Page 110 of Reckless Desires

“Killian,” Mickey’s gravelly voice answers, laced with surprise and relief. “Lucky bastard, you’re still alive.”

The phone is on speaker, and I glance at Jenni, who is holding her breath, anticipating what comes next.

“Well, that depends on how this call goes,” I reply, my eyes darting between Viktor’s smug expression and Jenni’s anxious demeanor. “There’s a little girl we need to locate.” I nod at Jenni. “What’s her name? Give him some details.”

Clearing her throat, Jenni takes a moment to compose herself. “She’s five, with red hair as bright as fire and crystal blue eyes that sparkle like the ocean. The cutest freckles dust her cheeks. She loves to sing,” she chokes out, tears shimmering in her eyes.

“Ah, little girl by the name of Evie?” Mickey replies, a hint of warmth in his voice. “We found a place where a few children were locked in a basement. She’s been here learning how to make jam. She’s pretty good at it.”

I couldn’t be more grateful for allowing random children to hide out at my place back in Ireland.

“I can’t trust a man’s word. I want proof,” Jenni insists, her voice trembling, uncertainty creeping in.

There’s a pause, a loaded silence, and then the sound of the sweetest voice breaks through the air, pure and innocent.

“Hello?”

“Evie?” Jenni’s eyes widen, sparkling with a mixture of hope and disbelief.

“Mum?”

“Are you safe?” she asks urgently, the love in her voice palpable.

“Yeah. Me and the rest of the kids are here at this castle! I can eat as much jam here as I want!”

Jenni lets out a soft, relieved laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Good. Listen now, I want you to be a good girl. I love you so much.”

“Okay, Mum. Do I have to go back to the mean lady?” she asks innocently, her voice quivering just slightly.

“No,” Jenni reassures her firmly. “You’re in good hands now. I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Okay,” Evie replies. “Love you! Bye!”

Viktor sneers, his malice palpable. “It’s just a matter of time before my people get their hands on her,” he taunts, a wicked glint in his eye.

Jenni begins to shake, her fear radiating off her. In that moment, Viktor’s anger becomes my advantage. With precision, I launch myself at him, my fist connecting with his jaw.

I slam his head into the ground repeatedly, the sickening crunch of bone echoing in the confined space. Blood sprays everywhere.

I don’t stop.

I can’t stop.

It’s as if a primal instinct has taken over.

“Killian, you need to go before more of them come!” Jenni cries, pulling me off him with surprising strength.

Regaining my footing, I wipe the sweat from my brow, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. “What the fuck Jenni!?” My breathing is heavy. “You disappeared on me twice! And now I’m finding out I have a child?!”

She nods, her gaze steady yet pained. “I’m sorry, Killian.” She begins to choke up. “I was kidnapped on my way to meet you at the dock. I’ve been under Vidalia’s control since then.”

I take a good look at the woman that I once loved with all my heart. She’s worn down. The light in her eyes is gone, and now her face is etched with years of exhaustion and a hard life.

Jenni goes on. “I had managed to escape. Being on my own for the first time in over half my life, the only thing I knew was to use my body, and I was desperate for work. I had heard your name being said around England, and I made sure to get in front of you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me then what happened?” I demand, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“I was ashamed!” she shouts. “This wasn’t the life I wanted, but when I found you, I knew it would all be over.”