I wanted everything they had : money, weapons, and drugs. Tonight was not only about revenge for every single man that got wounded or died, but it was revenge for my wife. Her honor was worth every explosive that killed hundreds of the Polish.
I could feel the surge of pride that rushed through me when the bombs went off underground. You could hear them screaming and crying, but they wouldn’t see mercy or get a chance to repent.
My men barricaded every exit and entrance so they’d die down there like the dogs they were. Igor was prideful, and his ego was high on cloud nine when his men returned with bags and bags filled with everything the Polish owned in their storefronts.
He had lost a few men in the process, and after speaking of their bravery and strength, we cheered to the impending war that was upon us. Liam and I shared a few drinks with him before leaving his estate with the promise of meeting up when Suarez landed in Vegas in a few days.
It was later than when I usually got home, and I smelt like blood and smoke and reeked of sweat. I walked inside and went straight to my room. I didn’t even have the energy to eat whatever dinner Fiona left me.
I showered, took my time, and processed everything that’s happened these past few days. It was exhausting. I just wanted to catch a fucking break. I knew what happened today was child’s play and that the upcoming days were what were going to take me out.
I had to prepare, which meant more training, weapons, and protection around the house. I needed my wife, daughter, and Fiona safe. They were my top priorities. I knew Fiona knew how to handle a gun because I forced her to learn, making me think I needed to teach Elena. Just in case.
I needed her to know how to defend herself, albeit I was not there to do it for her. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around myself when someone knocked on the door. It was past three in the morning, and I doubted it was Aofie.
It was either one of my men or Fiona. I grabbed another towel to dry my hair and padded across my bedroom. I opened the door, and to my surprise, it wasn’t my men or Fiona. It was Elena. She was in soft-pink silk pajamas, and her hands were locked behind her back as she stared at me.
Her luscious dark locks were down, tumbling down her back in effortless waves. I love her hair like this. So uncontrolled, so wild, and untamed. Earnest, hazel eyes wandered over my chest blatantly. I saw her tuck her bottom lip between her teeth as she grazed those dark, sultry eyes all over my body.
Do you need anything ?
She blinked a few times before shaking her head to hide those tinted cheeks.
I-I was waiting for you to come home. It’s pretty late. You usually stop by my room when you come home.
I cocked a brow, amused. I didn’t know you knew that.
I lock my door at night, and when I wake up, it’s magically unlocked. She pointed out.
Right. I rubbed the back of my head. I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.
Her eyes grazed over my bruised and battered knuckles, and she took a step closer to me and reached for them.
What happened ?
I sighed. Someone burnt down one of my factories, and I lost a lot of good men.
Those beautiful eyes went wide. My god, who would do such a thing ?
Someone that isn’t alive anymore.
It was quiet as she pondered her next question. Polish or Italian ?
Italian.
I know you think I don’t know much about everything going on, but maybe we can just talk to my brother and tell him I’m safe. Maybe he’ll back off and cut ties with the Polish. She suggested.
Oh, baby.
It hurt to know she had so much faith in him. He didn’t deserve it. He had to be the most pathetic man ever to walk this Earth, and he wasn’t worthy of her. Maybe I wasn’t, either.
One of the many differences between us was that I’d strive to be worthy of her until my last breath left my body. My soul was filled to fucking brim with joy and love for Elena, and I ached to show her.
You have too much trust and hope in your brother, mo ghra amhain, I told her sadly.
Why do you have my name here ? She traced the knuckles but kept her eyes on me.
Because your name is mine. It belongs to me.
Her fingers went over her name, the tips of her fingers grazing over every letter.
How can my name belong to you ?
Everything that you are is mine and belongs to me.
She trailed a finger upward to my wedding ring, and traced the band. Why do you wear it when I don’t wear mine ?
That’s a stupid question.
Is it ?
I’m a married man. A happily married man.
Are you really happy being married to me ?
You ask a lot of stupid questions, mo ghra amhain.
Humor me.
I sighed in defeat. Yes, I’m happily married to you.
Even if I hate you.
I chuckled lightly. Especially because you hate me.
You’re a strange man, Callahan.
I shrugged. You stayed up all night to ask me if I’m a happily married man ?
No, I thought maybe you killed Enzo. I wanted to ask if you did.
No, not yet.
He’s my brother. She said with a scoff.
My anger came out immediately, and I yanked my hand away from hers. She dropped them to her side timidly.
War is war. I need to sleep. I have an even longer day tomorrow ahead of me. Either you get on my bed, or you leave.
Excuse me ? Get on your bed ? She stammered.
Yes, to sleep. I’m flattered you think I have energy, but I’m worn out.
You’re one of those old men, huh ? With no stamina. She mocked and crossed her arms over her chest as if challenging me.
But, hell, I saw the bait, and I fucking took it.
I cocked a brow. My stamina is fine, thank you very much, wife. I’m not one of those old men, but I’m an older man. Maybe that means you should call me Daddy.
Her confidence from earlier shattered, and her lips parted as she tried to sputter out a retort but came up empty. I thought I didn’t have energy, but now, it felt like I had tons of time and energy.
The conversation had gone a different way than I expected, but I wasn’t mad. She thought she was being so clever by challenging me. I’d show her who the fuck she was baiting.