14

Oisin
It was a tiring and restless day, and I wasn’t even close to finishing. I had meetings from both my legal and illegal fronts with too many clients. Liam was with me through every business meeting and added points and thoughts where I couldn’t, and I was thankful to have my cousin by my side through the day.
After finishing up the overwhelming schedule, I had for today, Liam and I ventured to check on our many establishments. I didn’t let anyone know I was dropping by to check up on things because I needed that element of surprise.
It’s not like I didn’t trust the ones I left in charge, but you could never be too careful. Business was going well, and nothing was disturbing the flow of products. The ports and docks were running smoothly with no law enforcement interruptions.
Not like any of the fucking narcs could even think about trying me. They’d lost too many bodies to ever think about interfering with my business. As far as they were concerned, it was all legitimate, and we cleaned up after ourselves and never left a crumb behind.
Liam dealt with any traitors we had while I sat in the office downing some whiskey as I thought about my wife. I was tired and cranky and wanted nothing more than to just be home in my bed, preferably with Elena, but I knew it was far-fetched.
I couldn’t help how much I missed her. I craved her all the time. Thought about her too much. I barely got a moment with her this morning, and I couldn’t get over how perturbed she looked. The facade she forcefully put on around me was weak.
Every sound, word, and look she offered me through the cracks was noted and deeply cherished. She didn’t have to speak a single word, and I knew exactly what she was thinking.
She was incredulously easy to read, and I had memorized her like the back of my hand.
The door opened, and Liam let himself in. He closed the door and came to sit on the chair in front of my desk. I poured him a cup and leaned over to hand it to him.
I’m starving. I don’t even remember if we ate anything today. He grumbled.
Head home. I can finish the rest of the detours alone.
He shook his head. We’ll finish them together. He downed his drink and leaned over so I could pour him another. Cousin, do you trust Igor ?
I cocked my head. With certain things.
Suarez comes next week. He stated, and I nodded. Do you think anything will happen until then ?
Yes, I do. Hence why I told them all to be on high alert and to keep their ears to the ground. Enzo won’t sit quietly, and he’s rash and fast to act. The Polish leader, Jakob, he’s even more impulsive.
I heard he murdered his brother in cold blood so that he could take over. His arrogance was what made him the leader. As reckless as they are, they have some intelligence, and they’ll use it to their advantage. All we can do is be cautious and patient.
It was around one that I finally parked my car in the driveway. I was beyond starving, and after speaking with my men at the gates and door about precautions, I headed inside.
Fiona usually left me a plate wrapped up in the oven, and my stomach was growling the entire way to the kitchen.
I opened the oven door and saw there were two plates. I pulled them both out and set them down on the counter. The first plate was the savory stew, rice, and veggies, and the other was two Italian donuts that Elena had made.
They were coated with cinnamon and sugar, and I could see the chocolate overflowing from the top. She saved me two. I had asked for one. I set the stew aside and unwrapped the other plate. So, I didn’t make a mess ; I kept the plate in my hand and took a generous bite.
The dough was fluffy, the chocolate was the perfect sweetness, and it was probably the best donut I’ve ever eaten. I ate it in two bites and then devoured the other one.
Licking my lips and the cinnamon sugar combo off my fingers, I placed the plate in the sink and washed my hands.
God, that was so fucking good. It made me feel warm eating it like she had kneaded the dough with love and filled them with tenderness. I ate the savory plate and washed the plates before opening the fridge and grabbing something to drink.
Then I headed upstairs to check on Aofie and Elena. I walked into Aofie’s room, kissed her forehead, and ensured she was covered well before heading to Elena’s room. It was locked, but it wasn’t that hard to pick a lock, and I had a key.
I stepped inside slowly, and her soft snores filled the room. After ensuring her comfort and safety, I went to my bedroom. I took a quick shower and didn’t even bother with clothes as I crashed on my bed immediately and dreamt of the sweetest angel to inhabit this Earth.
