Kieran Read online

  Rica turned her head in the direction of his voice. “Go for it.”

  “When I win?” He cupped her jaw, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

  “You already have me--what more do you want?” She was going to lose but damn if she would admit it out loud.

  “True.”

  Kieran trailed his tongue down her throat and along her collarbone. She yanked on her bindings. The urge to comb her fingers through his hair was overwhelming. Her buds tightened into erect points and her clit throbbed.

  Caressing one breast he sucked the rigid tip of the other between his lips, rolling it across his tongue. She squirmed, the sheets rumpled around her body. The light buzzing sound retuned.

  Kieran slid the vibrator over her ribcage. She slid to the side to escape the vibrations coursing along her side. He replaced the little device with his mouth, dropping minute kisses down her torso. She kept her eyes tightly shut. The sensations of his tongue on her skin bombarded her body. He moved lower, hardened muscles touching her thighs as he eased between her legs.

  The sound of his deep chuckle made her smile. It was rare to hear his laugh. Her knees rubbed his shoulders.

  “Keep moving and all the toys I laid next to you will end up on the floor.” His breath warmed the inside of her calf.

  “If I could see I would know where to move,” Rica groused.

  “Say the word and I’ll stop.” He kissed her knee.

  She pressed her lips together to hold back her retort. He would have some ridiculous task she’d have to complete when she lost but damn if she would give in easily. She’d put up with the fat journalist greasy hands on her skin to get Kieran there. “Time is running out and I haven’t yelled yet.”

  Kieran didn’t respond to her taunt. Cool air flowed over her moist folds as he spread her nether lips apart. She inhaled deeply, willing her heart to slow down.

  “Where’s my pearl, pretty girl?” Kieran circled her clit with his thumb.

  She shuddered; her cuffs pulled when she moved. He stroked the tiny bundle of nerves and her breath came out in pants. Moist warmth covered her nub as he sucked it between his lips. She arched up as he wrapped his tongue around her clitoris. Rica bit the inside of her cheek.

  A series of clicks as Kieran set the mini vibrator to the next-to-highest setting. He slid the device along her labia. She jerked, rolling her hips. He pressed the rabbit into her pussy, tracing her cream-coated folds. Rica moaned, her muscles tensing as she tried to close her thighs. Kieran continued his assault on her slit, flicking his tongue back and forth.

  He laid an arm across her stomach and inched the mini vibrator into her passage. A low, guttural moan escaped her. She pumped her pelvis.

  “Open your eyes.” Kieran rose up on his knees.

  She lifted her lids and stared up at Kieran. His erection curved up.

  He reached behind him and yanked at the rope. “You lose.” He wiped the corners of his mouth.

  Rica opened her mouth. Words failed her; she couldn’t think beyond the apparatus lodged in her channel.

  He patted the sheets around her and lifted a clear bottle. Kieran gripped her ankle and lifted her leg, setting it on his shoulder. She trembled as little tremors rocked her body. He held the slim container upside down and squeezed the contents. Wet goo slid down her ass. Kieran poured more into his palm and coated his rod. He rubbed the head of his dick along the seam of her butt cheeks and pressed it against her pucker. Her biceps strained as she pulled herself up. Goose bumps rose up on her skin. Squirts of more liquid splattered over her backside. Kieran rubbed her rear end before giving her a smack. He urged his cock past the tight ring of muscles of her asshole. Her blunt-tipped nails dug into her palm. A little at a time he coaxed his rod into her rosette. She dropped her head back as bright lines zig-zagged across her vision. A thin sheen of sweat coated her face and neck.

  She rolled her hips, thrusting back. “Please.” The one word was a sob.

  He kissed the inside of her ankle and drove forward, sliding his rod into her cavern.

  The sense of fullness filled her belly. Combined with the constant undulation in her core, she couldn’t catch a breath. “Ohhh shit.” The pulsation intensified.

  Kieran pulled back, plunged deeper. He leaned over, flexing his pelvis. “All mine, Derrica.” He gritted his teeth and moved faster.

