Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“You want backup?”
I shook my head, holding out my hand. “I’ve got my men. You’ve been more than generous with your time, Roman. Go home to your family with my gratitude. I owe you.”
He stood, accepting my handshake. “I’ve always prided myself on sizing up a person quickly, Finn. Whatever he has to say, watch Brian Murphy. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. His sister is amazing, but he is trouble. If you need me, call me. If you need backup, it’s yours. Someone is messing with you, which messes with our old territory, and it still means something to me. And Luca. We’ll have your back.”
“I appreciate it.”
He nodded and left. I grabbed my jacket, looking longingly at the monitor. I knew Una would be at the front desk. I wanted to see her, but I was afraid if I did, I wouldn’t be able to resist going to her. I missed her so much it was a physical ache.
But the bottom line was her brother was still standing between us, and I needed to handle that before I could deal with the problems he brought to our relationship.
I picked up my phone and walked away.
Brian looked like shit. He was paler than usual, his freckles a bright map of color all over his face. His spartan beard was even more so today, patches of white and red on his chin and jowls.
I studied him, thinking how upset his father would be. Jim prided himself on honor and loyalty. Working hard. He passed that on to his youngest. It apparently had skipped right over Brian. Even on the thin ice he was skating, he was sitting down, picking at his nails as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
Without a word, I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, pinning him to the wall.
“What the fuck game are you playing, Murphy? You’re lucky I haven’t simply ended you.”
“You won’t,” he smirked. “Because you like fucking my sister.”
I didn’t hold back as I punched him. He doubled over, gasping for air. I gripped his neck, pushing his head into the hard wall. “One more word like that about your sister and I’ll end you, regardless of the consequences.”
He stared at me, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled for breath. I squeezed, enjoying the way his eyes bulged and he clawed at my hands. Then I pulled back, letting him drop to the floor. I sat behind the old desk.
“You have five minutes to convince me not to kill you.”
He struggled to his feet and sat on the scarred wooden chair. “I’m sorry.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “That’s the best you’ve got?”
He glared but took a deep breath. “I was angry the other day when Roman was at the warehouse. Out of line. I said a lot of shit. I apologize.”
“You were high.”
“I was in pain, and I took too many pills.”
I didn’t believe it for a second, but I let it go. I didn’t care if he drugged himself to death. It would make my life easier.
“And? You need to start talking, Brian, before I start shooting.”
He held out his hands. “Come on, Finn. Let’s be honest. You hate me. I dislike you. You’re happy to see the end of me.”
“You know it’s not that easy.”
He huffed. “I swore an oath, and I’ll keep it.”
“What do you know of the new gang that has suddenly appeared?”
“Nothing. I’m busy with my new venture.”
“Which is?”
He lifted his shoulders, rolling his neck. “I don’t have to tell you what I have planned except it has nothing to do with you or your world.”
I counted to ten. If Niall were here, Brian would already be dead from the tone he was speaking to me in. Once again, it was Una and her love for this useless boy in front of me that protected him.
“You owe me a huge amount of money.”
Brian nodded and reached for a bag, placing it on the desk. “Here it is in full.”
I stood, opening the bag carefully, and stared at the contents. “Who have you borrowed this from?”
He shook his head. “I’ve paid my debt. I gave you my word.”
“Which means nothing to me,” I snapped.
He stared at me without blinking. “I swear on my father’s grave.”
A beat passed.
“You know what he meant to me,” he added.
That was probably the most truthful thing Brian Murphy had ever said.
I looked at the money. Then at him.
The debt was paid. I could release him and watch him for a while. Add extra security to my territory and be vigilant. Make sure he wasn’t part of it.
Maybe he would find his own path. Maybe he would fail. Maybe he’d get mixed up with something else and meet his end. I had no expectations that he would actually work hard and stick to whatever plans he was hatching now.