Page 140 of Chains of Recompense
My heart lurches painfully at the sight of him.
He looks carved out of resolve and fury, eyes dark, posture rigid, a man who has already decided how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice.
For a horrifying second, I know with absolute clarity that he’s ready to die if that’s what it takes to get Riley back.
The thought steals my breath away.
“I have a plan,” Raf says without preamble.
Everyone moves toward the table.
Maps are spread out again, coffee shoved aside, weapons not far from reach.
Raf doesn’t sit.
He braces his hands on the wood and looks at my father first, then my brothers, then finally, at me.
I don’t know why that last part feels like a gut punch.
“Tatsuo wants me,” he continues. “And you’re going to give me to him.”
My mother gasps softly behind me.
I close my eyes for half a heartbeat. “No,” I say. “Absolutely not.”
Raf’s gaze flicks to me, unreadable. “Aisling.”
“He wants your head,” I press. “You think just giving him what he wants is going to solve anything? Tatsuo has already proven his word isn’t worth a thing.”
“Not my head. You’re going to give himme. It will buy us time,” he says calmly, “and ensure we get Riley back before he gets what he wants.”
I shake my head, fear crawling up my spine. “Or it gives him the opportunity to torture you to death.”
My father raises his hand, silencing me before turning his gaze back to Raf. “Explain.”
Raf does, coldly, methodically, like he’s discussing a business merger instead of offering himself up as bait. “You’ll agree to the exchange,” he explains, meeting my father’s eyes unwaveringly. “Ryan, Cillian, and Patrick will bring me to Tatsuo, restrained but breathing, but they won’t hand me over until Riley is released?—”
“To me. I’m coming with you,” I cut in, stepping forward in my determination. “Riley will be scared. She needs me.”
Raf’s sharp gaze meets mine, but rather than objecting, as I expected, he just gives a single nod.
Like he wouldn’t have it any other way.
And it sends a wave of relief through me.
He trusts me to be an asset in the situation, and I fully intend to do whatever it takes to make his plan work—to ensure we all come out of this alive.
“The moment you have Riley, you will take her and leave,” he says, and my pulse stutters.
I don’t like the thought of running from a fight, of leaving Raf vulnerable, exposed—even in the hands of my brothers.
What if something goes wrong?
But I know the most important thing is to get Riley to safety. And I will make sure that happens, no matter what it costs me.
“Meanwhile, our timeline just accelerated. The attack that was supposed to happen in a few days is happening immediately. Miko’s forces are already on the way. Sandro is rallying my men.Callum, I’m relying on you to have our backs. Everyone will already be in place, hidden, waiting for Riley and me to appear. Aisling, you and Riley are the signal. As soon as you appear, we’ll strike them with the full might of our combined forces.”
I listen, heart pounding, every word etching terror deeper into my chest.
