Page 6

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he fights with himself. He’s definitely regretting this conversation; I can tell.

“I’m not going to kill you,” he finally says. “But if I have to hogtie you and throw you into the basement for your own good—for Maeve’s safety—I fucking will.”

Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms. “You definitely could. But I don’t think my sister would appreciate that.”

“I swear to God, kid⁠—”

“Jesus.” Ben coughs, stopping next to me, two wardrobe bags over his shoulder. With blond locks dusted in snow, he’s dressed similarly to me: hoodie, jeans, and snow boots. Easier to blend in. “Reaper.” He gulps audibly, jaw quivering.

Killian glares at him. “Ben. What are you two up to tonight?”

“Uh…”

Taking my bag off Ben’s shoulder, I grin at Killian and block my friend. As a shield, and to stop him from talking. I’m the only one not afraid of Killian—Ben will fucking sing if he so much as sighs at him.

Can’t have him telling my plans.

“Party. You know, just a couple of guys going out for the night.”

“Party,” he drawls, crossing his arms. He scans Ben, then me again. He knows I’m lying, but he doesn’t call me on it. “There’s a bounty on your head. Or did you forget?”

I shrug. “Nothing I haven’t heard before.”

“And you think it’s wise to be out, knowing all of this? Knowing everything we just talked about?”

I scoff, “Do I do anything wise, Reaper?”

He gives me a poignant look. He’s not buying my shit either.

“I promise to keep him out of trouble,” Ben pledges, hand on my shoulder.

Killian rolls his eyes. “That’s comforting.”

“Listen,” I say, catching Killian’s gaze. “You could make good on your threat, kidnap me, bring me into the basement, and keep me there, or you could let me live my life.” I shrug. “Let me run wild. Make trouble. Go to a party and possibly be seen. Your choice.”

Stepping into my space, Killian tsks slightly, pulling my vest higher. Such a mother hen.

“I’m warning you, kid,” he mumbles, for my ears only. “It better be just a party. Bruno is not one to mess with. Stay away from him. Let us work.”

“Right.” I sigh. “Because you’ve done such a great job so far.”

He’s quite literally had us by the balls for the last two years. I’m tired of waiting for another attack. It’s time I did something for my family. Be caught, shot, whatever, afterward. Tonight, I make good on my promise.

“Briar—”

“I’m going to be late,” I excuse, knocking his chest brotherly. “Good talk, by the way. Give my sister a kiss for me.”

Before I turn, he grabs my arm, halting me. His fingers press so deep, I know I’ll have bruises.

“If you die, it will fucking destroy her.” His dark eyes glare at me. “She fucking raised you. I raised you⁠—”

“I’ll be fine,” I cut in. I don’t want the lecture—I don’t want the reminder. You’re the baby of the family, blah, blah… “Have a good night, Killian.”

Grabbing Ben, I drag him away, cutting through the throng of people. We blend in, keep our backs to the Reaper, and dart into a side store. The smell of rich leather and cologne wraps us in a gentle embrace as men laugh together on barber chairs.

We stand there quietly, letting the crowd pass by the windows. No one bothers us, and we settle into the warmth. We hold our breath as the Reaper stalks by, and we duck behind the wall. I don’t think he saw me—but who knows. Killian sees everything.

“Should we do this?” Ben asks, eyes never leaving the hitman’s back. “He’s right, you know. Bruno isn’t one to mess with. What if you start a war over this stunt?”