4. Amy
Amy
Kerry is silent the entire ride back to the hotel. I’d be nervous that he’s somehow upset with me, but I’ve spent enough time with him now to tell that he’s just thinking. Very intensely, by the looks of it. He isn’t intending to look scary.
No, when he wants to be intimidating, you damn well know it.
His thumbs fly across the phone. I’m making sure not to look at his screen, not wanting to see any details about his business. Any doubt about his actual romantic interest in me has been removed now. I’m not worried about him seeing anyone else.
We’re almost to the hotel when he finally looks up at me, resting a hand on my arm.
It feels warm and all-encompassing. “Something’s come up, leannán.
I’m needed elsewhere for a couple of hours, but I don’t want you far.
I took the liberty of having Jack gather your things and bringing them up to my guest room in my suite, so you’ll be comfortable there.
Now that things are settled with O’Neil, I want to go to Ireland as soon as I finish up this one loose end.
Okay?” I nod and he reaches up to caress my cheek.
His eyes flicker to my lips, and I wonder if he’s going to kiss me when he clears his throat.
“Stay in the suite. I don’t want your grandparents to know where you are. ”
I nod. “Okay. I’ll stay there.” The car dips slightly as it pulls into the front of the hotel.
Kerry dips his head in a nod. “I know you will. You’re my smart girl, Amy.”
If I wasn’t planning on staying put before, I definitely am now. I have a thing for praise, clearly. At least when it’s coming from him.
Kerry escorts me up to his suite, making sure I have everything I need before he goes. But not before making me deadbolt the door behind him.
I turn and look out over the cityscape out the tall windows of his suite, the glittering lights of New York City dazzling as they’re spread out below.
Another day, another hiding away in a hotel room. At least this one is nicer.
Kerry
I’m trying not to get my hopes up. But as I lean against the wall in the darkened room, watching Steffoff groan as Jack and Liam pace around him, it’s difficult.
Because everything is going to plan. The cords to Astero are being cut one by one, and he’s going to suffer for it.
Amy is willing to give me a chance and wants to pursue something with me.
The more I think about it, the more I know that her wanting to not rush into marriage actually means she’s serious about our relationship.
She’s staying with me, but wanting to do this properly. It’s a good sign.
And now? Well, now we know exactly what De Matteis and his underlings have been up to and what they’re planning, all thanks to this chattering Swedish rat that sits in front of me.
That bastard Lorenzo De Matteis thinks he’s sly, turning Astero against me.
Telling him that I’m trying to cut him out of things.
It was only partially true before, but now?
Now I’m doing just that. And like a fool, Astero didn’t think things through, didn’t realize that I would only do what he accused me of and so much more by burning the bridge.
Although I’m sure Lorenzo knew. In fact, I’d bet good money that he’s counting on it. Maybe Astero assumed he’d get in good with Lorenzo and his allies, but there’s no way Lorenzo would do that. The man is an asshole, not a dope. He knows Astero is practically useless.
“You know, you’re more handsome than when I last saw you, Alasdair. Guess being engaged is good for you.” Steffoff practically chokes on blood as he laughs at his own joke. “Anything else I can do for you, gentlemen?”
Jack and Liam both look at me questioningly. Steffoff gave up his information easily. Far too easily. I push off of the wall and step up to him. “You must not know how men like us view snitches like you. Hasn’t anyone told you what happens to gossipy rodents?”
Steffoff laughs, his white teeth coated red. “Oh, but I do.” He leans forward, as much as his restraints let him, and grins up at me. “Makes you question some things now, doesn’t it?”
I furrow my brows, crossing my arms in front of me. “If you’re looking to jump ship, Steffoff, I hate to tell ya, but we aren’t a rescue boat. You’re going to drown, lad. And we’re going to watch.”
He just laughs again, the sound grating on my nerves. “No thanks. Don’t want to join your little gang. I’m rather happy with my pal Lorenzo.” He drags out the infuriating man’s name like it’s another joke of his.
I clench my jaw. “Then what’s the game you’re playing, Swede?”
He snorts. “I play a lot of games, Irishman. It’s what I do. You might think of me as a silly man, but that’s why I would never work for you. Lorenzo, on the other hand, understands my talents.”
