Chapter 36
CHAPTER 36
R onan
The drive upstate was silent except for the low rumble of the engine and the occasional click of Declan’s laptop as he fine-tuned the map on the screen. The cabin was less than an hour away now, tucked deep in the woods, its isolation making it the perfect place for the Ivanovich family to pull off a stunt like this.
Every detail of the plan ran through my head on a loop—our entry points, the positions of the men guarding the perimeter, the diversion we’d set up to draw their attention. It was clean, precise, just as it needed to be.
But even with all the pieces in place, my thoughts kept drifting to Kiera.
Getting her to stay behind had taken more than just words.
She’d stood in the middle of my penthouse, fire in her eyes, arms crossed, as she told me she wasn’t going to let me leave without her.
“This isn’t up for debate,” she’d said, her voice sassy and defiant. “Leena’s my best friend, and I’m not just going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs while you?—”
I’d cut her off with a single look, my patience already worn thin. “You’re not coming, Kiera. This isn’t up for discussion.”
“And if I say no?” she’d asked, her chin tilting up in that way that always made me want to either kiss her or spank her.
I’d taken off my belt without another word, letting the leather slide through the loops of my jeans with a quiet hiss. The sound alone had made her falter, her lips parting slightly as her cheeks flushed.
“You’re not allowed to tell me no, love,” I’d said calmly, doubling the belt in my hand. “And now, I’m going to make sure you can’t sit comfortably until I’m back.”
Her bravado had cracked then, but only slightly. “You wouldn’t.”
I’d stepped closer, the belt dangling from my hand, my eyes locking with hers. “Try me.”
“I’m going,” she said with a defiant tilt to her head.
“Turn around and put your hands on the back of the couch. Now,” I said, my voice low.
Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t argue. She turned slowly and placed her palms on the back of the couch. The tension in her posture was palpable, her breathing quick and shallow.
I’d stepped behind her, my free hand brushing against her hip as I’d hooked my fingers under the waistband of her leggings and her panties.
“These come down,” I’d said firmly, sliding the fabric over her hips and down to her knees. The sight of her bare beautiful ass had sent a thrill of possessive satisfaction through me.
“Ronan…” she began, her voice trembling, but I hadn’t let her finish.
The first swat had landed with a harsh snap, the sound of leather against skin echoing through the room. She had gasped, her hands tightening on the couch, her body jerking slightly at the impact. I’d watched the color bloom across her cheeks, first white, then pink, until it turned a bright cherry red.
“That’s one,” I’d said, my voice steady. “We’ll see how many it takes before you understand that you’re staying here.”
I’d followed through with a second swat, harder this time, and she’d let out a soft cry, her head dropping forward. I’d continued, showing her no mercy. By the fifteenth, her breathing had quickened, and I could see the tension draining from her shoulders, her defiance melting into reluctant submission.
“Alright,” she’d finally squeaked, her voice shaky, but resolute. “I’ll stay! You win.”
I’d reached out, my hand brushing lightly over the reddened skin of her ass, soothing the sting I’d left behind. I’d slipped a hand between her thighs, delighted to find her soaking wet and ready for me.
There would be time for fucking later. For now, I’d leave her aroused and needy for me.
“Good girl,” I’d murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to the back of her neck. “Now pull your leggings and your panties back up and behave while I’m gone.”
“Yes, sir,” she’d said, a beautiful pout on her lips.
As I walked out the door, I couldn’t shake the image of her standing there, her panties and leggings down at her knees, her bright red bottom on display, her pride bruised, but her fire still burning. It made leaving harder, but I knew I’d made the right call.
Because keeping her safe mattered more than anything—even if it meant being the bastard who had to teach her that.
The memory lingered as I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my jaw clenching. As much as I hated the idea of leaving her behind, this was too dangerous. Kiera might have been brave enough to face my men, but the Ivanovich family was something else entirely.
This wasn’t her fight.
It was mine.
“Boss.” Seamus’s voice cut through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. “We’re getting close.”
I nodded, my focus snapping back to the task at hand. The cabin was ahead, and every move we made from here on out had to be perfect.
