Page 45 of Bedlam

“Home?” I ask and he nods.

“Yes, Kane will go with you. The threat has been dealt with, so you are free for the next year to return home. You will have to come back here a few times for business meetings and such, but you will remain in the states and work from there. Plus, you have shipments that need disbursing and the Club is in ruins. Ryker has taken over as President, but he’s going to need some help. You already know that many big players in our world will only deal with you.” He reminds me.

“Got it. Why does he have to come?” I say, pointing behind me.

“Because he is your second in command. You both need to get to know one another. He’s there to protect you.” He confesses and I’m already shaking my head.

“But if–” I begin to say, but he interrupts.

“No buts, Jade. Do as you're told, and that’s the end of it.” He scolds and I huff.

“What's the order, Daddy dearest?” I chide, which makes him snarl.

“You know better than to act like a petulant child. You are an IRA Queen and a guns dealer. Fucking act like it.” He scolds again. I take a deep breath, rising from my seat.

“What is the order?” I repeat, slamming the diary down on the table.

“It’s an execution,” he states. The lack of information is pissing me off right about now.

“Who?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

“Cillian O’Cleary.” He simply says, and I gasp.

“You want me to kill Slim? Are you out of your mind?” I say as he walks back over to the fireplace.

“Word got back to me that he’s been sleeping with the enemy and though he may have fulfilled his orders in protecting you, that doesn’t mean he hasn't been a double agent this whole time, along with his father.” He states, and I shake my head.There’s no fucking way. I know Slim. He’d never go against the army. Not for anyone.

“I call bullshit.” I accuse as his eyes meet mine.

“Then why is he with the Bratva Princess?” He retorts. I have no idea who the fuck that is, but he better enlighten me.

“Who is that?” I ask, wanting to take this fucking mask off so I can read his facial expressions.

“Natalia Mozorov, or better known as Kayla Pierce.” He says, not taking his eyes off me.

“What the fuck?” I shout, not believing what he is saying.There’s no fucking way. I cannot. These are my best friends.

“I know what you’re thinking, but remember, you lost your memory. I need you to go home and get the truth, and if I’m right, then execute them.” He commands and I nod.

“How long do I have?” I ask, ready to get the fuck out of here.

“One month.” He says, as I pick up the diary.

“Okay,” I breathe out, “you have my word.” I say.

“Go raibh maith agat mo iníon.” He says.

“Sea, athair.” I respond, rounding the table and leaving the same way I came in with Kane hot on my heels. Once we get back to my room, we rip the masks off and I take a deep breath.

“When do we leave?” I ask, and he smiles.

“Within the hour. I can’t wait to see your hometown,” he says excitedly. Lord help me with this guy.As much as I am excited to get home, I’m also nervous as fuck for what waits for me.

Sitting on the jet just after take off, Kane finally leaves me alone, laying down a few rows behind me. Reaching into my bag, I grab the diary. Taking a deep breath, I unwind the leather straps and open it to page one.

Shutting the book as my eyes get heavy, I can’t help but picture how happy they made each other for a summer, and if I wasn’t so tired, I would keep going. I need to know what happened. Placing the book next to me, I close my eyes and drift to sleep. Hoping one day I’d find a love like theirs.

thirty-two