Chapter 4 - The Poisoned Alliance
The days following the gala were a whirlwind of luxury and mounting tension. Finn’s surgery had been a complete success, and he was currently recovering in a high-security rehabilitation wing funded entirely by Rafe. For the first time in her life, Maeve didn't have to count pennies for groceries or worry about eviction notices.
But the luxury of the Colazo estate came with a heavy price. Maeve was a prisoner in a gilded cage, surrounded by men with guns and a husband-to-be who treated his empire like a chessboard.
"You shouldn't be out of bed," Rafe said, walking into the estate’s glass conservatory where Maeve was tending to some white orchids.
"I’m fine, Rafe. The doctor said light movement is good for my recovery," Maeve said, turning to face him. She had grown used to his sudden appearances, but the intense way he watched her still made her skin tingle. "Why did you tell everyone we're getting married? It was a lie to protect me, right?"
Rafe walked over, his heavy steps silent on the stone floor. He took the pruning shears from her hand and set them on a table, stepping into her personal space. "I don't lie, Maeve. The Irish syndicates in South Boston think I'm weak because they managed to breach my security at the restaurant. By claiming you, I showed them that even my weakest asset—a waitress—is valuable enough to warrant the entire strength of the Colazo family."
"An asset?" Maeve felt a flash of anger spark in her chest. She stepped closer, defying the danger he represented. "Is that all I am to you? A political move?"
Rafe’s eyes narrowed, his gaze dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. "You are the woman who bled for my sister. That makes you the most valuable thing in this house."
Before Maeve could respond, Dominic hurried into the conservatory, his expression grim. "Boss, we have a situation. The shipment at the Boston harbor was intercepted. But it wasn't the feds. It was Liam O'Leary himself. He left a message."
Dominic handed Rafe a small, bloody burlap sack.
Rafe opened it, his face turning to absolute stone as he looked inside. He closed it slowly, a terrifying, suffocating aura of violence radiating from his body.
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"What is it?" Maeve asked, a cold dread pooling in her stomach.
"Liam O'Leary wants his debt settled," Rafe said, his voice dropping to a deadly, quiet whisper. "He knows your brother is at the rehab center. He’s threatening to turn off Finn’s life support if I don't hand you over to him by midnight."
