Page 86 of Reckless Desires

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Killian

“We have a problem,” Donal says to me once I slide onto the worn leather seat. The dim light from the streetlamps casts flickering shadows across the dashboard, creating an uneasy atmosphere.

“There’s always a problem,” I remind him, my tone flat. “I want to hear you have a solution.”

Donal’s eyes dart to the rearview mirror before he continues. “Looks like the Russians have been attacking Alessio’s men.”

I raise an eyebrow, skepticism creeping into my voice. “And how is that our problem? Our alliance with Alessio is done. If the Russians are turning on the Costello family, better for us.”

He hesitates, clearly weighing his words. “It could escalate, Killian. If they keep pushing, it might spill over into our territory again. We can’t afford to get caught in the crossfire.”

Donal isn’t aware of my agreement with Nico Vidalia or the intricate web of alliances and betrayals I wove during my time in Ireland. But once Lily questioned if her trafficking could be an inside job, I knew my gut feeling was right. Of course, all along I felt something wasn’t adding up. I chalked it up to it being paranoia, which becomes a mental illness when you’re the one in power. The first people you look at are the ones closest to you.

I turn my head in his direction, narrowing my gaze. “You’re not telling me everything, Donal. You’re usually better at keeping your head in the game. What aren’t you saying?”

“Killian, I report to you as soon as I get any information.”

“Let’s take a drive,” I say, my voice deceptively calm.

He glances at me, confusion flickering in his eyes, but he nods, shifting the gear into drive. I direct him down a series of back roads, away from the main streets where prying eyes can easily spot us. The further we go, the more isolated the surroundings become, the shadows of the trees closing in around us. A sense of unease settles in my gut. If Donal is a traitor, then so is the rest of the unit—or at least that’s what I choose to believe—and if that’s the case, then they all must die.

“Donal,” I begin slowly. “I need to know where your loyalties lie.”

He swallows hard, his hands tightening on the wheel. “I’m with you, Killian. You know that. I’ve always been with you.”

I let the silence stretch for a moment, watching him carefully. “Then why do I feel like I’m talking to a stranger? You’re not acting like yourself since I’ve been back.”

He hesitates, the tension palpable. “I’m just worried about the gang, about us. The Russians—they’re not to be underestimated. If they think they can come into our territory…” His voice trails off as I reach into my pocket. I pull out a gun.

I begin to clean it with a pocket cloth. “You know, I sent Alessio a package. Something I thought would wake him up a bit. But instead, I get Darius and Cameron at my door.”

His eyes widen, and he quickly glances away. “Killian, I made sure Alessio received the package⁠—”

“Exactly,” I interrupt sharply. “Which is why I can’t understand how Alessio hasn’t reached out yet personally.”

“The girl is just leverage. Maybe the kid has finally understood the priorities of a leader.”

“And how would Darius and Camerson know where I was at the exact time they showed up to my house?”

He shrugs. “There are only two places you’d be. The bar or at home.”

“They don’t know where I live, Donal.” The air feels thick, and I see Donal’s throat try to swallow.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone that,” he assures me. “I’ve been on the streets watching Alessio’s men get killed left and right.”

“If you were truly loyal, you’d be fighting for our interests, not worrying about Alessio’s men.” I place the pocket cloth inside my suit jacket. “Be honest with me, Donal. Are you playing both sides?”

He glances back at me, fear mingling with defiance in his eyes. “You know I’m with you! I’ve always had your back.”

But in this moment, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that he is hiding something. I have to know for certain. I need to push him further, to see how far his loyalty will stretch.

“Okay,” I say, my voice low and steady. I put my gun back into my holster. I point for him to make a turn at the next light. At the end of the road is an empty building where Donal stops the car.

“What is this?” he panics.

“Let’s go inside.” I smirk, nodding for him to get out of the car.