Devil's Gamble

by Michele Arris

  “I’m sure we can find you something.” Caren led the way.

  They stepped into a massive kitchen filled with servers bustling about.

  Caren pulled open the industrial-size fridge. “Hmm, what about fruit?”

  Sienna shook her head. “No, thanks.”

  “Can I help you ladies?”

  Their heads turned to the right. Before Sienna could respond to the bald man who must have been the head chef, given that he was the only staff dressed in a white uniform, while the others were in full black, Caren said, “Tom, she’s looking for something light to eat.”

  “Ah, of course. Would a bowl of vegetables in chicken broth suit you?”

  “It would . . . and crackers if you have any. Thank you.” Sienna smiled appreciatively.

  “And a glass of water with lemon, if you wouldn’t mind,” Caren added with a smile that Sienna found genuinely warm directed at the man.

  “Coming right up.”

  They took a seat at a small table near the back of the kitchen to keep out of everyone’s way. Within minutes, a steaming bowl of goodness was set before her. Sienna inhaled and let the savory aroma soothe her hunger before digging in.

  “Have you and Gavin set a date, and will you try to get pregnant right away?”

  Swallowing down the mouthful, Sienna brought up the cloth napkin from her lap and wiped her mouth. The girl was direct, she had to give her that. “No, not yet, and Gavin and I haven’t discussed when or if we’ll have kids.”

  “If you do, my father would want his first grandchild to be a boy.”

  Had Sienna not looked up again, she would have missed the very brief scowl that creased Caren’s forehead. There was an undercurrent of something felt in her words . . . not sure what. “I don’t think your father wants me in particular to become his daughter in-law, let alone give him a grandchild, boy or girl.”

  Caren’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “Not so. He’s been out back telling anyone who’d listen that Gavin’s engaged and that you two will give him a grandson. He’s super excited.” She made a hand motion resembling a drink at her mouth. “He’s a bit tipsy, I’ll admit. Pop likes his whiskey, but I know he’s thrilled. He’s not one to get jolly about much. You seemed to make him laugh. That’s saying a lot.” She nodded. “Yes, he wants you and Gavin to marry, and for you to give him a grandson. If he could, he would demand it.”

  Sienna didn’t know if she should be pleased or worried about that. The latter most likely.

  “What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

  Caren looked around then leaned in, whispering, “Don’t tell anyone. There’s this guy I’ve been talking to at my gym.”

  “Why so secretive?”

  “If my father finds out, he’ll want to have him checked out.”

  Sienna leaned in, mirroring her pose, and whispered, “Checked out? How?”

  “You know, have him and his family checked. If he isn’t satisfied with the report . . . ” Brows puckered, she sat back and let the rest of her thought hang in momentary suspense silence. “How’s the soup?”

  “Very good, thanks.” Sienna wanted to know more about this checked out business. That all too familiar spine chill started a slow roll down her back over what the answer might be. The topic was placed on her mental list of things to discuss with Gavin later.

  A sudden yawn escaped her. The weight of the entire day was starting to catch up with her. She finished up the soup and then brought the bowl and glass to the sink. One of the staff kindly took over the chore of rinsing and placed the dishes in the dishwasher. The kitchen ran like a well-oiled machine.

  “I think I’ll go lie down in Gavin’s room if that’s okay.”

  “Sure, of course. Let’s exchange cell numbers. You can text me if there’s anything you need.” They quickly did so and then left the kitchen.

  “You’ll likely not get much rest. There will be fireworks later. Eddie’s out back now setting everything up. He does this really cool light show. He goes all out. The presentation seems to get bigger and bigger each year.”

  “Caren?”

  They both turned around. Abela stood a few yards away, keeping her distance as if Sienna carried a contagion. “I see you’re being summoned.” She stared back at Abela’s venomous scowl. Really? You want to take it there with me? Bring it. A slight flare of understanding appeared in the woman’s cold, brown eyes. Abela was smart to look away. Turning back to Caren, Sienna smiled. “Maybe I’ll come down once the light show starts.”

  “Sounds good.” Getting another call out from Abela, Caren trotted off.

