Page 9 of Stolen Hearts

I more than most people know the sort of violence and darkness that swirls around inside Cillian. By most psychiatric evaluations, the man is literally a psychopath. But he’s capable of human interaction. And, clearly, of love.

“I’ve never known this sort of quiet in my fucked-up head, Castle,” he sighs. “And the organization is in a great place. We’re secure. We’re invested the right way. We’ve made good alliances. And on top of all that, Neve is living her own life now, with Ares. And Eilish…”

I grit my teeth. “Yeah, we need to have a serious conversation about Gavan fucking Tsarenko.”

Cillian chuckles. “You’re not a fan.”

“I’m more than slightlywaryof a man who once stuck guns in all of our faces and whose lieutenant almost blew Eilish, Dimitra, and Callie to kingdom come.” I frown. “Doyoutrust him?”

“I’m not sure if Ilikehim yet,” Cillian grunts. “But Eilish clearly does, and she’s a good judge of character. Believe me, though; if I didn’ttrusthim with my niece, he’d already have a slit throat.”

I nod grimly.

“Look, we’re not making this decision right now. But you’ve been a loyal and formidable number two for years, Castle. You know the ins and outs of our family and this empire, and you’re a strong, capable leader. If I’m going to retire, I can’t think of anyone else I’d want at the helm.”

I scowl. “What about bloodlines?”

“Overrated and usually disappointing, in my experience,” he snorts. “And besides, what bloodline? Neve has married into the Drakos family. Eilish sure looks like she’s going to be learning Russian at some point soon.”

“What about you and Una?”

Cillian pauses. For a second, I wonder if I’ve crossed a line.

“Look, Cil, I’m just saying—”

“Una and I probably won’t be having children, Castle,” he says quietly. “Not with the darkness that flows in my veins. And not with the childhoods both of us had. We have each other, and that’s enough for us.”

I take a slow breath. “Cillian, I’m not a Kildare—”

“You might as well be. You’re essentially a brother to Neve and Eilish. And you’re the closest thing to a nephew or a kid brother I’ll ever have.”

“Ihavealways thought of you like a psycho uncle.”

He chuckles. “Well, there you go. Oh, I’m not making any of this public yet, by the way.”

I nod. “Understood.”

“And obviously, we need to have a longer conversation. But when I get back in a few weeks, I’d like us to sit down and really talk this through.”

I nod again, in a sort of stunned silence.

“By the way, Una says to not feed Bones so much. Eilish said he’s getting fat.”

“Hey, c’mon. He’s on a bulk. I’ve gotta have him in fighting shape before you get back.”

Cillian chuckles. “Take care, Castle. Say hi to my nieces for me.”

“Hi to Una. Later, Cil.” I glance at Bones as I hang up the phone. “Better enjoy, pal. That’s it until dinner.”

I hear the front door to the brownstone open and then slam shut, followed by the sound of footsteps. Suddenly, Eilish walks into the kitchen and jumps in surprise.

“Oh! Hey! Didn’t realize you were home!”

“Yeah, I—”

And that’s when the second person, the one who came inwithEilish, stumbles into the kitchen and comes to a dead stop. Her big blue eyes go wide as saucers, and her face turns a shade of crimson as her surprised gaze locks with mine.

Callie.

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