The Real Deal: A Dublin Nights Novel

by Sahin, Brittney

  “Gentleman.” Pierce Danforth, The League leader in the U.K., stepped forward. “Signore Calibrisi asked me to speak on his behalf. He wanted this vote for his successor to happen tonight, and then after, for everyone to toast in celebration.”

  I’d said my goodbyes to Calibrisi an hour before he’d taken his last breath, and he made me promise I’d always look out for his daughter, Emilia. It was a promise I hoped I could keep, but protecting women I cared about didn’t always go as planned.

  I lowered my glass to my side and waited to hear the announcement of Calibrisi’s chosen successor. Twelve votes were needed. It wouldn’t be a done deal without most of us agreeing.

  “What is it, my friend?” Moreau asked when Danforth had yet to speak.

  Danforth flicked his wrist, and the men parted when Emilia started through the room. “Emilia Calibrisi has been chosen as the successor.”

  The crowd grew quiet, and I was pretty sure everyone was thinking the same damn thing. Would they allow a woman in charge of La Lega dei Fratelli? There were no official rules about it, but this was the first time they’d encountered the subject.

  Emilia stopped at the center of the fourteen of us. Black leather fitted pants, a red silk blouse, and dark heels. Her long black hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her eyes were made up with heavy liner, dark eyeshadow, and mascara. She was twenty-eight, but her age wouldn’t be an issue. It was the fact she was a woman.

  “I appreciate the condolences you’ve provided my family today,” she began, slowly moving in a three-sixty to make eye contact with each and every one of us. Her attention fell on me last. “I understand that this might come as a shock to you, but this is not only my papa’s wishes but mine as well.” She turned her hand into a fist and held it close to her chest. “I truly believe in the code of The League, and what it represents, and I think we can continue to grow and prosper, to do what my father and the rest of you originally set out to do.”

  She had balls to stand before these men like she not only belonged there, but she could lead them as well. She probably could, too. She’d always managed to get her father to do or give her whatever she wanted growing up, and that was no easy feat.

  “We must now vote in private,” Danforth said after Emilia offered a few more convincing reasons as to why she should join as leader.

  “Before we vote,” I began, stepping forward, “I propose we change the name of the organization to simply The League. It’s time we’re inclusive of women as well.”

  The League had originally been designed for the purpose of keeping women and children safe. To protect our cities. But there were a hell of a lot of women capable of protecting others, too. Emilia could go head-to-head in a battle with almost everyone there tonight, and I knew that since I’d helped train her.

  Emilia glimpsed my way, her red lips drawing together as she nodded her thanks.

  “I have to agree with him,” Moreau said. “The name is not nearly as important as our honor and what we represent.”

  “Let’s vote then,” Danforth said a moment later. Emilia left the room with a nod to everyone.

  It would be an anonymous vote, but I was fairly confident it’d go in Emilia’s favor. Calibrisi was one of the most respected League leaders, and if he wanted his daughter in power, he’d most likely have his dying wishes granted.

  * * *

  “Thank you for what you did.”

  I was on the forward deck of my boat, a bottle of Glenlivet in hand, staring at the messages from Holly when Emilia boarded. “You deserve it.”

  I’d never forget the first time I met my sister, and she followed me onto my yacht in Positano. Everything changed the day she walked into my life.

  “You okay?” Emilia zipped up her black leather jacket. “Papa said you haven’t been happy lately, with The League in particular,” she went on when I’d yet to answer. “Is that true?”

  “The League,” I said with a smile. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Mm. You’ve always been amazing at deflection.” She snatched my bottle. “Every time I brought up the subject of us dating you always changed the topic so quickly.”

  I looked toward the sea instead of meeting her eyes. I hadn’t anticipated this conversation, not tonight of all nights.

  “When we’d train, and you had me pinned beneath you in defeat—why didn’t you ever kiss me?”

  “Your father was in the room.”

  I looked back her way, squeezing the mobile even tighter in my hand. I missed Holly even though I had no right to.

  “True.” She chuckled. “But really, Sebastian, what’s going on? Papa asked me to look out for you.”

  Now I was the one smiling. “Funny. He asked the same of me for you.”

  “I figured. You’re the only one he trusts with me.”

  “Probably has to do with the fact that I always turned down your advances.”

  “Mm.” She took a sip, then added, “You do have a point.”

  “After he nearly killed Luca for sleeping with you, I think most men are terrified to even go near you.”

  “Luca would’ve deserved it,” she rasped. “But Papa is not the reason you refrain. So, who is the woman that has stolen your heart from all others?”

  Holly. It’d always be her. The woman owned me long before she ever knew it. But I controlled her safety, and it came with a heavy fecking price, one that would make her hate me.

  “I want to do things differently. Be a better leader.” She handed back the bottle, and I set it down at my side. “I fear we’re starting to lose our way. Greed has corrupted some members, and even leaders, in the organization. And this pact with the enemy . . .”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” I admitted. “But it feels like a no-win situation regardless of whether we break the truce or stay aligned.”

  Her dark lashes fluttered, and her eyes zeroed in on me. Something possibly dangerous whirling around in her mind.

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “Emilia.”