I share another look with Jack and Liam. “I don’t take kindly to people sticking their nose in my business.”
“No shit,” he garbles through blood, spitting some out onto the ground. “Who does? But listen, it’s just that at the end of the day: business.”
I grab his chair and lean in closer. What he’s threatening is too precious to let him slip away. Not when Amy’s on the line. “What business?”
Steffoff just shrugs. “Lorenzo’s.”
“Which is what exactly?” I hiss through gritted teeth.
The Swedish man looks up at me for a moment, staring me down. “Making you and all of your little secret society stumble.”
I exhale and step away. All he’s doing is stating the bloody obvious.
Jack punches Steffoff in the gut, making him double over in pain. “Tell us something we don’t know, you arse.”
Steffoff snickers once he’s done groaning in pain. “I wouldn’t be here if I had information that you wanted, trust me. Like I said, Lorenzo knows my strengths and utilizes them well. Withholding information isn’t one of them.”
“Then why did he send you?” My fingers twitch, itching to hit the man myself.
He arches a brow. “Isn’t it obvious? To send a message. And I got to play god just a little. Mess with Astero. Object to a wedding.”
Anger floods through me, hot and bright.
Unusual for me, considering my anger is usually icy and steady.
Just like my father’s before me. But the thought of this little prick messing with my relationship with Amy, it’s almost enough to get me to see red.
“Lorenzo wanted me to catch you. So I could find things out.”
Steffoff nods. “Obviously.”
“Feckin’ hell.” I turn around, running a hand through my hair.
Of course the bastard had already thought of that.
He knew that I trained my men well, he knew we’d sniff out the tails he put on Amy and I.
He didn’t send in a spy, he sent in a sweet-talker.
“All right, then, what does he want me to know?”
“You mean other than the fact he did it?” Steffoff cracks a grin. “That you’re not the only one who can play god. He can, too. And you should tell your boss that, too.”
I clench my jaw so hard that it aches. “He’s not my boss.”
Steffoff just laughs. “Could’ve fooled me with how all of you practically kiss his ass. Alessandro even has the Japanese bowing down to him.”
I arch a brow. “I'd be careful saying shite like that about a yakuza, Steffoff. Lest I mention it to Sasaki. He doesn’t forget slights, I can promise you that.”
Steffoff pales slightly and it’s the first crack in his annoying facade that I’ve seen. Good. Finally found something to exploit. “Eh. Wouldn’t be the first person angry with me.”
“I’m shocked.” I chuckle, sarcasm lacing my tone.
“Ah, but Sasaki is a unique type of person, even for us. Calm as ice, until he snaps. Then suddenly your neck is sliced before you can even realize he’s upset.
Maybe he would think your comment is funny.
It’s doubtful, but maybe. Or maybe he wouldn’t care.
But, you wouldn’t know until it’s too late.
You really want to look over your shoulder, wondering for the rest of your life if he’s coming for you? ”
Steffoff completely blanches, and I know I have him. “I…he can’t be that bad.”
Liam lets out a low whistle. “I thought Lorenzo educated all his folks on our guys?”
“H-he did,” Steffoff stutters, and I see the first beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead. “I know all about you all.” I believe him. After all, he wouldn’t be this nervous if he didn’t know the true threat that Sasaki posed.
I chuckle and lean against the wall again, crossing one foot in front of the other. “Then you know you should watch your mouth. I guess the Nameless still brings about some respect then, eh?”
Steffoff eyes me for a long moment, his expression serious. “That was never in doubt.” His voice is quieter when he finally speaks. “Lorenzo wouldn’t consider you a threat if he didn’t respect you.”
His words make me pause as I process them. There wasn’t a hint of deceit in his eyes. He meant every word that he said, all semblance of the usual games he plays gone.
I narrow my eyes, leaning closer to him.
“Well, then, I want it known that I want no trouble with Lorenzo. If he gets trouble from me, it’s because he made it.
Astero, on the other hand, I’m going to take down.
I don’t like abusers and people that don’t pay their own debts.
Astero is both. He’s a poor businessman and an even poorer person. ”
Steffoff’s eyes widen. “He does what?”
