Easily deflectable.
Much too easily.
I grabbed her forearm and used her momentum to push her to the side. Talia tumbled slightly but found her footing before turning around and facing me with all the angry energy of a pissed off chihuahua.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Don’t piss me off more.” She threatens me, and her words make me laugh even more. Covering my mouth and swallowing down the rest of my laughs, I stand tall and put the mask that I use to intimidate others on. My arms fold in front of my chest, my shoulders rise, my eyes narrow and my jaw clenches.
“Jesus, it’s like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Talia says, moving closer to me and looking at me like I’m an animal at the zoo. “How the hell do you do that so quickly?”
“Years of practice. Now, try to take it from me.” I tell her, gesturing with my fingers in a come-hither motion. She rolls her shoulders, determination filling her face as she thinks this time before just going in like last time.
She walks closer to me and I put my hand out, knowing what she was going for. When one of my hands wrapped around her wrist, the other shot out and pulled the gun. I grabbed the wrist holding the gun, but she flipped the safety off as she pointed the gun at my balls.
I froze.
As would any other guy.
“Creative.” I say, approval lacing my tone.
“Maybe just the threat will keep them away from me.”
“Maybe. But if that doesn’t, you shoot it off. Understood?” I tell her, still holding on tightly to her wrists and pulling her closer.
“Yes, sir.” She says with a smile and kisses my lips sweetly.
“I hate this, you know.” I whisper against her lips, while I take the gun from her and flick the safety on. “I want you nowhere near these people. If I had it my way, you’d not be involved in the mafia life at any time but now you have to walk right into the center of everything bad? I couldn’t even ease you into this life.” I shake my head and turn away from her. She’s still not healed from everything she’d been through. We don’t know how she’ll react to seeing her tormentor in person again.
That was what was making me so worried. She shouldn’t have to ever be in the same room as that waste of space.
“It’s not fair to you.” I said softly, cupping her face. I’m sure the agony was clear on my face; I wasn’t trying to hide how I feel.
Talia wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head against my chest.
“I understand you’re worried. Scared for me. But I have to do this, Kieron. I have to. There will be people,people, sold and put through hell because of me. Because Luca can’t get over the blow to his ego and because I’m the cause for this stupid war where lives could be lost. I have to be a part of the solution.” She pulled back to look into my eyes. “Besides, I’m a Tavish now. It’s my job to help the Clan in any way I can. Right?” She smiled at me and I swear, I fell a little more in love with her.
“That’s right, lass.” I tell her with a smirk and laying on a thick Irish accent. “You are a Tavish now. The wife of the Second, a survivor and damn strong.”
The smile she gives me lights up her face like the sun.
“I am. And that’s why I want to be useful.” She says, “You know it’s a good plan.”
I sigh, “I know.”
Holding her close, I felt my phone buzz in the pocket of my jeans.
Saturday, 9:30pm EST. Martinique Hotel and Bar. Ballroom C. A Ms. Jessica Destoni is on the guest list. This is for sure a coverup for the ‘cargo’ drop. We need the location. Do not fuck this up with your possessive caveman jealousy, Tavish.
Another text comes in quickly.
Tavishs.
Another one.
But I mean you specifically, dumbass.
With a chuckle I show Talia the phone and take a deep breath. She looks strong, full of conviction and I know that no matter what, Talia is going to give this fight her all.
