The Mafia Boss

Ch. 33: I'm not running from this!

"Shane's investors got word of our sit down and have pulled out."

I struggle to see how this is bad news.

"He no longer has the funding to traffic women and children," explains Torin, expression serious.

"But the ones he already has are still in danger?" I ask.

"Of course. A rescue mission will take place a few days from now. Olivia and the others are helping us determine where each woman is kept," he offers. "The McCarthy's are supplying weapons. They're in an agreement with Frank. Fuck knows how he managed to sway Cillian into a deal."

"I don't understand," I admit. "Why would I not like this?"

Torin frowns, demeanour shrinking. "Shane is angry, Imogen."

T..."

"He wants you dead, angel."

I refrain from rolling my eyes. "He's being dramatic."

"He's put a hit out."

Well—fuck!

"I've been thinking..." He slowly rubs at his tired eyes before continuing. "You need to move away."

"Not happening!"

"There's a place in Ireland..."

"Where was my input in all this?" I ask.

He responds with a huff. "Don't start, Imogen."

"Don't undermine me then!" I yell.

He pinches the bridge of his nose, a clear indication that he's stressed. "It's the only way I can guarantee your safety as well as Maeve's."

"You were suggesting I take over the Murphy family just yesterday!" I stress. "A boss wouldn't run away from this, so why the fuck should I?"

"Shane is unhinged, Imogen!"

"He's always been unhinged," I argue. "I can handle my brother."

"No, you can't!"

I see red. "Yes, I fucking can!"

"Imogen—"

"I'm not running from this!"

"Imogen, please!"

"NO!"

"Imogen—"

"Torin, I'm not fucking leaving you!"

"I KILLED THEM!" he thunders, entering my personal space.

His breathing is frantic as his grey eyes stare into mine, silencing me.

"I didn't know which one of Shane's seven men killed you, so I murdered them all with my bare hands."

Holy shit!

"T—"

"It was horrendous."

I touch his cheek, desperate to inflict comfort.

"I never want to witness that kind of darkness within me ever again, Imogen. I can't lose you or our daughter."

I stare at him, completely shocked. Motionless.

"I wish there was another way..."

I know we can't be together in the way we want, but to move away and not see him for months on end is something I feel physically incapable of doing. This is Torin, for fuck's sake. He's my—