Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
Malachi
“Relax,” I say as we approach the front door. “It’ll be over faster than you think.”
“You clearly don’t know my father,” she responds, tucking the front of her shirt in the jeans as if she’s trying to make sure every detail is in place to avoid unnecessary arguments.
“Finally!” A woman that looks like a 20 years older version of Jade opens the door before I even knock.
Jade’s mom.
I’d already seen her at Zeke’s wedding, but we didn’t get introduced. I stayed away on purpose before making sure my plan was bulletproof and at the time, I only knew I couldn’t allow Nolan to marry Jade.
She ignores me and grabs Jade by her arm, dragging her inside. “You had us worried sick. Papà almost had a heart attack!”
“Sorry, Mamma,” Jade responds, trying to free herself from her mother’s grip. “But…”
“No buts!” The woman cuts her off. “Papà is waiting for you in the study.”
“Mrs. Moretti—”
“Luisa!” Jade’s mother turns, her gaze brushing past us with dismissive indifference as she calls down the dimly lit hallway. “Did you start preparing the roast? It needs to…”
Her voice fades into the distance as she disappears into the kitchen, shutting the door behind her without granting us a second glance.
“That’s Mamma,” Jade sighs, her voice composed, though her eyes drift toward the hallway on the left. “The heart attack was an exaggeration, of course.”
“I assumed as much,” I say flatly. “Let’s go speak to your father.”
I knock twice on the dark mahogany door before a tense voice answers from within. “Come in.”
Jade leads the way, and I step inside behind her.
We find her father siting behind a massive wooden desk, holding a newspaper.
The second he registers my presence, the paper drops.
He doesn't even look at his daughter. Instead, his eyes lock onto mine, stiffening with immediate, instinctual wariness.
“Nice to see you Mr. Kavanagh,” he nods towards me respectfully and then turns to Jade. “Figlia, Where were you last night?”
“She was under my protection,” I step forward. “After the incompetence displayed by Nolan Devlin on your property, I removed your daughter from the danger.”
Mr. Moretti’s jaw tightens. “A Kavanagh making moves on my estate…”
“Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?” I rest one hand lightly on the edge of his desk. “Nolan Devlin proved last night that he’s a liability and not the right match for this house. He’s not a Boss, Mr. Moretti. He’s a child carrying a gun.”
“You humiliated the Devlins on my land by kissing my daughter,” He stares at me, the tension in the room thick enough to slice with a blade.
“I think that made it clear where the real power in this city lies,” I continue. “And Nolan promised you an alliance but only brought active gunfire to your front step.”
“And what are you offering, Mr. Kavanagh?” He asks, his voice dropping into a tense, calculated murmur. “Why step into an agreement meant for the Devlins?”
“Because the Devlins are being dismantled,” I lean in just enough to make him feel the weight of the threat. “By the time I’m finished with Nolan, his name will carry no weight in New Orleans. If you bind your house to his, you will sink with him.”
“You want Jade.”
“I’m taking Jade,” I correct. “In return, the Moretti family receives direct access to our shipping routes, political immunity, and the full protection of the Kavanagh empire. You will have a financial dominance you could never achieve under Nolan Devlin.”
“The terms are exceptionally generous,” His lips turn into a smile, as he rises slowly from his chair, extending a hand. “Welcome to the family, Kavanagh.”
“A wise decision, Mr. Moretti,” I take his hand.
“Is this a joke?” Jade speaks, her voice dangerously quiet as she steps up beside us.
He turns to her, a flicker of relief in his eyes now that the pressure caused by my presence has slightly shifted. “Principessa, this is business—”
“It is an auction,” Jade corrects coldly, holding her head high, refusing to show her father a single tear or crack in her composure. “You sold my hand to the highest bidder without a second thought.”
“Jade—” Her father warns.
“I will not spend another night in this house,” Jade says, without a trace of hesitation in her voice. She turns to face me and adds. “I am coming with you, Malachi.”
I glance at Mr. Moretti, who doesn’t dare to object, and then give Jade a brief nod of approval, as I open the door for her.
“Good day, Mr. Moretti,” I say as I step out behind my future wife.