Debt Collector's Due

“They’ll be heading on to another destination. I have some very detailed directions on you two.”

“From Papa?” Kier asks.

“Yes, he was very … specific in what he wanted. How does exploring London sound?”

“Fun. I always wanted to come here. Do you really say Happy Christmas? Can I wear a crown on my birthday?”

He laughs. “That we do, and you sure can, mate.”

“Hah. Mom, he called me mate.”

I give a watery smile as I open my eyes. “I heard, baby.”

He frowns. “Are you seeing colors again?”

I grit my teeth. “Not yet.”

Alfie continues the massage. “Come, let’s get your Ma in the car and see what we can do for her, yeah? We’ll get on the road and get you guys back to the house. I imagine you’re all upside down with the time difference. It’ll take a few days to adjust.”

Kier gives me a questioning gaze. I nod my head assenting. We’re at his mercy for the moment. It pisses me off. He knows more about what’s happening than me. What the hell was my father thinking? Did he think foisting us off on him would make up for what happened? The thought increases the headache, so I abandon them and focus on breathing deeply and trying not to become nauseous. I wrap my arm around Keri’s shoulder, keeping him close as Alfie guides us to the black town car. He opens the door, and I allow Kier to enter first before I slid in beside him. I expect Alfie to move across from us, but he doesn’t.

He takes up all the room, and I crowd, Kier in an attempt to escape his masculinity. We have a lot of talking to do, but tonight won’t be that day. I need my wits about me and all the energy I can muster.

“How do you know my mom?” Kier asks.

I cringe.

“I used to work for your … Grandfather, before I decided to go into business for myself.”

“You know Papa?” he asks excitedly.

I force my eyelids up and meet his fiery gaze. I give a slight s

hake of my head and silently plead with him to bite his tongue.

“Yes.” He says through gritted teeth. “I did a long time ago.”

Kier relaxes assured that he must be a friend if we both know him. I lean back against the leather.

“Do you want ibuprofen?”

“If you have it.” He’s always kept a kit on him. I’m not surprised he has meds. I watch as he pulls out a small black shaving kit bag and digs out a white bottle. He shakes out two, and I take them and swallow them down. The rhythm of the wheels on the road and the dimness of the car start to suck me under. I’m helpless as I begin to sink into sleep. Would he take Kier from me? Has he changed that much? I don’t know this man any longer. He’s not the Alfie I feel in love with anymore, and he’s upset with me.

“Rest. It’ll take us at least two hours to get back home.” He says softly.

Kier sighs.

“I’m sorry, baby. We’ve been traveling for a long time, I know. Maybe tomorrow we can get out and explore, stretch our legs and try something new?”

“Can we?” He asks.

“I’ll make sure it happens,” Alfie says. I bite the inside of my cheek. I don’t like him answering for me, or making promises. It’s not his place. I don’t give a shit what DNA says. I kiss Kier’s head. No one will take my boy from me. I fought too damn hard to keep him, and I’ve taken care of him on my own from day one.

***

Alfie

That son of a bitch. I understand exactly why he shipped them to me. Kieron is a major threat. He’s the rightful heir to the kingdom. Leaving him alive in Boston would make him a loose end. One that could eventually come back and present a problem. The Albanos and Brizzis didn’t deal in those. My shoulders tense. I’ll be damned if anyone comes for my boy or his mother. I glance at the pair of them curled together. The love between them is palpable. I want to be a part of it. I also want to shake her until her teeth rattle in her skull. Why didn’t she come to me? Why didn’t I check in on her? I spear my fingers through my hair. There’s no denying he’s mine. One look and a fool could make the connection.