  Sienna took note of Abela’s side-eye before the pair ambled away. Like I got time for that nonsense. Dismissing the woman, she made her way back to Gavin’s room. Leaving the desk lamp on, she took off her sandals but remained dressed and climbed into the large bed, settling atop the comforter.

  It took effort to quiet her thoughts about many aspects of the day before she drifted off to sleep.

  Hours later, a cool hand stroked over her hip and in between her thighs, waking her from a rather sound sleep.

  “Hey, sweetness.”

  Smooth lips and light kisses grazed her neck. She rolled over into strong, cradling arms. That Shane guy could learn a thing or two from his cousin. “You made it back.” Fully dressed, his clothes carried a hint of nicotine.

  “Yep. Did you get something to eat?”

  “Um hum.” Resting her head in the crook of his shoulder, nuzzling close, she draped an arm across his waist and a leg over his hip, stroking the heel of her foot up and down his jean-clad leg in complete contentment.

  Loud bangs, followed by whistling sounds rang out before the room was bathed in streaks of Technicolor light.

  “How can you sleep through all of that noise? Eddie’s got an entire arsenal of fireworks. He’ll be at it for who knows how long.”

  “I was really tired. Your family knows how to bang out a party, that’s for sure.”

  “True that. When it comes to celebrating, they go at it pretty hard.” His hand slipped inside her panties, and a middle finger leisurely massaged her clit.

  “So, that was your last assignment?” A soft pant. Sienna rocked her hips against his skillful touch. “You’re done, right?” More loud pops and crackling broke into their intimate space. She reared back to look at him. “Gavin, I asked, are you done?”

  “Sie-Sie, I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep you safe, know that.”

  She frowned. “What does that have to do with what I asked you? Are you planning to continue to work for your father, become leader of the southeast as he wants or not?”

  “That’s not quite what it’s called.”

  She shoved his hand from between her legs and came out of his embrace, contentment instantly evaporated. “Leader, ruler, dictator, who gives a damn what it’s called. Are you planning to take the job, that’s all I want to know?” Again, no reply. He merely rolled to his back and stared up at the intermittent rainbow of color casted across the vaulted ceiling. Hurt, undercut by betrayal, she released a deep exhale for calm, sat up, and brought her legs over the side of the bed, slipping on her sandals. “I guess that’s my answer.”

  A caressing hand stroked along her spine. “My pop wants to strike a deal with me. He’ll let us be, if I agree to look after his southeast territory,” he muttered. “I didn’t say I’d do it.”

  She looked back at him. “But you’re thinking on it. I can tell. You keep saying how I’m your family first and how you want to keep me away from all of this. Now you’re about to take over as mob boss for that old guy in the wheelchair.” Anger and frustration mounting, she waved a dismissing hand. “You know what, forget it. You do you. I’m not going to—” Thundering booms rang out in quick succession. In a speed that stunned her, he leaped from the bed, and grabbed her with both hands on his tumble to the floor, rolling her beneath him. His hand cradled her head and pushed her face into the crook of his neck.

/>   “Gavin, what the hell!” She tried to rise, but his full weight pinned her solidly against the cool hardwood floor.

  “That’s gunfire. Stay down.”

  Sienna went stock-still as loud screams were heard. She’d thought it was more fireworks.

  When the popping stopped, he drew back just slightly and ran a hand all over her. “You’re okay?”

  She nodded, feeling her heartbeat in her feet. “What happened?”

  “I don’t know.” He got up, yet stayed low on his way to the window. “Stay down.” With his back shielded against the wall, he widened the wooden slats of the blinds, leaned to the side, and peeked out.

  “What is it?” The room was situated at the rear of the house with a good view of the backyard party. “Gavin?”

  “Security is fully armed. Everyone must have fled inside. Tables are overturned. What the . . . there’s a body . . . ” He raced to the closet.

  “A what!” Sienna watched him search the top shelf, reached far in back, and pulled out what looked like a men’s shaving bag. “Gavin, what’s going on?” Her breath hitched at the sight of the gun he pulled from it. The chamber was quickly clipped opened and checked. Fully loaded. “You keep a loaded gun in this room?”