  Currents unfurled, jumping along her nerves. Her wails rent the air. She closed her eyes and colorful dots flashed on the backs of her lids. Pressure built along her spine. Her orgasm sent her spiraling; she opened her eyes and the room was spinning. Words she hadn’t realized she was speaking fell through her lips.

  Harsh grunts and another powerful thrust. Kieran went still and fell on his side.

  “Baby, the vibrator…please.” Small releases made her jerk.

  He rose up on his elbow and reached around her, slowly pulling the device from her sheath. After dropping it beside her, he sat up and yanked the rope securing her other leg. His dick slipped from her ass and for a brief moment emptiness filled her.

  “I want to hold you.” She tugged on the cord.

  Kieran undid the soft shackles. He lifted her hand and kissed her the center of her palm.

  She rolled over on her belly and met his stare. “What time are you leaving?” Rica glanced at the window. Bright light illuminated the room.

  “Trying to get rid of me already?” He gathered her up against his chest.

  “You stayed away too long.” She was whining and hated sounding like a nagging spouse.

  He cocked a brow. “You haven’t needed anything. I have a few deals that I need to close. It might be a while before you see me again.”

  “That’s why you took the time off.” She should be used to this. Kieran was married to his family’s business. A heavy sigh escaped her. She scooted across the bed. Sheets stuck to her ass and pulled free of the mattress corners.

  “You are a priority.” He grabbed her wrist.

  “A low one, I know. Do what you have to do, Kieran.” She stood. “I’m going to take a shower.” Rica stepped into the bathroom and walked over to the sink. Clutching the sides she gazed at her image in the mirror.

  Their situation hadn’t changed in five years. She ran Irish and made sure the money was clean. Her apartment was his other home since he maintained a brownstone a few blocks away from his law firm. For three years running he was voted one of the city’s most eligible bachelors. She knew better than anyone how hard he worked to create the good-guy image he portrayed. There was always someone lurking, like the journalist from last night who wanted to destroy his illusion.

  Kieran was playing a dangerous game, but he was doing it for his brothers and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his siblings. The only reason he’d become an attorney was so he could defend them if they got caught in their underhanded dealings. She pushed off the sink. It wasn’t like she was going anywhere. Staying with Kieran was her choice, and she’d made her mind up that no matter the circumstance, she was going to stand by him.

  Rica slid the door to the side and reached in, turning on the water. Heated spray fell from the ceiling of the stall like rain. Suddenly she was shoved through the small opening. Kieran stood blocking her exit. “Hey.”

  “You’re more important than you think,” he murmured. “Time for your next lesson.” Kieran shoved her against the tiled wall.

  “Watch the hai-”

  He covered her mouth with his.

  ***

  Kieran made sure a bullet was in the chamber before slipping the gun into the holster secured at his back and checking his watch. He would just make his three o’clock staff meeting. Grabbing the suit jacket from the hanger, he glanced at Rica sprawled out across the bed. Their shower session had put her to sleep. He ambled to the nightstand and picked up her phone. A few strokes and he was in her cell and scrolling through the screens. He set her alarm and typed in a short message. That would put a smile on her face.

 
He wasn’t just busy with his law firm--next to the bar it was the only other legitimate business he owned. But he was trying to close a deal with the Longshoremen’s Union. The off the top fees he would collect from the contract would put some significant money in his pocket while satisfying the dock dues set by the harbormaster. The union would be protected for the length of the agreement enforced by him and his brothers. He’d buried his name in shell corporations to cover his tracks.

  Softly, he pulled the door shut behind him and twisted the knob to make sure it locked. He trotted down the steps and cut through the storeroom to exit the building. Leaning on his sedan were two of his dad’s men. Danny Sullivan peered up at him, and a little smirk formed on the man’s mouth. Ah hell, no way was he going to make his meeting.

  “Your da wants to see you.” The older man straightened. His graying red hair and widening waistband was a testament to the gluttonous life he led.

