Page 72 of Retribution

“Did you want something?” I keep focused on Finn as though Dai Qing doesn’t matter. I’m sure she’s laughing on the inside at how well she blends into the Asian cleaning company they have working for them.

“Lorcan came to see me.” He smirks at me. “Wanna watch us plan a war?”

It seems like I was right about the impending conflict with the Zhangs. This will be as good a chance as any to see how their brains work. “If there’s a war, I want a weapon and a say in how it’s used.”

“I thought you’d feel that way.” He nods toward the hall. “Come with me.”

With a last glance to Dai Qing, I close the door. She’s safe. Now, it’s Malik I need to protect.

Chapter Twenty-Four

We’re in Finn’s office, which is a first for me. Unlike Lorcan’s gray tones, his decorating tastes run much darker to shades of black and bloodred. It’s not as big, either. There’s no workout space, but there is a giant wooden table with maps of the city spread out across it.

Their makeshift war table makes me appreciate why Finn wanted Lorcan on his side. His mind works the opposite of Finn’s. The ideas and tactics he’s coming up with on the fly are impressive. Could I turn him? Someone like him at my back would make me a lot safer.

Finn rubs his chin and stares at the main map as Lorcan points out a few weaknesses of the Zhang organization. “I like that.” Finn’s focus rakes over me after he looks up. “You’re being too quiet, Kimmy. It’s unnerving. You’ve always got an opinion.”

A half smile surfaces as I round the table. My shoulder brushes against Lorcan’s. He kisses my temple. With my index finger, I circle the strip club. “This is home base, right?”

“It generates enough revenue to keep it. It’s good for cleaning cash.” Finn stares at me across the table.

“I like Lorcan’s idea to draw them out. I think it’s smart.” Lorcan’s arm snakes around my waist and tugs me tight to his side. He kisses my temple again. I also like that Malik might stand a chance of surviving this. Though I don’t know what the brothers intend to do with any of Zhang’s employees who are still alive when we’re done dismantling the organization, I could guess.

“I’m more of a smash and grab man, myself,” Finn says.

“Seems like a great plan if you want to end up six feet under. Come on, Finn.” I cock an eyebrow.

“They tried to kill her. I think we should be more aggressive. Answer back harder.” He stares at Lorcan, nodding his head at me.

Holding back an eye roll is almost impossible, but somehow, I manage it. “Having one or both of you dead isn’t going to help anyone,” I say before Lorcan can respond. “Least of all me.” I glance up at Lorcan under my lashes, and he gazes down at me. Deep in his hazel eyes, I think I see a hint of amusement at the way I’m playing this.

When he turns to Finn, he switches to Irish. “You want action? We can do a roundup in a week or two after we understand the players.”

He gives a sharp nod of his head. “I’ll think about it. We need to come back strong.”

Lorcan’s phone goes off, and he takes it out of his pocket.

“You’re both being rude right now,” I say. “I’m right here. I’m part of this. Switching to Irish is a dick move.” They’ve let me into this room, but the change makes me realize neither of them quite trusts me yet. It’s unnerving. I’m never sure of Finn, but I would have bet money on my connection with Lorcan.

Finn laughs. “I never claimed I wasn’t. Who’s that?” He tips his chin at Lorcan who is engrossed in his phone.

“Carys. She’s on about some fight at The Cage.” He squints at me. “You want to go?”

“Is that a problem?”

Finn smirks. “Only if you turn up alone with Lorcan. It’s a nonissue if I go.”

“Perfect. So you’ll both take me.” Do I want them both there? Not really. But it will be a good chance to glean some information.

The brothers exchange a heated look. Finn smirks and then turns away, his lips almost forming a smile. “Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it isn’t true, brother.”

“If you hadn’t fucked up my deal, we’d be fine.”

“I sweetened your deal and then decided as an organization we didn’t need shit from Derry. We can do better with those pissant Russians.”

Lorcan stiffens beside me.

“You thought I didn’t know about that?” Finn runs his finger along the edge of the table. “You might have the better tactical mind, but I put the fear of God in people. Apply pressure.” He presses his thumb into the table. “You’d be amazed how quickly people talk.”