Because the Ivanovich family had made one mistake. They thought taking Leena was the endgame.
They didn’t realize it was just the beginning of mine.
The SUV slowed as Seamus pulled off the main road, gravel crunching beneath the tires as we approached the designated meeting point. A clearing in the woods stretched ahead, the dense canopy of trees playing long shadows on the ground under the faint moonlight.
This was the spot—far enough from the cabin to keep us hidden, but close enough to finalize the plan before we moved in.
Declan was already unpacking his equipment, his fingers flying over his laptop as he adjusted the drone feed on the screen. The grainy black-and-white image showed the cabin, its outline barely visible through the thick trees. Red dots marked the positions of guards patrolling the perimeter, their movements slow but methodical.
“Looks like about a dozen outside,” Declan said, his voice calm, but focused. “Several at the front entrance, more in the back, and a couple circling around. No signs of traps, but I’d bet my laptop there’s more waiting inside.”
“Right,” I said firmly. “We stick to the plan. Bradan, you’re with me on the entry team. Declan, keep the feed up and monitor any movements. Seamus?—”
Before I could finish, the low rumble of approaching vehicles cut through the stillness. The team tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. I turned quickly, my jaw tightening as headlights flickered through the trees.
“It’s them,” I muttered as the vehicles came into view.
Three black SUVs rolled to a stop just beyond the tree line, their doors opening almost in unison. The first figure to step out was Kieran Murphy, his tailored suit striking an almost jarring contrast against the dark forest. His brothers Aidan, Cormac, and the twins Connor and Caden followed close behind, each of them armed and carrying the same air of quiet authority.
Ada Murphy emerged last, her expression as sharp as her tailored coat, her confident demeanor a reminder that she was just as formidable as her brothers.
“Kieran,” I said, stepping forward as he approached.
“Ronan,” he replied, his voice cool, but not unfriendly. He glanced at the cabin in the distance, his piercing blue eyes narrowing. “So, this is the mess we’re walking into.”
“Not quite a mess yet,” I said. “But it could be if we don’t handle it right.”
Kieran smirked faintly, his hands resting on his hips. “Good. I’d hate to think I brought my family out here just to watch on the sidelines.”
I glanced at his siblings, each of them watching the scene with the kind of calm focus that came from years of experience. “You brought enough firepower?”
Connor grinned, patting the stock of his rifle. “We’re Murphys. We always come prepared.”
“Glad to hear it,” I said. “Let’s get to work.”
“Here’s how it goes,” I directed. “Seamus, you’re leading the perimeter team. I want six men stationed at key points around the cabin. No one gets in or out without your say-so.”
Seamus nodded, his expression hard. “You got it.”
“Bradan, you’re with me on the entry team,” I continued. “We’ll use the distraction Declan’s setting up to draw the guards to the south side of the cabin. Once they’re clear, we move in through the north entrance.”
“Understood,” Bradan said, his tone steady.
“Declan, keep eyes on everything,” I said. “If anything changes—if their rotations don’t line up or if you see something we missed—you let us know immediately.”
Declan didn’t look up from his laptop. “Already on it, boss. Drone is up in the air, and I’ve got the feed synced to my phone. You’ll have updates in real time.”
“Cormac,” I said, turning my gaze on the Murphys. “You take Aidan, and your team will take the east flank. Sweep for anyone trying to slip out. Connor and Caden will come in from the west.”
“Done,” he said, his tone clipped.
“Ada, Kieran,” I continued, “you’re with Bradan and me on the entry team. We’ll hit the north entrance and move straight into the cabin.”
“Got it. And what about Leena?” Ada asked, her voice softer, but no less serious. “Do we have confirmation on where she’s being held?”
“Second floor, west side,” Declan said, pointing to the screen. “Based on heat signatures, it looks like there’s at least two guards stationed outside the room. Possibly three.”
“Not bad for a bunch of Russians,” Bradan muttered darkly.
“They’re careful,” I said. “And they’ve had time to prepare. But they’ve underestimated us. That’s their mistake.”
Bradan nodded, his grip tightening on the strap of his rifle. “We get her out fast, boss. No fuckups.”