  Danny Boy Sullivan was Patrick O’Shea’s right- hand man and once upon a time he was a formidable taskmaster. When Kieran and his brothers were taken from their mothers they were dropped on Danny’s stoop. While Paddy O’Shea could make Satan look like a choirboy, Danny Boy was the demon leading the chorus. The sadistic son of a bitch.

  “We’ll meet another time.” Kieran tugged on his cuffs to pull them down and raised his head. He didn’t blink. “I’m a little busy.”

  “Make time.” Danny held out his hand. “Keys?”

  “The old bastard couldn’t even provide you with a car?” Whatever brought on the summons couldn’t be good. Kieran eyed the younger man on the driver’s side. If he shot them… It was broad daylight. That plan was shitty. Were his brothers being beckoned too? Fuck it. If dear old dad wanted him dead, he would be. Danny would have known it would take a crew to kill him, not a few men. He dug his keys from his slacks pocket and tossed them to the guy he didn’t know before walking to the back door and waiting for Danny to open the door for him.

  “Get in.” Danny Boy grunted before twisting around.

  “Don’t you open the door for Da? I’m his son--you should have the same respect.”

  “When you’ve done what he has, I might consider it.” Danny dropped into the passenger seat.

  Kieran exhaled. He pulled his phone from the inside pocket of his jacket and slipped into the back seat. A scroll through his contacts, and he sent a message to his brother Conall.

  On my way to meet Paddy. Let Shannon and Fionn know.

  He waited. His cell vibrated for a second. Kieran tapped the screen to see Conall’s response. Who came to collect?

  Danny Boy and one of his men.

  Danny? Kill them, we can drop them in the Charles.

  No one’s looking for you? Have you heard from Shannon or Fionn?

  Talked to Shannon last night. Something going on at the Home. Been a few days since I talked to Fionn but you know him.

  I want to see what Da wants. Kieran lifted his head to gaze out the window and get his bearings. Heading into the Warehouse District. Let me know when you find Fionn. We’ll talk later. He cleared the screen and slunk down in his seat, staring at the back of Danny’s head, imaging a bullseye in the bald spot above that ponytail he wore. In his mind he emptied the clip, reloaded and emptied it again.

  Their training started early. In the beginning it was just him and Shannon. Conall and Fionn came later. Sullivan’s training philosophy was simple. No matter your age, if you didn’t work you didn’t eat. If you were old enough to walk then pulling a con was a breeze. If you didn’t meet your daily quota the beatings were brutal. If you didn’t do what you were told--the beatings were brutal. Drunk-ass Danny Sullivan would use any excuse to break them down. How many times had he and his siblings stood in front of each other begging the asshole for mercy?

  Kieran rolled his shoulders to ease the tension building between them. Not only did his tats tell his story, but they covered most of the scars left from the razor strap and cane that Danny Boy enjoyed striking them with. And if those items weren’t available, the bastard would hit them with whatever was handy. On second thought, bullets to the bastard’s head was too good. The SOB needed to suffer a slow and agonizing death.

  They stopped. A few dark vehicles were parked at the curb. The area was still under gentrification. Some blocks had hip restaurants and converted apartment buildings while other structures were still derelict. Chains with an open lock hung around the handle of one of the double doors He exited the automobile. A brief wind whipped through the street, and Kieran raised his collar. He stalked to the door. It squeaked as he yanked it open. Watery sunlight poured through dirty, half-broken glass windows, flooding the large space. A card table surrounded by made guys was tucked in the corner. His father sat at it with his back to the wall. There was a time when his father’s generals had men of their own. Now those dogs loyal to his da didn’t have much and his father was forced to get involved in tasks instead of just giving orders. Paddy’s organization was built on layers of fear and mistrust. Kieran grunted. The dirty old fucker’s empire was dwindling. The knowledge gave him joy.

  He closed the distance between them. “What do you want, Paddy?”

  The guys spread out to flank his father. Paddy picked up his tumbler and swallowed amber liquid in one sip. “Is that any way talk to your father?”

  “There is no reason for us to meet.” Kieran spun around on his heel. “I’ll tell my brothers how you’re doing.”

  “I got some interesting information. Your little dock deal. I want in on it.”

