Moving back to Kai’s side, I take his hand, letting Callum lead us down the hall. Instead of meeting in an office like my father would demand, we are in the sitting room.
Killian stands by the window, looking out. When we walk in, he turns, relief filling his face when his eyes meet mine.
“Cleo, I was so worried. Are you okay?”
I move toward him, hugging him when I get to his side. He lets me, hugging me back.
“I’m great. Kai and Kenji got me out safe,” I tell him as he lets me go.
He nods. “Let’s take a seat. We have a lot to discuss. Do you want a drink?”
He asks the room, but we all say no. Everyone takes a seat, me choosing to sit next to Kai. I don’t miss the way Killian watches Kai’s every move, especially when his hand lands on my thigh.
Part of me wants to squirm like I’ve been caught doing something wrong, but the other part wants him to see what I mean to Kai.
Kai clears his throat, speaking first. “I’ve taken care of the threats within my organization. I suggest you do the same.”
I want to smack him. His voice is hard, coming off as an asshole. I expect Killian to react negatively but am surprised when he doesn’t.
“They are being taken care of as we speak. Thank you for your assistance. I assume you’re now the leader making decisions for your family?”
Kai nods. “That I am. You should know, I have claimed Cleo publicly. I plan to marry her and make her my queen.”
My heart is in my throat. This fucking guy is going to ruin everything. We needed Killian’s permission to prevent a war.
“Kai,” I chastise before turning to Killian. “I apologize. It’s been a rough twenty-four hours for us.”
Killian chuckles. “Cleo, do you want to marry Haruaki?”
My heart hitches. “Yes.”
Killian looks back at Kai, staring for a moment. Then he looks back at me.
“Your father is still alive, but he won’t be for long. Your mother was killed in the attack,” he says, shooting Callum a look. “If you want to stay with Kai, then you have my permission to do so. I will be leaving a new leader here. I hope that with new leadership on both parts along with this marriage, we can bury the hatchet and start anew.”
My heart aches. “What about Miss Kelly? Rosa?”
Killian smiles. “Both are fine. It seems your father was doing unspeakable things to Rosa. She has asked for reassignment for her and her child. I will be taking them back to New York with me and finding a family to place her with. Miss Kelly has requested to stay. She would like to see you.”
“I want to see her too.” Then a thought hits me. “Rosa’s baby. It was my father’s, wasn’t it?”
He looks sad. “It was. It will be your sibling. Rosa does not want the baby to know about their father, but if you would like to be in the baby’s life, she would be happy to remain in touch.”
I lean against Kai, sad for Rosa and her child. My father was evil.
Kai hugs me to him.
“I think Rosa should make whatever decision is best for the child. I’ll be the sister, aunt, or even an acquaintance. I would like to meet the child though, if she agrees,” I say softly.
“You’re such a kind soul, Cleo.”
Kai speaks up then, “You mentioned a new leader. When can we arrange a meeting? I would like the transition to be as easy as possible. I want Cleo protected at all costs, even if that means a treaty with you.”
Killian glances over to Callum. “It seems my new leader has already taken a liking to you, Haruaki. Callum, would you like a treaty with the Yakuza?”
My eyes widen as I look at Callum. He winks at me.
“As long as it means I can maintain a friendship with Cleo.”
