Llir parked in the back lot and spotted his father’s entourage right away. Alek Tirana never traveled light and this time was no exception. He’d brought a small army with him to the meeting and Llir knew that if he stepped as much as a toe out of line, he’d feel his father’s power in full force.
He stepped from the SUV that Altin had given him to use and walked into the back entrance of the building. If he had to guess, it was abandoned and his father had planned it that way. He wouldn’t want any witnesses around making things messier than they had to be.
His father was waiting inside for him, his guards leading him over to where his father sat. He looked Llir up and down and smirked. “You look thin, son,” he said.
“Well, living life on the run does that to a guy,” he grumbled. “You look well, father.” He took the seat across from his father and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Leaving your country and your home was your choice, son,” his father reminded. “Living in exile was your choice. Disobeying me and taking a woman from auction was also your choice.”
“And not giving her back so you could return her to her handler or kill her was also my choice, Father. It’s one that I’d make again, too. I won’t let you hurt her—I’m in love with her,” he admitted.
“And the man that you’re with—is he in the picture still?” his father asked.
“You know about Tarek?” Llir asked. He felt about ready to kick himself for giving up Tarek’s name to his father. That was something he probably already knew, but his father was also fishing for more information.
“Of course I know about him,” his father boasted. “I have eyes and ears everywhere, Llir. But you easily forgot that when you decided to turn a blind eye to my rules. You disregarded my request and now, you’re going to have to face your punishment.”
“And just what punishment will I be facing?” Llir asked. His father sneered at him like Llir had seen him do to so many other opponents. He never thought that he’d be on this side of the table, facing his father, worried about not only his life but the lives of the people he loved most.
“Come back with me to Albania,” his father insisted. “Take your place as my protégé and future head of the Tirana syndicate and all will be forgiven.”
“What about Elira and Tarek?” Llir asked. If his father could promise him that they’d be left alone to live out their lives in peace, he’d take the offer. He’d gladly give up his freedom knowing that they were safe. Tarek would take care of Elira and their baby and Llir could live with that outcome.
“You have my word that they will be safe. They can come back to Albania or stay here—either way, you have my word that no harm will come to either of them.” If his father knew about the baby, he wouldn’t be making him this offer. He’d insist that Elira come back with them until the baby was born. There would be no way that his father would ever let a Tirana go without good cause.
“Wait.” Llir turned at the shout coming from the back door of the abandoned office to find Altin. “Don’t do it, Llir,” his brother warned.
“Stay out of this Altin,” his father ordered. “This is between your brother and me.” Altin walked across the room and stood beside his brother, disregarding their father’s warning.
“You can’t honestly want Llir to lead our family, father.” Llir stood from his seat and stepped in front of Altin.
“What the hell? Are you here to double-cross me, Altin?” he asked. “I thought you said that you’re on my side.”
His brother shrugged, “I lied,” he casually admitted. “You can’t want this for our family, father. Shouldn’t the syndicate be in the hands of someone who wants to be in charge? Llir will never have his heart in the job. He’ll always hold a grudge for you making him come back against his will. He’ll hate you and the family for having to give up the people he loves.” Altin was right. He would always hate his position as head of household. Hell, when he took over, he’d probably find a way to walk away again.
“What do you suggest I do, Altin?” his father spat. “Llir has been groomed for this position since birth. Who should be in charge in my stead?”
“Me,” Altin breathed. “I’ll do it.” Llir knew that his brother was sacrificing himself, to give him a chance at happiness, under the rouse of double-crossing him.
“You can’t do that,” Llir insisted.
“You aren’t what this family needs, Llir. The Tirana family needs a strong leader who believes in our syndicate. That person isn’t you anymore, maybe it never was,” Altin said. Their father crossed his arms over his massive chest and stared them both down.
“You’ll come home to Albania?” he asked Altin.
“No,” his brother said. “Veton is ready to step up and handle some responsibilities on that end. I’ll split my time between New York and Albania. I’ve grown things on this end and if I come home now, our American business partners will get nervous. I’m needed here, for now. I promise to come home as much as possible, especially in the beginning when we’re transferring everything over.” His father sat down and for the first time since their meeting began, Llir could see how weak and fragile his father was. He knew his health had been failing, but he seemed so strong and confident that Llir looked past his illness.
“Fine,” his father whispered. “If you agree to this Llir, you will be giving up your place in the syndicate. You will be cut off from the family and all of its assets. Think carefully before you give that all up.” Llir didn’t need to think about any of what his father was offering him. He’d have his freedom to build a life with Tarek, Elira, and their child. He’d be able to make his own decisions and find a path that didn’t involve a life of crime. No, this was a no brainer for him. He just worried about Altin. His brother was getting in over his head and Llir hated putting the family on his shoulders.
“I accept,” Llir said. “I’m out.” His father grunted, stood from his seat, and turned to leave. There was no heartfelt goodbye, no tears, no sentiment whatsoever. His father was making a statement, turning his back on him, and he got the message loud and clear.
Llir turned to face Altin, “Why,” he breathed.
“Not here,” his brother whispered. “We’re being watched. I’ll meet you at the safe house. Just watch yourself and be careful.” Altin nodded to him and left, leaving Llir standing in the middle of the abandoned building alone. He knew that he was being overly optimistic, but for the first time in a damn long time, he had hope for a future that once looked so bleak. Now, all he could see was sunshine and the promise of a future with the two people he loved most in the world. Things were looking up.
Elira
Llir had been gone longer than she expected and when she told Tarek that he had gone to the grocery store and hadn’t returned, he scoffed when she brought up the idea of their guy going rogue. She worried that her pregnancy had sent him spiraling and that everything was happening too quickly for Llir. Sure, he seemed to be happy about the baby, but what if he wasn’t? What if it was all just a show to put her mind at ease and then he took off as soon as he could get away without them?