  “We could restore The League to our old glory days. Go after The Alliance like we used to.”

  “At what cost?” I whispered. “How much blood would be shed?” Now I sounded like Moreau, making excuses for why we let such evil people remain in existence.

  “Just consider it. I won’t make a move without you.”

  “It’s not that simple.

  “I think it is,” she answered with a determined lift of her chin.

  Her words reminded me of my sister, of Alessia’s hope. Her optimism.

  “I’ll think about it,” I said, but I’d never do anything to jeopardize Holly’s safety, and if I were to go against The Alliance, a target would land on Holly’s head—so no, how could I ever discuss this again?

  My sister died because of me. Like hell, I’d let that happen to Holly, too.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Sebastian

  The club was busier than normal, even for a Friday night. “You good?” I asked Ola after I’d rounded the bar to make myself a drink.

  “This new DJ certainly has brought in a big crowd tonight.” She wiped down the counter before her attention moved to someone shouting out multiple drink orders.

  I snatched the Proper Twelve from the shelf. I’d never be able to drink this again without thinking of Holly and our night together in Limerick. She didn’t even know I was home since I hadn’t responded to any of her calls or messages. Being an arse came easier than I liked to admit.

  “You serving drinks now?” Luca scooted one of the chairs out of his way and slapped his palms on the bar top.

  “Not for the likes of you,” I joked and joined him on the other side of the counter.

  “A woman in charge, huh?” He pressed his back to the bar and folded his arms, his eyes moving to the dance floor. The DJ had switched to a hardcore electronic song, and the crowd was going wild. “Hope she doesn’t order my balls cut off.”

  “You shouldn’t have slept
with Emilia, and then left her naked and alone in bed the next day.”

  “Actually, we never made it to a bed. That one is wild.” He sought my attention from over his shoulder. “But seriously, I’m concerned The League of Brothers—”

  “The League,” I corrected, and he grimaced.

  “They’ve gone soft.” His attention landed on two blondes dripping in diamonds, and not much else, approaching the bar. “Looks like I just found what I’m doing tonight.” He tipped his head their way. “Want to join me?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “Your loss, mon ami,” he said before moving in on the women.

  “Hey, just a heads-up,” Ola said from behind, and I pivoted to face her. “Someone called asking if you were in tonight, and I’m getting the feeling they’re not a friendly. They hung up before I could get a name.” She swept her blonde hair up into a messy bun. “Should I have interrupted your conversation with Fuck Face and told you sooner?”

  “I see Luca failed to win you over,” I said instead. “Again.”

  Ola’s eyes moved over my shoulder in Luca’s direction. “I know he’s your friend, but I really don’t like him. Just be careful, okay?”

  “Looking out for me, huh?”

  “You’ve always looked out for me. Maybe let someone return the favor?” She winked, then turned toward the shelves of liquor.

  I met Ola a few years ago when I was in Poland on business. She was tending bar in a dive of a club, and I happened to catch the owner smacking her around. I lost my cool and nearly killed the guy that night. When I checked on her the next day and discovered that the arsehole had come after her for payback, I offered her a new life in Dublin.

  Now she took nursing classes during the day and worked at the club a few nights a week.

  I turned back toward the club-goers and scanned the floor, a bad feeling creeping up the back of my neck. A few minutes later, I knew why when I spotted Cole McGregor heading straight for me.

  “You son of a bitch.” He reeled his fist back when he was within striking distance and swung.

  I dodged his punch and slammed him face-first onto the bar counter in one fast move, then twisted his arm behind his back. Seething, I brought my mouth to his ear, “What in the hell are you thinking?”

  “Need help?” Luca asked from behind, his voice casual.

  “No, stand down,” I ordered.

  Ola peered at me, alarm in her eyes. “Call the Garda?” she mouthed, and I shook my head no.

  I let Cole go and backed up a step. “What’s your problem?”

  “You,” he hissed and lunged my way.

  I blocked his efforts and flung him to the ground, the nearby patrons scattering.

  He stood and came at me again, but I grabbed hold of his forearm in time and kicked him in the abdomen, bringing him to his knees.

  The DJ stopped spinning, and security started our way. “I’m fine. Back off.” I didn’t need bouncers to handle Cole McGregor for me.

  The fight could easily turn into a spectator sport, though. Men and women were already crowding around us, eager to see what would happen.

  Every punch and effort Cole made, I deflected and stopped, responding on instinct.

  I tried not to hurt him, but I’d been conditioned over the years to fight. Trained by some of the best instructors in the world.

  He leaned forward now, breathless.

  I looked around at the crowd gaping at us, wishing they’d all just fecking leave.

  Cole took the chance to come at me, but I knocked him across the jaw. The switch inside had been flipped, and I hadn’t been able to stop myself. I threw a few gut shots as he attempted to defend himself, then secured a firm hold of the lapels of his jacket and flung him with all my strength, needing him to stay the hell down this time.

  I turned toward the crowd, my breathing deep, blood boiling. “Go!” I yelled, and they got the message.

  Cole sat upright, but his shoulders sloped with defeat, and he wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, drawing blood on it. “Alessia’s dead because of you,” he said, his voice breaking.