“There won’t be,” I said, my voice cold and certain.
Declan adjusted the screen, highlighting the narrow dirt road leading up to the cabin. “This is your approach. It’s tight, but there’s enough cover to keep you out of sight. The distraction goes off on the south side in five minutes. That’ll give you a clean window to get in through the north entrance.”
Seamus joined us, his expression grim as he scanned the map. “Perimeter team’s ready. We’ll cover the exits and keep the guards busy while you move in.”
“Good,” I said, glancing around at the men gathered in the clearing. “Everyone knows the plan. This isn’t about glory. We’re not here to make a scene. We’re here to get Leena out and take the Ivanovich family off the board. Understood?”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the entire group, the determination in their eyes mirroring my own.
“Let’s move,” I said, the words cutting through the air like a blade.
The Murphys and my men dispersed quickly, each team taking their positions with practiced efficiency.
I motioned for Ada, Kieran, and Bradan to follow as we moved toward the tree line. The woods were deathly quiet as we moved through the dense underbrush, every footstep muffled by the damp earth beneath our boots. The faint rustle of leaves overhead was the only sound that accompanied us as we closed the distance to the cabin.
Ada took the lead. Kieran flanked her, moving quickly and efficiently, clearing the way for us. Bradan moved just behind me, his rifle at the ready, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The rest of the entry team followed in a tight formation.
Declan’s voice crackled softly in my earpiece. “You’re approaching the perimeter. Guards are holding steady—half a dozen at the north entrance, armed. You’re still clear to proceed.”
“Understood,” I muttered, motioning for my group to hold as we crouched just beyond the tree line.
Ahead, the cabin loomed in the darkness, its faint glow visible through the thick cover of trees. The guards at the north entrance were stationed just outside the door, their silhouettes barely discernible against the faint light spilling from a nearby window.
“Declan,” I whispered. “Distraction ready?”
“On your signal,” he replied.
I glanced at Bradan, his jaw tight as he watched the guards. He nodded once, his expression hard. Ada and Kieran waited beside me.
“Now,” I said into the comm.
A sudden burst of sound shattered the stillness—a deafening crack followed by the whistling scream of fireworks. The sky to the south lit up in a cascade of red and gold, the light spilling through the trees in vivid flashes.
The guards turned immediately, their attention snapping toward the commotion. One of them muttered something in Russian, his hand moving to his radio as the other raised his weapon, scanning the southern horizon.
“Move,” I hissed.
We surged forward, our footsteps silent as we closed the distance to the cabin. The guards were distracted, their focus entirely on the fireworks. Ada was the first to strike, her silenced pistol snapping twice in quick succession. Two guards dropped before they could react, their bodies slumping to the ground. Kieran popped off several shots at the same time that Bradan pulled the trigger on his gun, dropping several more. I took care of the last two myself.
“Clear,” Bradan whispered, his voice steady.
I signaled for the team to follow as we slipped through the north entrance, the door swinging open without a sound. Inside, the cabin was dark, the faint creak of the floorboards beneath our boots the only audible noise.
Declan’s voice came through the comm again, calm and collected. “Four guards on the second floor. Two near the target room. No movement from the others.”
I motioned for the team to split, half of them moving to secure the ground floor while Ada, Kieran, Bradan, and I led the rest up the narrow staircase.
Ahead, the door to the west room was slightly ajar, faint voices in Russian carrying through the hall.
I raised my hand, signaling for the team to hold as I crept closer. Peering through the gap, I caught a glimpse of Leena—her hands bound, her face pale. Two men stood near her, their backs turned to the door, their weapons slung casually over their shoulders. A third stood by the window.
Rage burned hot in my chest, but I forced it down, my focus razor-sharp. I glanced back at Ada, who gave a single nod, her pistol at the ready.
On my signal, we moved.
The first guard didn’t have time to react. Ada’s silenced shot hit him clean in the back of the head, his body crumpling to the floor. The second spun around, his weapon half-raised, but I was faster. My knife found its mark, the blade sinking into his throat before he could make a sound. Kieran took care of the other guard with a swift shot to the back of the head.
