Page 41 of The Boss
“I can see that.” Sloan’s gaze slid slowly over his body, making Conall shiver under the lustful stare.
Fionn exited from the dining room door, his own jacket on and a backpack strapped over his back. It made Conall sneer. He was truly hoping the idiot wouldn’t be coming with them.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Sloan asked, aiming the question at his nephew.
Fionn’s stride faltered and his forehead crinkled in a frown. “To the Exotic Virtue, with you. I wish to make notes on how to better their performance.”
Sloan snorted and shot a look at Mr. Hopper. “Rourke Tormey is doing that job, he doesn’t need your help.”
“But Sloan—”
“What I want to know is why you were in my pet’s room, going through his belongings?” His words were as sharp as glass, and if they had been a physical thing, Fionn would have cuts across his face.
Fionn winced as though he’d actually been hit by them. “Sloan—”
“I asked you a question. I don’t want excuses; I want a direct answer.” He looked powerful, towering over Fionn like the mob boss he was. An unexpected spark of heat spread through Conall, a pleasure that seemed to ripple through his veins and give him goose bumps, and it took all his willpower not to start popping wood right there in the hallway.What the fuck?
Conall took a step away from Sloan, but he hadn’t noticed. His stare drilled into Fionn, scaring his nephew into swallowing nervously.
“I don’t trust him,” Fionn said, his voice on the verge of trembling.
Sloan’s stare hardened. “Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do—”
“Then tell me why you went throughmypet’s room, the same pet thatIchose for myself.”
Fionn’s chin dropped, his head bowed in respect. “I’m sorry, Sloan. I shouldn’t have done that.”
Sloan snorted. “No, you shouldn’t have.” He waved his hand and two guards shot forward, each grabbing one of Fionn’s arms. His eyes widened, and his stare searched Sloan’s face desperately.
“Sloan, what’s happening?”
“I’ve let you get away with too much. You may be my nephew, but you are still my subject. It’s time you learn some of the same consequences any other one of my soldiers would receive.”
“Sloan, please!” Fionn struggled against the guards’ hold. “This is ridiculous. I’m your nephew, your apprentice.”
Sloan smiled. “Even nephews and apprentices have lessons to learn.”
Conall knew when to step in. He held up his hands toward Sloan. “It’s fine, I don’t mind. I’m not mad.”
Sloan tsked at him, stare sliding to Fionn with displeasure clouding it. “You might not be, but I am. I won’t be made a fool of, especially not from the man I’m teaching to take my position one day.”
With a wave of his hand, the guards dragged Fionn out of the room. Much to Conall’s surprise, though, there wasn’t any more screaming or begging. Instead, he looked resolved, like he was about to accept whatever punishment Sloan had ordered on him.
Conall glared at him. “Was that necessary?”
Sloan shifted closer and caressed his cheek, a long stroke of his thumb up his cheekbone. “Pet, you will learn that even blood do not escape the consequences of their actions. I may be his uncle, but I am mob boss first, and Fionn will come to understand that. I’ve been very forgiving of his actions in the past, but that time has long passed now.”
Conall didn’t understand it, but for once, he didn’t argue.
“Come, let’s go.”
He let Sloan lead him out to the car, where Henry was already waiting. He opened the back door for them, and Sloan slid in first. Much to Conall’s surprise, he kept the door open for him, and Conall nodded sharply as a thank-you as he followed Sloan in. He had already moved to the other side of the seat, giving Conall room to get in.
“Drink?” Sloan didn’t wait for an answer. He grabbed two tumblers, filling them up with vodka this time, and passed one to Conall.
He stared at the clear liquid, thinking about what had just happened. As much as he didn’t like Fionn, he didn’t want to see anything happen to him, either, because God knew what Sloan’s men would do to him.