I scoff. “Why do you think I arranged the marriage with his granddaughter to get the docks? Because this is how he and his son can pay me back after years of neglecting their dues. And now? They’ve called it off. No bleedin’ way I’m letting that stand.”
Understanding glints in Steffoff’s eyes that wasn’t there before. “I see.”
“Yeah, you better see.” I growl.
I march out of the room, leaving Jack and Liam to clean up the mess. I’ve planted the seed in Lorenzo’s organization, through Steffoff, that Astero isn’t someone to do business with. That’s all I can do for now.
The warehouse we’ve been conducting this little interview in was loaned to us by Marshall. I need to remember I owe several massive favors to him now. Unlike the Asteros, I pay my debts back handsomely.
I speed down the metal stairs and push out the front doors for some fresh air.
The smell of blood and mildew isn’t what is bothering me, it’s what Steffoff said.
I know he was sent to get under my skin, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
It worked. The night air does little to calm my nerves, not with the smell of car exhaust and rubbish in the air.
I pull out my phone and dial Alessandro De Matteis’s number, the leader of the Nameless, and Lorenzo’s brother.
It only takes a couple of rings for him to pick up, regardless of the time difference. “Ah, Irish Demon. How lovely to hear from a colleague.” His Italian accent and rich voice reminds me enough of Lorenzo’s to make my anger rise even more.
“I wish I could call with more pleasantries, but we have an issue. Your brother is fucking with my business and I’d rather like it to stop.”
There’s a beat of silence, and then Alessandro’s voice drops to a whisper. “Apologies. Had to move rooms. Ah, so that’s what he’s been up to. Porco Dio.” He sighs, and I hear shuffling in the background. “What is it this time?”
I fill him in on everything that’s been going on with Lorenzo and Steffoff, being careful of what information I give to him regarding Amy.
Finally, when I’ve finished, Alessandro makes a thoughtful sound. “I see. Well, it’d be more preferable if, from now on, you talk with me before taking one of my brother’s men hostage.”
I scoff. “I’ll be sure to do that. Just when he stops fucking with my impending marriage.”
“Ah. A serious matter to you, I see. This is more than business. Inteso. Then I do not blame you in the slightest.” He sucks in a deep breath before exhaling it slowly.
“This is what we’re going to do, my friend.
I’ve already been working with our newest recruit on some things, it seems it is time to take it to the next level.
Marshall will handle Astero. You get yourself and your woman out of the States.
Take her to your home, make sure she is safe, I will send another one of us to help, sì?
You were right to call me. This is the point of the Nameless, to solve one another’s problems and help each other.
You need protection for your woman, we are all too happy to help. ”
Surprise courses through me like a flood.
While Alessandro is a very good liar and altogether too charming of a man, I’ve learned to read him over the years of working together.
I once considered him a threat as much as his brother, even once we joined forces and became allies.
I realize I’ve never really stopped such thinking, not with him, not with Marshall or any of the other members of the Nameless.
The men who are supposed to be my brothers. The men who are supposed to have my back. And I’ve had their back. I’ve never put myself in their shoes, never thought about what I would do if one of the other members had a partner they were in love with.
But maybe I should’ve. Because now that I’m thinking of it, it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Not like I was thinking of it before. Maybe I’m the dope after all.
In my line of work, the first thing we learn is that everyone has something to exploit.
Be it greed, a lust for power, a need for control, fear of something, love of something…
everyone has a price. You just have to find out what it is.
And mine? Well, it was one thing, and now it’s switched to another.
It was a lust for power and control, and now it’s love for my future wife.
The entire point of working in an alliance like the Nameless is to have each other’s backs and cover those weak spots. I would’ve done it for one of the other men without hesitation, because that’s what we do in the Nameless.
My father has infiltrated my thoughts even more than I realized.
I bring my attention back to the phone call with Alessandro. “That would be much appreciated. Thank you.”
“Prego, prego, Irish Demon. I was beginning to wonder if you were infallible, since you’ve never asked for help. Glad to be of service finally and return the many favors you’ve given the Nameless.”
His words only serve to confirm my thoughts. Maybe it’s time to be less paranoid like my da and utilize the people and resources I have.
Something my da sorely failed at doing.
But I’m going to be different. For Amy’s sake if not my own.