Leena’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as recognition dawned.
“Ronan,” she whispered, her voice trembling with equal parts relief and fear.
I moved to her quickly, cutting the ropes that bound her wrists and pulling her into my arms.
“You’re safe now,” I murmured.
Her grip on me tightened, her body trembling as she clung to me. “I knew you’d come,” she said softly, her voice breaking.
“Always,” I said, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “But we’re not out of this yet. Can you walk?”
She nodded, her jaw set with determination. “Yes.”
“Good,” I said, motioning for Bradan to cover us. “Let’s move.”
The cabin was eerily quiet as we made our way back toward the north entrance, the rest of the team falling into step as we regrouped on the ground floor.
“Declan,” I said into the comm. “We have her. What’s the status outside?”
“All clear,” he replied. “No signs of reinforcements. You’re good to go.”
Relief flooded through me, but I didn’t let my guard down. Not yet. “Bradan, take point. Let’s get the hell out of here.”
We moved out of the cabin and a short while later, Declan’s voice crackled in my earpiece. “Boss, I take that back. You’ve got thirty seconds to clear the perimeter. The distraction’s burned out, and they’re starting to regroup.”
I nodded quickly, my pulse steady despite the tension clawing at my chest. “Keep us updated. If anything changes, I want to know before it happens.”
“Got it,” Declan said, the faint sound of his typing in the background.
Behind me, Seamus and the Murphys moved in calculated bursts, their presence a constant reassurance as they covered our exit. But the deeper we got into the woods, the heavier the air felt, like the calm before a storm.
“Ronan,” Leena whispered, her voice tight with fear. “Are we clear?”
“Not yet,” I said. “But we will be. Just stay close and keep moving.”
She nodded, her grip tightening on my arm.
We were nearly to the rendezvous point when Declan’s voice came through again, sharper this time. “Boss, we’ve got a problem. Heat signatures moving in from the south—at least a dozen. They’re on foot, closing fast.”
My jaw tightened, and I motioned for the team to halt, pulling Leena behind a thick tree trunk. “How far?”
“Five hundred meters,” Declan said. “They’re spread out, but they’re sweeping the area. You’ve got maybe two minutes before they reach you.”
“Shit. I see movement out there,” Bradan muttered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.
Seamus’s voice came through the comm, calm, but edged with urgency. “We’ve got eyes on them from the perimeter. Looks like they figured out the diversion was a fake. What’s the play?”
I exhaled slowly, my mind racing. “We split. Bradan, Ada, you take Leena and half the team. Get her to the extraction point. Seamus, Kieran, and the rest stay with me. We’ll draw them off.”
Leena’s hand shot out, her fingers gripping my sleeve. “No,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m not leaving you?—”
“You are,” I said firmly, cutting her off. “Bradan will keep you safe. I need to deal with this, and I can’t do that if I’m worried about you.”
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she nodded reluctantly, her grip loosening. “Okay,” she whispered.
“Ada,” I said. “Get her out of here. Now.”
“On it,” Ada said, moving quickly to take Leena’s arm. “Come on. Stay close.”
I watched them disappear into the shadows, my chest tightening with a mix of relief and dread.
“Seamus,” I said, turning back to the group. “Let’s give them something to chase.”
He grinned darkly, his weapon at the ready. “With pleasure, boss.”
We moved quickly, slipping through the trees as the faint sound of footsteps and voices grew louder behind us. The Russians were close now, their movements deliberate, but hurried, like wolves on the hunt.
I motioned for the team to fan out, positioning ourselves to ambush the incoming group. My grip tightened on my weapon as I crouched behind a tree, the adrenaline surging through me like a live wire.
The first of the Russians came into view—a dark figure moving carefully through the underbrush, his rifle raised. I waited until he was close, my breath steady as I lined up the shot.
The silenced round dropped him instantly, his body crumpling to the ground without a sound.
“Target down,” I murmured into the comm.
“More coming,” Seamus said, his voice calm, but edged with tension. “Looks like they’re spreading out. Watch your six.”
The next few minutes were a blur of suppressed gunfire, each shot taking another Russian out of the equation. But for every man we dropped, another seemed to take his place.