**
I woke up earlier than I expected. It was six-thirty, and I hadn’t even slept eight hours yet felt wide awake. I rolled out of bed, washed up, and pushed myself to wear workout clothes and go to the in-house gym. I tied my sneakers and grabbed my phone off the bedside table before descending the stairs.
I went to the kitchen, and the lights were on, but Fiona was usually awake at eight, and no way Aofie was awake without you waking her up. I knew Elena was used to waking up early since she used to work at the bakery, but I wondered if her brain still worked the same way even though she wasn’t working.
I opened the patio door, and there she sat on the chair with her knees pressed to her chest, her untamed hair tumbling down the sides as she looked at the sky. She didn’t even notice me, her mind probably wandering and overthinking, and I closed the distance.
I sat beside her, but she didn’t speak or try to distance herself. I looked to the sky where she was looking and admired the whirlwind of colors of the sunrise. They were almost every color of blue, with a splash of light pink and grey, and it was a humbling sight.
Did you like the Bombolini ? She asked, but didn’t look at me.
I did. They were delicious, mo ghra amhain.
Tucking her hair behind her shoulder, she rested her cheek on her knee and turned to face me.
Are you going to kill Enzo ?
I nodded. I wasn’t going to lie to her or give her some false hope. If it comes down to it, yes.
If he dies, then so does the Morelli legacy. It would be like my father died for nothing like he left nothing behind.
I knew your father, mo ghra amhain, I said. I met him a few times and respected him as a man, leader, father, and husband. When your brother took over, he burned every bridge your father worked his whole life to create.
People spoke very lowly of your brother long before I decided to take you. The Polish man he is teaming with killed his brother to be the leader. He is an embodiment of everything your father despises. I rationalized.
He’s only doing this because you took me. I’m his sister. Doesn’t that count for something ? She countered.
I sighed and shook my head. He’s doing this because the Polish want to take out the Russians, and your brother wants my trade routes and control of my distribution.
Why would you say that ? She lifted her head, and her chin trembled. My brother loves me. He’s going to come and save me.
Is that what you really want ? To be saved by your brother.
She hesitated for a nanosecond. Yes. I don’t want to live here.
If you were ever taken from me, I’d wipe this entire Earth and everyone inhabiting it until I found you. I’d scorch it to the fucking ground, ashes and all, and crawl through the mess and chaos on my hands and knees to get to you.
You truly don’t understand the intensity of what I feel for you, and I don’t think you ever will. You’re my wife, Elena, and I care for you very much. If your brother decided to take you away, nothing would save him from me.
Know this. Know I will murder the entire Morelli line to get you back, and that is a promise.
You’ll have to murder me then, too. I’m a Morelli.
I looked down at her ring finger where her ring should have been. You’re a Callahan.
I’d rather die than be a Callahan.
Her words pierced my heart, and it ached to know that she detested me this much. Finally, she stood up, shaking, fuming, and I grabbed her wrist before she could throw her fit and stomp away.
Let go.
I tugged her down and forced her to straddle my lap. She tensed up in the position before her fists came over my hand as she tried to pry it off.
I grabbed both hands, placed them behind her back, and locked them with one hand. My free hand trailed over her, and I grabbed her chin.
Where’s your wedding ring ? I asked, and she moved her hand away from my grip.
Her brows furrowed in anger. In the trash.
I sighed. Then you better dig it out and wear it.
I hate you. I hate you so much. Why would you want to be married to someone who hates you ? She shouted.
I’d rather have you close and hate me than be far away and not know me, I admitted.
You’re a sociopath !
I tried to calm her down, but she was screaming and thrashing against me. I released her hands, which came down immediately on my chest as she cried. I let her have this anger, this release, and if she needed to hurt me to feel better, I’d let her.
I hate this place. I don’t want to live here with you. I miss my family ! She cried out, her eyes closing tight as tears streamed down her face. I don’t want you to kill Enzo, and I don’t want Enzo to kill you, either ! She sobbed even harder, and my heart palpitated at her angry confession.