it’s now.
Tiernan walks right past nearly everyone, going straight to the back where two men sit. They’re dressed impeccably in custom-made suits, but I can still see the markings of signature mob ink on their necks.
“That’s the Chief, Calum,” Tiernan says. “They’ve procured a shipment today from Ballyhock, and they’re here to celebrate.”
Fiona’s eyes widen. Tiernan’s jaw twitches. “Arms, Fiona. Not the other kind.”
She relaxes but only a bit. Christ, I don’t like having her here, surrounded by so much depravity. If I had my way, I’d secret her away, bring her back to Ballyhock, and put a ring on her finger. Keenan would likely give us private residence in the McCarthy family home. I’d sleep peacefully at night knowing she was as secure as could be within the walls of our fortress, my brothers ready to defend until death.
But tonight, I don’t have that luxury. I still need to earn my spurs.
When we get closer, Fiona halts in her tracks. I place my hand on her arm and bring her along, but it isn’t until we’re within a yard from the men at the table that I see why she hesitated. Four women, stark naked, cuffed and gagged, sit on the floor by the men.
Christ.
“Hurston,” one of the men greets us. “You’ve brought us a tribute, have you?”
My blood boils and my grip on Fiona tightens so hard she winces. I quake with the effort to control myself.
“He’s testing your mettle, Lach,” Tiernan whispers. “He knows she’s yours.”
“Brought a brother of the Clan,” Tiernan says with a forced laugh. “As if you need another woman by your feet, you manky bastard. You’ve only one fucking cock.”
The man throws his head back and howls with laughter. Tiernan knows exactly how to manage him. Hell, I’m proud of the lad. He’s come into his own.
“Calum, meet Lachlan McCarthy, McCarthy family Clan.”
The men get to their feet when they hear the introduction. A sign of respect.
“Lovely to meet you,” Calum says. “Any man of McCarthy Clan stock is a friend of ours.”
Fiona shivers.
When we draw nearer, he takes in every detail. The chain around her wrist, my teeth marks on her neck, the bright red places where I suckled her sweet, decadent skin. “She’s yours.”
“Aye,” I say, my response immediate and harsh.
Calum holds up his hands in surrender. “Now, no need to fear us,” he says. “We know a claimed woman when we see one.” He gives Fiona one appreciative look. “I will say, you’ve got good taste though.”
My hands clench into fists, but I school myself.
“Thanks very much.”
“Have a seat, lad.”
They gesture for us to sit and quickly get down to business. “Tell me what’s happened.”
We tell them how Fiona’s come here for college, and how the guard we sent was murdered. I tell them how I came here with Keenan’s permission.
Calum frowns. “Do you have anything to do with the O’Gregors?” Rival mafia.
“We’ve had skirmishes with them, aye. But years ago, they paid their debts to us and relocated here, didn’t they?”
“Aye,” Calum says. “I wondered if they had any reason to retaliate.”
“None that I know of.”
“Same,” Tiernan says.
“And who’s the patriarch of your group?”
“Keenan McCarthy.”
“There’s none higher ranking?”
“Not now, no.”
“And his father was the late Seamus McCarthy, no?”
“Aye.”
We go through family history and I bring him up to speed. Finally, after a third pint of Guinness, he nods.
“I’ve a few suspicions about who could be a threat to you,” he says. “And I can guarantee our protection and alliance. There will, of course, be a price.”
My body tightens. Of course there will be, this I know well. Keenan’s given me an ample sum to pay and permission for trades as well.
He eyes Fiona, and my jaw clenches. My fists form under the table where he can’t see, and I quickly take inventory of my weapons. I’ve got two handguns in a harness, a knife in my pocket and another in my boot. I could gut him dead before his body hit the floor. I’d pay for it, but it’d be worth it.
“We’ll negotiate,” Tiernan says. “You know the McCarthy family won’t touch human trade, so that’s off the table.”
Calum grins at me. “Drives a hard feckin’ bargain, this one does.”
“Aye, he does.”
“We’ll call Keenan. Negotiate our price.”
“You can deal straight with us,” Tiernan says firmly.
“Well, well, if he isn’t pushing even harder now.”
I know that steely glint in his eye. I’ve seen lesser men than him pull a weapon when he got a look like that. He watches as