Binding Rose: A Dark Mafia Romance(15)

“Five years?” I ask, completely overwhelmed with everything he’s saying.

Is it possible that I can have my freedom after all? One that isn’t chained to the Irish mob?

“I see the idea pleases you.” My brother smirks.

“I never considered it to be an option.”

“Well, it is, hermana. Do you think you can handle five years?”

“Yes.” I don’t even have to think about it, blurting out the word with the biggest smile on my face.

The thought that all I have to endure is five years is like someone reducing my life sentence to a misdemeanor.

“Good. Now buckle up, we’re about to land. You are finally going to meet your novio. And remember, Rosa, what I shared with you today. Stay clear of his brother and cousin. They have your soon-to-be husband’s ear and can easily sway his affections elsewhere. Until Kelly puts a baby in you, you’ll want his undivided attention. Don’t let anyone get in the way of your goal. Not even Tiernan.”

Suddenly the idea of meeting Tiernan Kelly doesn’t scare me as it once did.

In fact, my heart is now full of something I never thought I would feel again.

Hope.





Chapter 3





Shay



“Quit your fucking moping, Colin. I can feel your negative energy from over here,” I reprimand, shifting further away from my cousin and his bad mojo on the hood of the car.

“I don’t like this. Tiernan should have been the one to be here. Not us,” Colin repeats for the hundredth time this morning.

My cousin sounds like one of those one-hit wonders you hear on the radio. At first you find the tune catchy and even bop your head to the beat, but then after a while with so much damn airplay, each chord begins to grate on your nerves.

“Get over it already. He sent us to do his dirty work, and like the good little soldiers we are, that’s exactly what we’ll do. Think of this pickup as it being just another day on the job.”

“This is different. Hernandez won’t be pleased. He’s going to take Tiernan’s absence as disrespect.”

“Fuck him if he does,” I sneer at the mention of our sworn enemy. “What would Alejandro have done in Tiernan’s shoes? Pick up his fiancé from the airport, who he’s never seen before I might add, or stay back home in Boston so he can properly say his goodbyes to his treasured sister? The same sister that is about to marry Bratva scum, by the way? Not necessarily Sophie’s choice, now, is it, Col?”

“You didn’t stay back,” he counters sternly.

“That’s because I hate fucking goodbyes,” I deadpan. “Besides, if I had it my way, Iris wouldn’t be going anywhere. She would stay right fucking here with her family where she belongs.”

“Your father and Tiernan gave their word. There is no turning back now,” Colin retorts adamantly.

“Hence why we’re here. Now quit your whining and look alive. We don’t want Alejandro to think we’re soft.”

“I still don’t like it,” Colin mumbles, aggravated, crossing his huge tattoo-sleeved arms across his chest.

“Yeah, what else is new? If it’s not a warm wet mouth wrapped around your cock while you play with your chemistry set, there isn’t much you do like,” I taunt, giving him my best wolfish grin, hoping it’s enough to get him out of his foul mood.

But like most days, Colin doesn’t bat an eye at my light provocation. In fact, I have yet to see anything truly get under his skin. I should know, since throughout the years I’ve known him I’ve tried my best to get a rise out of my cousin with very little success.

Athair says that’s how they make them back in Ireland—brooding, big, and mean. Colin fits that to a T, alright. Born and bred in Dublin, Colin has all the traits that my father holds in the greatest esteem. Athair’s fondness for my cousin has only grown since his folks died over a decade ago in the Mafia Wars back in the old country, requiring him to be shipped stateside to live with us. He’s like a brother to me and Tiernan, albeit a taciturn one. I love the bastard, even if our personalities are like oil and water.

While Colin prefers to keep his scowl in place at every turn, solidifying his serious prickly temperament, I’ve always found humor to be a better bedfellow. Our way of life is somber enough to take so seriously. If you can’t have a couple of laughs, then what’s the point?

‘Don’t let your mouth write cheques your ass can’t cash, Shay,’ Athair is fond of warning me when he thinks I’ve stepped over the line with my big mouth.

It’s funny really.

I remember a time where he used to say the same thing to Tiernan growing up. But that all stopped ten years ago when my older brother’s fate was sealed in a twisted, almost Shakespearian-like fashion.

Iris’, too.

Fuck.

Just thinking about how easily Athair sold her to the Bratva still sets my teeth on edge. If I had it my way, I’d rather wage war with all these fuckers than have any of us marry into their families.

But then again, I’m not the boss, nor will I ever be if I can help it.

I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that Tiernan lives a good and long goddamn life if it ensures that I’ll never wear the heavy crown that’s currently placed on his head. Being the boss of the Irish mob comes with too many sacrifices. Too many strings being pulled in all directions, and I’ve never liked being anyone’s puppet. It takes a level head and a cold heart to do what needs to be done, and though life has been hard on all of us, my heart still beats and refuses to be tamed.