Chapter 50
Killian
I’m standing in the middle of Barone’s living room with a half dozen guns pointed at me. The smart thing would’ve been to wait until I knew Amato’s men got their new marching orders. But when it comes to protecting Sam, better to be too early than too late.
All I can see is her. My girl. She’s alive and absolutely beautiful dressed in black, her shiny hair falling around her shoulders. Her shocked, whiskey eyes haven’t left mine since I made my entrance, even as Barone is trying to keep her behind him. She’s anchoring herself to me like a lifeline.
The tight band squeezing my ribs since the moment I learned she was gone is finally letting up. My heartbeat is slowing to a steady thud.
Hang on, love. It’s almost over.
The priest is huddling in the corner, clutching his Bible. He may not understand what’s happening here, but he can sense the violence in the air.
I flick my gaze to Barone. There’s a smug smirk fixed in place. One that I’ll enjoy wiping from his face.
His eyes narrow, like he can sense my thoughts. Then his gaze sweeps over me, my unconcerned stance, my empty hands, the cold fury in my eyes. He pulls Sam in front of him like a shield, eyeing Amato’s soldiers.
Yeah, on some level he feels what’s coming.
There’s nowhere to hide, you cocksucker.
He’s gripping her shoulders with both his soft, manicured hands.
I’m going to break them, finger by finger.
He clears his throat, tries to sound in control.
“I don’t remember requesting your presence at our wedding, Mr. Donnelly.
But before these men send you to hell, you’re welcome to have a seat and watch Samantha become my wife. ” He growls the last two words.
“She’s not yours, you fuckin’ prick.”
I see Sam’s terrified gaze move to the men still aiming their weapons at me. When her eyes find mine again, I wink.
“What?” he snorts. “You think she’s yours?”
There’s a buzzing sound in the room. Cell phones going off in unison.
The Italians pull out their phones, read the text and then glance at each other. Two of the lads standing in front of Barone share a few quiet words.
“What’s going on?” Michael barks.
They don’t answer him. I watch to see if they understand the new assignment. One of them smirks at me, and I know they do.
Barone’s eyes land back on me. He seems a little uncertain as he says, “Men, will you help Mr. Donnelly have a seat so we can continue the ceremony.”
I shove my hands in my pockets and glance over at the terrified old priest. “You can leave. Your services won’t be needed today, Father.”
The priest looks from me to Barone and nods.
“What? No, wait…” Barone takes two steps to stop the priest and freezes when the men all whip their guns around to point at him. “What the fuck?” he yells. But he holds up his hand. The other one is still clutching Sam’s arm in a tight grip.
There’s confusion swirling in her eyes as they meet mine. I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile. Then I continue walking toward them until only a few feet separate us. I can smell his fear even as he puffs out his chest, trying to act like he still has the upper hand.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Michael hisses. “You have no idea who you’re fucking with, you Irish trash.”
I nod. “But I do, yeah. You’re the guy who’s an FBI informant, feedin’ information to the feds about the Amato’s organ trafficking ring. Yeah, they got photos of your meetin’ and everything. Not too smart, mate.”
He opens his mouth and then snaps it shut. He glances around at Amato’s men. I can see the gears turning as he realizes he was set up. “You fucking bastard. You’re a dead man.”
Sam stiffens and a little whimper echoes in the quiet room.
I snort. “Someday, yeah. Just not today.” I jerk my head toward Barone. “Boys.”
The two closest soldiers rush forward, each pressing the barrel of their gun to Barone’s temple.
My humor is gone. My tone is deadly serious as I command, “Get your fuckin’ hand off my girl. Now.”
His nostrils flare, his eyes lock on mine as he weighs his options and finding none, pushes Sam toward me. “Enjoy the damage I inflicted.”
She falls into me, and I wrap my arms around her. It’s the best feeling in the world, having her back where she belongs. I run my hand along her back. She flinches and her whole body begins to tremble.
I still. He fuckin’ beat her. I squeeze my eyes shut as I try to keep the absolute fury out of my voice when I whisper, “It’s all good now, love. You’re safe.”
She lifts her head, her tear-filled eyes searching mine. Then the tears spill as she mouths, “Thank you.”
I kiss her forehead and keep my arm wrapped around her shoulder. Then I turn my attention back to the fucker who put her through hell. “Let’s get him secured, lads. And moved to the basement. I hear the accommodations down there will be to my likin’.”
I watch, satisfied as one of the soldiers cuts a cord from a lamp and uses it to bind Barone’s hands behind his back.