Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Killian
It is downright insulting enough to be compared to a man whose name is the same as an onion-flavored dressing, but to have a woman get under my skin is downright deplorable, like a cockroach crawling under my skin.
In no way am I Mr. Nice Guy, but I’m not Mr. King of Human Trash either.
Maybe I should just call Cameron and let him know I have her, just return her before I find myself in over my head. Well, deeper than I already am.
Liliana sits, her body rigid but trembling, arms crossed tightly over her breasts.
Despite the chill of the night air, she holds her ground, a fierce glint in her eye, refusing to look away.
I admire her for that. She’s like a cornered animal, poised and ready to spring, even if she doesn't realize just how precarious her situation is.
We finally arrive at Aunt Maeve’s cottage, the light outside flickering.
I park the horse in the back, swinging off the saddle with ease, tying the reins to a hook with a decisive tug.
Liliana remains on the horse and avoids my gaze, her eyes darting around as if seeking an escape route.
I knock on the door three times, wait a heartbeat, then knock again—my focus laser-like on Lily, ready to catch her if she tries to bolt.
The door swings open, the warmth from inside hugs my body.
“Shit,” I hear Aunt Maeve huff. “What happened?”
“Intruders,” I reply, my voice low and hoarse. “Can you watch her while I call the boys?”
“Who’s the girl?” she shoots back, her eyes narrowing.
“Leverage.” The word drips with tension.
“Go on,” Aunt Maeve replies, stepping out toward the horse with a knowing glance.
Dashing inside, I pick up the landline and make a call. Within five minutes, Mickey, Leon, Trevor, and JoJo storm into the cottage, a whirlwind of energy and questions.
“I don’t know who it could have been,” I inform them, avoiding the possibility that it could be Nico. “But they had a tattoo of a fox tail on their neck.”
“Whoever is in charge of branding is a spanner choosing a foxtail,” JoJo scoffs, shaking his head. “Imagine walking around with one of those.”
“Leon and Trevor will go check out the house and make sure it’s safe,” Mickey declares, nodding at both of them, his tone brokering no argument. “We have kept this area locked and under control. We would notice people with particular branding.”
“I need to use a safe house.” I lean against the wall with my arms crossed over my bare chest. “I’m holding onto some leverage.”
“What kind of leverage?” Mickey’s eyebrows knit together, his curiosity piqued. “There’s a warehouse you can use.”
“Human leverage,” I add, letting the weight of my confession hang in the air like a loaded gun.
“So, he gets scuffed up,” Leon shrugs, a nonchalant smile creeping across his lips. “Part of the process.”
“This one can’t.” I rub my chin. My mind races with the implications of my situation.
“It’s a woman,” Trevor concludes, a knowing look passing between the men.
“You fucking her?” Mickey asks, the edge of his voice teasing, but his eyes are sharp.
“No,” I shoot back, my irritation flaring.
“So then?” Mickey presses, leaning in.
“She has ties to the Costello Family.”
My brothers are well aware of my dealings with the Costello Family.
Mickey nods his head. “Kil, the best I can tell you is to head back to America.” He waves his hand. “Not sayin’ I want ya to. But it might be the better option.”
“It would have been nice having you around longer.” Leon steps to me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his grip firm.
“So, is she hot?” JoJo asks, breaking any building tension.
“I like to think so,” Liliana chimes in, suddenly appearing beside Aunt Maeve, her presence electrifying the room.
She’s wearing one of Fiona’s crop tops that hug her curves and a pair of yoga pants.
Leon speaks up, grinning at me, “Well, Kil, don’t be rude. Introduce us to your lady friend.”
“I wouldn’t call us friends.” Liliana shoots me a fiery look that could ignite a match. I can feel the weight of her gaze, a challenge wrapped in silk and fire.
Aunt Maeve tosses me a wet washcloth. “Why don’t you clean up. I don’t want blood getting on anything.”