“Let’s get this show on the road,” Blaise says. As usual, he stays standing while Flint and Ash take a seat in soft leather chairs near my desk. I sit behind the desk, happy to finally be here, yet sad that my father didn’t live to see this.
"Our informants confirm Hampton's accounts are vulnerable," Flint says, sliding documents across the table. "We can start the asset transfer tomorrow."
I nod, studying the papers. "Good. We need to reclaim everything he stole from us. Every business, every property, every connection."
"What about the shipping routes?" Blaise asks. "The Keans rerouted everything through their own channels."
"We take them back," I say simply. "I've already reached out to our old contacts in the harbor. They remember the Ifrinn name. They remember who treated them fairly."
Ash scoffs. "They remember who paid better. Hampton bought the loyalty we earned."
"Then we'll remind them what happens when you choose the wrong side." I tap my fingers on the table. "We're not just taking back our operations. We're erasing Hampton's legacy entirely."
Flint leans forward. "The loyalty ceremony will help with that. Most families are eager to pledge to us now that they know we're alive."
"And the rest?" Blaise asks.
I meet each of their eyes. "The rest will fall in line when they see what happens to the Keans. When they see my marriage to Keira."
"About that," Ash starts, but I cut him off.
"It's decided. The marriage gives us legitimacy with the old guard and sends a message." I don't add that I can't seem to stay away from her, that something beyond revenge pulls me to her.
"Fine," Ash concedes. "But we need to move quickly on the businesses. Hampton's lieutenants are already trying to carve up territory."
"Let them try," I say coldly. "By the end of the week, Boston will know the Ifrinns are back. And we're taking everything."
The meeting shifts to logistics as we hash out details for the ceremony. Blaise passes a tablet around showing security plans when my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.
Watch your back.
I'm about to mention it when the office door bursts open.
"Get down!" I shout, reaching for my gun I’d set on my desk.
Three men in tactical gear storm in, weapons raised. I recognize Carson, Hampton's head of security, leading the charge. My gun is already in hand as I duck behind my desk.
Thank fuck, my brothers are moving as well. Ash reacts instantly, flipping a worktable for cover while Flint pulls his weapon. Blaise is already moving, tackling one gunman before he can get a clean shot.
"You're supposed to be dead, Ifrinn!" Carson shouts, firing wildly in my direction.
I squeeze off two shots, catching his shoulder. "Sorry to disappoint you?"
The office erupts in gunfire and shattering glass. A bullet grazes my arm, hot pain slicing through my skin. I ignore it, focusing on the threat.
Flint catches the second man with a clean headshot. The body drops like a stone.
Blaise is wrestling with the third attacker, their struggle violent and desperate. I can't get a clear shot with them tangled together.
"Hampton sends his regards," Carson snarls, pressing forward despite his wound.
Ash emerges from cover, firing twice. Carson staggers, red blooming across his chest, but stays upright through sheer hatred.
I rise to my feet, my weapon trained on his heart. "Hampton should have sent more men."
He raises his gun for one final attempt. I don't hesitate. My bullet catches him between the eyes.
Behind me, Blaise finally subdues his opponent with a sickening crack of bone. The man screams, arm bent at an unnatural angle.