  “Every room in this house has a loaded gun in it.” The matter-of-fact tone in his voice was scarier than the look of that black steel in his hand.

  “Is there a gun at your apartment?” His direct stare was answer enough. She rapidly shook her head. “All of this . . . this place . . . I have to get the hell out of here.”

  “You stay put and stay down.” He stalked to the door.

  Ignoring his clipped command, she rushed to him. “No, I’m coming with you.”

  “Sienna, I need to see what’s going on. You’ll be safe in here.”

  “I’ll be safe with you. I can’t sit in here. Wh-what if something happens to you?” Her voice bubbled over in a stuttering panic, eyes instantly watering.

  He drew her close and kissed her lips before his forehead came to rest lightly against hers. “I’ll be fine.”

  She drew back, but her hands remained clutched on his arms. “You don’t know that. You didn’t pull out that loaded gun for shits and giggles.”

  “I just want to be prepared if shit goes even more sideways.” Seeing her ready to object, he finally conceded. “Stay close to me.”

  “Okay.” Heck yes, she would. As if she needed to be told twice.

  He eased open the door and peeked out, then they slowly made their way downstairs with him checking corners and corridors along the way.

  The great room was packed in chaos. Mothers were cradling their crying children; men were yelling and rushing around in a confused disarray. Through it all, Eddie, along with several other men, was trying to get everyone to settle down.

  Sienna found Dylan, who was consoling his wife, Angie, she presumed. Among them were Caren, Abela, and Nana Rue. “Gavin, there’s your family over there.” She searched the crowd. “Where’s your father?” With his towering height, the man should be easy to locate, but he wasn’t there.

  “Everybody shut up!” Gavin roared in a resonance that abruptly brought the entire room to heel. He tucked the gun in the front waistband of his jeans, took her hand, and then they moved to the center of the room. “Emmett, get the women and children downstairs now. Who’s on the security gates?”

  Dylan came forward. “Not sure. It happened so fast. Everyone was watching the fireworks at the time it all went down.”

  Gavin scowled. “Fireworks! Are you fucking kidding me?” A stiff index finger pointed at several men in black suits. “You, you, and you, see that the gates are secure.”

  As Emmett ushered the women and children out, he looked back. “What about her?”

  Sienna met the man’s direct stare, then turned to Gavin, lightly squeezing his hand. “I’m not leaving you.”

  “She stays with me.”

  “You sure about that? You don’t need her hanging on you with all of this shit going down. She’ll just get in the way.”

  Gavin’s brows dipped low. “Are you sure you want to stand there and argue with me?” The man evidently thought better of it and walked on.

  As Gavin barked out orders with no objection, strutting around with that gun openly displayed at his middle, Sienna was getting kind of turned on seeing him in this light. She frowned. What the hell! Ugh, that’s sick and twisted. This place is rubbing off on me. She shuddered at the ugly thought.

  With the room now free of frightened, wailing women and children, she felt she could breathe and think a little better. It lasted mere seconds as her breath lodged right back up in her throat at the sight of the blood-soaked, overturned, empty wheelchair.

  “Dear god!” Her head jerked to Gavin, who stared at the crimson puddle staining the oak hardwood floor.

  “Where’s Pop and Mr. McCrae?” Gavin asked with an anxious look at Eddie. “No one was doing their fucking job, that’s how this happened! Watching fireworks,” he growled.

  “They’re in the office with Mr. McCrae,” Edwin said. “Pop was hit in the shoulder. McCrae took two in the chest. He was the target, sure enough. Dylan and I were told to stay out here to get everyone under control. We should be in there with him. What if Pop dies?” He looked at his older brothers with heightened fear in his eyes.

  Sienna’s attention drew to a staff person on his knees now sopping up the blood from the floor. She looked out through the open French doors. Several more staff in their shadowy black uniforms were righting tables and chairs and cleaning up debris, all working with a mechanical calm as though this was a normal day in the life when one works for a mafia kingpin.

  Still holding a firm grip on her hand, Gavin crossed the room to the office. His brothers followed.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  A straight up gangster.