“We’re running out of time,” Declan said in my ear. “They’re closing in on your position. You need to move.”
“Seamus, Kieran, on me,” I said into the comm.
The two of them materialized out of the shadows a moment later.
“What’s the play, boss?” Seamus asked.
“We take them out,” I said flatly. “Fast, clean, no mistakes.”
A faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Thought you’d say that.”
“I can get behind that too,” Kieran added, with a smirk of his own.
The rest of the team moved into position, their movements silent, their weapons ready.
Declan’s voice came through the comm, sounding urgent. “They’re splitting into two groups. Six coming in from the west, four from the south. You’re going to get boxed in if you don’t move now.”
“They’re not boxing us in,” I said coldly. “We’re boxing them.”
I motioned for the team to fan out, splitting into pairs to intercept the incoming groups. Seamus stayed at my side, his steps as sure and quiet as my own. Kieran was just beside me, his sights set on the tree line.
The first group came into view moments later, their shadows shifting against the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the trees. I raised my rifle, the silencer ensuring the first shot was nothing more than a whisper.
The lead man dropped instantly, his body crumpling to the ground. The others froze, their heads snapping toward the sound. Before they could react, Seamus fired, his shot taking out another.
“Two down,” Seamus muttered.
The remaining four scattered, their movements panicked as they searched for us in the darkness. Kieran was already moving, slipping through the trees like a shadow. He intercepted one of the Russians as the man tried to flank us, his knife flashing in the moonlight. The guard let out a faint gurgle before collapsing to the ground, the sound swallowed by the forest.
“That’s three,” Kieran murmured, his voice a quiet rumble over the comm.
I didn’t give the others a chance to regroup. Another shot dropped a fourth man, the loud crack of suppressed gunfire echoing through the trees.
The last two tried to run, their footsteps heavy against the forest floor, but Kieran and Seamus were faster. Kieran reached one first, his blade finding the man’s ribs in a swift strike. The Russian gasped, his body going limp as Kieran lowered him silently to the ground.
The final man bolted toward the clearing, his movements frantic, but Seamus caught him with a shot to the leg. The man fell with a muffled cry, his hands clawing at the dirt. Seamus was on him in an instant, his blade flashing in the dim light as he finished the job.
“That’s six,” Seamus said, his tone calm as he wiped his knife on the man’s jacket.
“Good,” I said, glancing at Kieran, who gave a brief nod, his face impassive. “Move south. Declan, give me eyes on the second group.”
“They’re shifting,” Declan said. “Looks like they heard the shots. They’re heading toward your position, fast.”
“Let them,” I said, my grip tightening on my weapon.
The second group came in hard with their weapons raised. But they were loud—too loud. I motioned for the team to hold, letting the Russians close the distance before we opened fire.
The first two went down almost immediately, their bodies hitting the ground with muted thuds. The remaining pair scrambled for cover, but it was too late. Seamus, Kieran, and I moved in tandem, our shots clean and true, taking them out before they could fire a single round.
Then all went silent.
“Declan, status on the perimeter?” I said into the comm, my voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through me.
“All clear,” he replied. “No more heat signatures. Looks like that was the last of them.”
“Good,” I said. “Seamus, regroup with the others. We’re getting the hell out of here.”
My team moved quickly, their steps silent as we made our way to the extraction point. The forest was quiet again, the tension that had hung over us like a storm finally beginning to lift.
Leena, Ada, and Bradan were waiting when we arrived. Cormac, Aidan, and the twins were there too, their relief palpable as we emerged from the shadows.
“Did you get them?” Bradan asked tightly.
“All of them,” I said. “It’s done.”
Kieran clapped me on the shoulder, his expression hard, but satisfied. “You did good tonight, O’Malley. We all did.”
“This isn’t over,” I said quietly.
“No,” Kieran agreed, his voice low. “But they’ll think twice before they come for us again.”
As we loaded into the vehicles and pulled away from the clearing, the faint glow of dawn began to break through the horizon.
The Ivanovich family had played their hand, but they’d underestimated me.
And now, they’d paid the price.