Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Killian
“Remember to smile,” I joke with Donal, who is unimpressed that I dragged him with me to this event.
Security is checking the guest list as people enter to ensure only people invited are let in.
The ballroom is alive with laughter and people holding a glass of champagne, and the air is filled with the scent of expensive cigars and perfumes.
Crystal chandeliers glimmer above the well-dressed guests mingling with one another.
“Is this why you enjoy rubbing elbows with the Costello family?” Donal comments.
“I much prefer a bar setting,” I reply. “But charity galas are meant to be lavish. Brings in people with endless money. Shows you who the elites are. It’s always nice to know who has deep pockets in this city.”
I spot Darius in the corner speaking to his wife, Stasia.
The only time I see a smile on his face is when he’s around her.
Not far off is Cameron slow dancing with Selene.
The man is a mush around her. As I proceed to walk through the crowd, I spot a woman surrounded by men.
As I pass them, I see it’s Liliana. For a moment, my breath hitches.
She’s in all her glory. Her now short chocolate brown hair, perfectly styled in waves, accentuates her face, which is now adorned with makeup.
I almost didn’t notice it was her. She was beautiful when she was a disaster, but now that she’s all dolled up, I see why men line up to court her.
Looks like the pain she was in has subsided.
Donal and I walk up to the bar and order a round of whiskey neat.
He nods in Liliana’s direction. “Is that her? You’d never think it was if people saw her a few weeks ago.”
“I’m sure she’s happy to be back in her expensive clothes and jewelry.” I take a sip of my drink.
“Killian,” Darius greets, his tone smooth but edged, as he approaches with a confident stride.
“Darius. Stasia.” I nod to each of them.
His sharp, tailored black suit complements his wife’s black crystal-beaded gown. There is this unspoken tension—a thin veil of camaraderie laced with distrust.
“Thank you for bringing our Lily back,” Stasia says. “And for keeping the occurrences a secret.”
“I don’t think anyone would want people to know they were trafficked,” I reply just as Cameron and Selene join us.
“Glad you could make it. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to pull yourself away from your other obligations.” Cameron smiles as he places a hand on my shoulder to greet me.
“There’s always time for a good party, especially when it’s hosted by those who owe me a solid,” I shoot back, removing his hand from me. He is always too touchy for my liking.
“Thank you so much, Killian,” Selene’s voice cuts in so sweetly. “I couldn’t sleep until I knew Lily was home safe.”
Cameron and Selene are the opposite of Darius and Stasia. One pair has blond hair and light eyes, while the other has raven-black hair and looks at you like they are ready to kill. It’s like day and night.
“This is Donal,” I introduce him to the ladies.
Both Darius and Cameron don’t look pleased when Donal takes their wives’ hands and kisses them. I know he is doing it on purpose just to irritate Darius and Cameron.
“Oh, Selene, that’s the director to the hospital,” Stasia says. “Come say hi with me.”
Stasia and Darius shoot each other a look before she and Selene glide away.
“I trust you’ll continue to keep the Russians in check?” I look between Darius and Cameron.
“You know how they are,” Darius replies as though it’s not his top priority. “They don’t take kindly to interference.”
“I don’t give a shit what they don’t take kindly to.” My jaw tightens.
“Alessio just prefers to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Cameron adds. “We are all trying to keep our men alive.”
Donal cuts in, “Now that the girl has been brought back safely, will the Russian still take your warning seriously?”
There’s a glint of menace flashing in Darius’ eyes. “I’ll make sure I give them a reason to remember who they are dealing with. The Costello family isn’t just a name. It’s a legacy.”
My gaze pierces through the crowds then back to Darius. “You just don’t want blood splattered all over your fine walls.”
“I understand you lost a chunk of men because of us—”
I cut in like a sharp blade. “You don’t want to see what I’m capable of, Darius, and I’m not afraid to show you. Loyalty is a fragile thing. Don’t let mine slip through your fingers.”
“Let’s stay on the same page here,” Cameron says, trying to diffuse the growing tension. “We kicked out the Russians, and you brought Lily home.”
I smirk. “You think it’s over?” I laugh, with Donal joining. “It’s just getting started. I now have a target on my back because of you.”
Cameron pulls his brows together. “A target?”
“Oh, you thought I just walked in and took her?” I shoot back. “I purchased her for five hundred thousand dollars and got Nico Vidalia on my back.”
“Vidalia, ” Darius repeats as though trying to recall the name.
I notice he gulps. “I’m guessing you know about him.”
Darius puts his hands in his pockets. “I’ll wire you the five hundred thousand, but as for Vidalia, that’s on you.”
“Interesting,” I mock him. “If Alessio knows the girl is still in danger, you think he’d agree with that?”
There is an unspoken panic between Cameron and Darius.
“You were told to bring her home,” Darius says. “I didn’t say make an enemy.”
“Let’s just enjoy tonight,” Cameron says. “We can revisit this conversation tomorrow.”