  “What are you talking about?” How the hell had Paddy found out about it? He hadn’t updated his siblings yet. Kieran glanced over his shoulder. “My businesses are legitimate, or have you forgotten that?”

  “Stop lying to me, boy. I know everything you, Shannon, Conall and Fionn do. I’ll be generous; I only want fifty percent off the top since you’re my son.

  Kieran stuffed his hand in his pocket and made a fist. Showing his ire to the old man would only expose his weakness. Only a few of his closest men were aware of his projects. He twisted around to face his dad. “If I was working on a sweet deal, you would be the last person I would split it with.”

  “Beat the boy into submission.” Danny marched past Kieran.

  “I’d like to see you try.”

  Paddy’s second in command stopped, faced Kieran and growled. “Have you forgotten who I am?”

  “Do you want to die today?” It was time to go. Kieran inhaled slowly to quell his growing anger. “I plan to kill you anyway.”

  “Take Kieran to the upstairs office and remind him he’s an O’Shea.” Paddy’s voice boomed through the space.

  Kieran snatched the nine-millimeter from beneath his jacket and aimed it at the closest person. He pulled the trigger and the pop filled the air. The bullet hit the guy closest to Danny in the belly and the man crumbled. “That was a warning. The next shot will be to your head.” He held Danny Boy’s gaze.

  The men moved. Weapons were drawn.

  “I don’t mind dying but I won’t go alone.” If it took his last breath Kieran was taking Danny Boy Sullivan with him. “I made a promise, Sullivan, I will keep. We’ll go to hell together.”

  A slow smile spread over Danny’s lips, exposing yellowing teeth. “You ain’t man enough.”

  “Put your head to the muzzle and find out.” Rage whipped through him. The cool one among his brothers, he never let his emotions get the better of him. To have the two men who made his childhood…the situation was trying his patience.

  Time stood still. The faint buzz of traffic sounded through the broken windows.

  The men circling him stopped and Paddy shoved his way between them. “Those businesses you’re so proud of. You don’t think you got them on your own, do you? That law degree you flaunt happened because I allowed it. Like I gave it to you, I can take it away. My blood runs through your vei--”

  “I don’t need to be reminded of who you are,” Kieran snapped. He pre
ssed his lips together. Paddy knew how to push his buttons.

  “You have forty-eight hours to tell me yes. We’ll be seeing each other again.” His da turned around. “Let him go.”

  Kieran casually walked backwards. He wasn’t stupid enough to give them his back. As irritating as it was to see Paddy O’Shea, he’d learned a few things. The old fucker’s organization wasn’t what it used to be, and there was a snitch in Kieran’s crew.

  Chapter Three

  Winter was making its presence known with a distinctive chill in the air. Snow hadn’t fallen yet, which was unusual for the time of year. Rica secured the collar of her coat closer to her throat with her scarf and dipped her chin to protect her face. Her brief walk would end soon since she needed to head back and prepare to open Irish.

  Musical notes floated from her pocket as her cell chimed. She dug it free and checked the phone. Thinking of you flashed on the screen as the alarm continued to ring. Kieran might seem cold to other people but he had a way of making her smile. Rica tapped the button to clear her phone. It had been almost a week since she’d seen him.

  She pushed a braid behind her ear and trudged up the sidewalk. There were times when they couldn’t talk on the regular but lately he was going weeks without touching base. His absence was starting to worry her. She could call Shannon, or one of his other brothers… Rica shook her head. It was business, and he told her from the beginning there would come a time when he wouldn’t be around.

  Martin wouldn’t tell her shit if she asked. Talking to that asshole was like chatting with a brick wall. He was part of Kieran’s crew and didn’t hide his dislike for her. The feeling was mutual but she played nice for her lover.

  Thinking about it wasn’t going to change things. Kieran was about that business life, and there was nothing she could do about it. She would still have to talk to Martin, though, since he hadn’t made his weekly drop for her to deposit. He was responsible for protection collections, and his numbers had been off for a while. The discrepancies were growing larger. She knew what he was up to; however she didn’t want to disturb Kieran with the bullshit.