“Why do you want to make an offer, anyway?” Kenji asks, a knowing look in his eye.
Why do I want to make a formal offer?
I remember the way she felt against me. The way my heart beat faster when she pressed her lips to mine. Yes, I had a physical reaction. My dick had no problem wanting her, but it was more than that.
She intrigued me.
She had every right to be afraid. Fuck, I was trying to mess with her, but she stood her ground. Even when she was shaking, she still stood there and faced me, looking me in the eye.
Let’s not mention how she stepped in between Killian and me, almost like she was protecting me.
Does she feel this connection too?
“It’s a good move. Having the Irish at my back while also ending the feud looks good on me. It helps my position for when I finally challenge him. You know as well as I do I need to have shit in place otherwise I’ll be challenged immediately.”
“Sure.” He teases, “How about we offer them half a million upfront, five percent of the casino for the next five years, and a treaty stating the feud is done and we will come to their aid if needed.”
I think it over. Fuck, Cliona is worth more than that.
“Offer one million. Take it from my personal account since this is not a sanctioned offer.”
He nods. “Got it. I’ll run it over now.”
* * *
Hours later,I’m still sitting in my living room looking out over the city. I’m too amped up to go to sleep.
Usually, this is when I would seek out a fight, but not tonight.
When Kenji called to tell me my offer was delivered, he also told me to wait by the phone for a call from the Irish.
So here I wait.
Finally, my phone lights up.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Haruaki. This is Killian O’Reilly.”
“What can I do for you?” My voice is calm, but my heart is racing.
“I’ve received your offer. It’s a good one. I noticed your father did not sign off on it though.”
“He does not agree with my move, but trust that he will be more agreeable shortly.” I keep my words vague.
Truth is, I’ll put him down if he attempts to interfere.
“Understood. I must ask, though. Why Cleo?”
I swallow hard. “I believe the feud between our families has gone on too long. My father holds on to the grudge out of spite, not caring if it’s what is best for our family. I would like to tie our families together. Show him and my people that we can come together without bloodshed. That we can coexist in this city without fucking with each other around every corner.”
“All admirable reasons, but why Cleo? You could marry any Irish maiden. Why her?”
My gut clenches. This is a test.
“You’ve heard the rumors about me. I’m the dark prince. She would be my princess. I will care for her as such. Besides, you can’t tell me you didn’t feel the chemistry in that hallway tonight.”
He is silent a moment. “She seemed to take a liking to you. Have you been seeing her behind our backs?”