  I went completely still, but before I could come up with a response, Holly and Adam burst through the main doors of the club.

  “Sebastian,” she cried, her eyes set on me as she slowed her pace, then her attention drifted to Cole on the ground.

  Adam removed his overcoat and tossed it to the floor, then began rolling his sleeves to the elbows as he confidently strode my way. “You want someone to fight?” He pressed a hand to his chest. “Fight me.”

  “What’d you do to him?” Holly rushed to Cole and crouched alongside him.

  “I didn’t mean to,” I said under my breath, not sure she even heard me.

  “You shouldn’t have come,” she chided as she tried to help Cole stand, but he collapsed back onto the ground, unable to get up.

  I stood near the bar, not sure what the bloody hell to do. Adam rotated his neck from side to side and shook out his arms as if loosening up for a fight. It was the last thing I wanted.

  Sirens wailed outside, and the Garda would be there soon. Ola hadn’t called, but clearly someone had.

  “We know who you are.” Adam lined himself directly in front of me, arms hanging loosely at his sides.

  I lifted my hand between us to find Cole’s blood on my knuckles. “You should go.”

  “Is it true? Did you kill Alessia, your own sister?” It was more an accusation than a question. I wanted to look at Holly, but I needed to keep my eyes on the undefeated fighter in front of me. “You take her money? Is that how you got so rich?”

  I lowered my hand to my side and remained silent. When Adam swung, I knew it was coming, but this time I didn’t defend myself.

  My head snapped to the side, the movement giving me a glimpse of Cole now on his feet next to Holly, her arm looped around his back.

  “Stop,” she pleaded to Adam, but he came at me again, and my back hit the edge of the bar as he struck me.

  It took every ounce of self-control I possessed to let him hit me. A gut shot followed by a left hook. And now I knew why fighters feared his left. It hurt like a son of a bitch.

  I stood tall again, palms in the air. “I’m not going to fight back. So, you want to hit me, go ahead.”

  Adam lifted his hand, but Holly wedged herself in the tight space between us like a shield, facing her brother. “Stop, please.”

  “I want you out of our lives for good!” Adam slowly lowered his fist and sidestepped her to view me.

  My shoulders relaxed with his hand at his side. “I would like to, believe me.”

  Holly faced me, panic in her eyes. A million questions probably racing through her mind, but then she looked back at Cole taking a seat on the couch, clutching his side.

  Had I hurt him that badly?

  “Did you work with Donovan Hannigan?” A slight stammer of trepidation cut through her tone. “Are you with The Alliance?”

  Jesus. How in the hell did she learn about them? “You have no idea who I am or what I’ve done.” She needed to hear me. Understand me. Fear me. It was the only way to protect her.

  “You belong in jail,” Adam said, and my attention snapped his way. “And with any luck, you’ll end up there soon.”

  Before I could respond, five officers filtered into the club. “Everyone get down!” the Garda at the center of the men yelled.

  “We’re fine.” I moved away from Adam and Holly. “I’m not pressing charges.” I held my hands up to show I was unarmed. “There was an accident, that’s all.”

  The Garda in charge looked my way and tipped his chin in recognition. His gaze moved to the couch where Cole sat in a hunched position. “You sure, Mr. Renaud?”

  “Just an accident,” I repeated, hoping none of the McGregors spoke up.

  The officer nodded, then flicked his wrist, motioning the men to follow him out.

  “You should all go.” I slowly walked to the bar, brought my palms to the coun
ter and bowed my head. I wanted to hurt someone. I just didn’t want it to be any of them.

  “Sebastian, talk to me.” She was so close, I could feel the heat of her body behind me. After everything she’d apparently learned, why in God’s name did she give a damn what I had to say?

  “This isn’t over, Ryan.” Cole’s use of my real name had me turning around in shock. “I won’t stop until I have my revenge.”

  His dark eyes held a murderous glare. I could understand that. I lived and breathed hate every day, well, except when I was with Holly. She was the calm in my storm. My pain and anger ceased to exist when she was in my arms.

  I looked at her still standing too damn close, her hands fisted at her sides as if she was trying to keep from reaching out for me.

  I gathered a deep breath and let it go. “You should know the men responsible for Alessia’s death have been handled.” The truth. No reason to keep it hidden now. They knew too much, and it was clear that Cole, in his misguided belief I was responsible for her death, was willing to die to avenge Alessia.

  “What are you saying?” Cole stood but faltered and braced the table by the couch.

  “Just back down.” My command sounded like a watered-down plea, my energy fading fast. “I didn’t want to be in your lives.” My voice broke even more as anger sank its sharp teeth into my words.

  Adam circled Holly and stood in front of her, blocking my view of the woman I wanted to spend my life with. But what kind of life could I give a beautiful dreamer like Holly?

  I grew even angrier, wanting to blame Adam for making me fall for his sister. “You didn’t give me a fucking choice. This”—I closed the space between us and stared him down—“is your fault.”

  His brows tightened. “What in the hell are you talking about?”

  I leaned in. “Everything I’ve done has been to protect your family. Did you really think you could out a crime boss in front of the city without consequences?”