good.
“What now?” I answer, keeping my voice level.
“Shit’s hitting the fan,” Rory says, his tone clipped. “The casino project is a mess. The suppliers are holding out for a bigger down payment, and those asshole clerks are dragging their feet on permits again. If this keeps up, we’re going to lose weeks on the project. And you know how much I love losing money, Kellan.”
“Have the accountants send a partial payment,” I say. “If you can arrange lunch with the city reps, I’ll get the permit situation sorted today.”
He pauses. “Got it. But there’s more. The Russians are trying to encroach on our turf again, mainly the docks. They jumped one of our men last night to send a message.”
Frustration rises hot in my chest. “No more allowing them to get the first jump. Get extra men on the docks, and if they make one more move, I’ll make sure they regret it.”
“Careful, Kellan,” Rory warns. “We don’t need a fight right now. But we’ll get it done.”
By the time we end the call, my mind is spinning, trying to sort out everything I need to do today. Taking a deep breath, I head back to the kitchen. Darcy is there sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone. She’s been waiting patiently for me to finish so we can go to the farmer’s market. I catch the quick glance she sends my way, and I’m cautiously optimistic as I walk over and lean down to kiss her cheek.
“Sorry, sweetheart. I’ve got one more call before we can go.”
She offers me a small smile. “Of course. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Her tone’s soft but there’s an edge to it. I reach for her hand, and just as she opens her mouth to say something, my phone buzzes again. It’s Lucky.
Darcy’s face falls. She makes an effort to hide it, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes. I let go of her hand, muttering, “One minute, I promise.”
I put the phone to my ear. “Volkov and his men are pulling every fuckin trick they can to scare off voters in the primaries,” he spits out. “They’ve been harassing voters, bribing officials, and doing everything they can to sway things in their favor.”
My jaw tightens. “I see. They aren’t just going after territory, then. They know we’re trying to get our people in office and they’re fighting back.”
“Exactly,” Lucky says, frustration in his tone. “If they succeed, we’re looking at a complete power shift on our side of town.”
I exhale sharply. “Get the word out. Make sure everyone knows what they’re trying to pull. We’re not letting them take this city from us.”
I finish the call and head back to Darcy, who’s standing by the window, arms crossed. Her shoulders are tense, her eyes distant. I know I’ve fucked up again, but I can’t help the fact that I’ve got a lot on my plate.
“Darcy, I?—”
She cuts me off with a forced smile. “It’s fine, Kellan. You’re busy. I get it.”
“Just give me a little more time. I’ll handle this,” I say, though I’m not even sure how much time I can give her. The disappointed look she gives me stings in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
As I leave, there’s a chill in the room that wasn’t there before.
I want nothing more than to go back upstairs, join her at the table, and explain everything that’s been happening. But with all these fires to put out, I need to focus on that before they burn everything we’ve worked for to the ground.
I head out the front door of the building, giving the driver a nod as I slide into the back seat. I can’t stop seeing the hurt in her eyes. She’s been trying so hard lately, but I’m the one who’s been pulling away.
As we pull onto the street, I’m already turning over talking points in my head to discuss with the city reps during lunch. They’ve been skittish lately, and for good reason. Keeping them on our side is going to take some serious reassurance.
My phone starts ringing, Rory’s name flashing on the screen. I answer, the tension in his voice immediate.
“Kellan, you’re not going to believe this. The Russians hit another one of our warehouses. They sent the guards running, trashed the place, and left a lovely little message scrawled on the wall.”