  Seated shirtless in the armchair in front of his desk, bristles of red hair with sprinkles of gray split his lumberjack wide chest. Legs spread and braced steady, Murtagh clutched a bottle of Kavanagh brand whiskey as another man worked a sharp tool into his shoulder, digging it in deep. He hardly winced as he brought the bottle to his mouth, swallowing down a hefty gulp.

  If there ever had been an image of what Sienna pictured a mob boss to look like, the man before her was a clear-cut depiction.

  Blood oozed from the open womb. He used a towel already stained in blood to wipe his chest. She turned away to stop herself from vomiting on the mafia king’s buffed black shoes, only to see a figure stretched out on the floor, covered . . . no, he was skillfully shrouded in a blue and green checkered wool blanket like sausage within casing. Mr. McCrae. Her hand flew to her throat; a shiver rushed through her as she stared at the motionless man. This is madness!

  Gavin’s arm slipped around her waist, stroking her side. “Sweetness, you shouldn’t be around any of this. Go downstairs. We’ll leave as soon as I’m done.”

  “I’m fine.” Not wanting to leave his side, Sienna swallowed down the bile.

  “Pop, are you okay? That looks pretty bad.” Dylan handed him a clean towel from the desk, that was used to wipe away more blood streaming down the man’s chest.

  “I’ll live if Bran here can pull the bloody beast from my shoulder.”

  “What the hell was this about?” Gavin asked.

  “I told you, son, there are those who don’t want to see me have McCrae’s territory. Conal suspected he had a traitor in his camp, someone that wanted him dead, sooner than later, so they could take his seat.”

  “Pop, this was an execution,” Eddie barked. “I’ll bet that fucker’s wishing he was dead now that Miser’s got a hold of him.”

  Gavin turned to Eddie. “What are you talking about?”

  “Miser capped one of the dudes who shot Pop. The other one who shot Mr. McCrae was caught before he could get away. Miser has him out back in the tool house.” Eddie’s grin was sickly malicious. “He’ll get him to talk.”

&nbs
p; Dear god! I’m about to marry into this freak show. What exactly was Miser doing to the guy? Sienna’s imagination went into a rapid tailspin of possibilities. She felt the added pressure of Gavin’s hand at her side, easily reading her unmasked scowl of fear and disgust.

  “They were both sacrificial lambs,” Murtagh said around swallows from his bottle. “They snuck in to do a job with no expectation of leaving alive, that much is certain. What they don’t know is Conal and I had already worked out the logistics. Those papers you and Dylan shuttled back and forth were legal ease to get the matter settled. The docs have already been sent up to the top head in Ireland. We—” Murtagh’s green eyes locked on Sienna as though he’d just noticed her standing there. He scowled. “Gavin, your fiancée should go downstairs with the women and children. This is a private business matter.”

  Gavin turned to her. “Go. It shouldn’t take long. Like I said, we’ll leave as soon as I’m done here.”

  “No, you won’t be leaving,” Murtagh chimed in. “There are things we need to iron out in your new role.” He looked over at the man beneath the blanket; his eyes filled with grief. “We were mates from infancy. He was my brother. Those bastards took him before he was ready.”

  “I got it, sir.” Bran, the makeshift medic in a dark suit held within a narrow tweezer a mangled blood-soaked bullet. He dropped it into the silver ashtray on the desk, and then began cleaning and dressing his handiwork.

  “It’s about bloody time.” Murtagh chugged from the bottle of whiskey once more. When he looked at her again, he cut a small smile. “Sienna, darling, you go relax. It would seem this engagement has become quite timely. Let’s hope you birth me a grandson soon after the two of you wed. I have big plans for him.”

  Listening to the man’s thick accented voice that he attempted to lace with warmth, sweat trickled down Sienna’s spine. She turned to Gavin. “What does that mean?” Her head turned back to Murtagh. “What plans?”

  His small smile was now a wide grin. “I will see that my grandson is properly groomed. Legacy, lass. We Kavanaghs have been around a long time. I intend to make certain that we continue for many years to come.”