“I reckon we came up with a solution for this whole mess. One that will get me out of hot water and save Mack from his wrath.”
I’m not fond of the tone of his voice. I’ve known Crow long enough to know when he wants something from me. And I’ve already worked out that this is one of those times. He got himself into this hot water by allowing Mack into the club. I told him the girl was up to no good from the get go. And now his promotion within the syndicate is at risk.
“You should throw her to the wolves, far as I’m concerned,” I tell him.
“You don’t mean that.” Crow stares at me in disappointment. He isn’t the only one. I’m used to disappointing others. But I hate it when they look at me like that. “You can understand why she did what she did.”
He has a point, but I don’t let onto it. She put him in danger. She put all of us in danger with her lies. I have no time for liars.
“Look,” Crow says. “There’s still a chance that Niall might promote me. He said it isn’t off the table.”
“Ye’re the best man for the job,” I tell him. And I mean it. I don’t lie.
Crow taps his fingers against his leg, a sure sign he’s nervous. I can always tell. He’s like a brother to me. Or at least that’s what he says. I don’t know what having a brother is like, but I imagine if I did, it would be like this.
“I can’t do this without you, Ronan,” he says. “If I’m to be promoted, you’d have to take on more responsibility as well. Are ye following me?”
I nod, but don’t reply.
He wants me to be his second in command. His left hand. I don’t mind, I’ve been doing it all along anyhow. But with him moving up the food chain that means I would too. Things wouldn’t be the same as they are now. He knows I’m not keen on things changing, generally. Only, this time I don’t mind so much.
“I’ve been giving that some thought,” I tell him.
“Have ye?”
“I had it in my head that maybe…” I clear my throat. “Maybe I could do some other things. Things besides just sorting out the clients in the basement.”
I stare at the table and don’t look at Crow. The room is quiet for a pause, and I know he’s thinking over what I said. Trying to work out my motives. I don’t really understand them myself. I’ve only ever wanted to follow his orders. That’s what I’m good at. But lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe if I take on some more responsibility, that it would help. That I could be worthy of something. Or someone.
“All ye ever had to do was say so,” Crow says finally. “If ye want more responsibility, I’m happy to give it to you. You’ve earned it, Fitz. But I just have to ask if ye’re sure that ye’re ready for such a thing.”
“I’ll still have your back,” I assure him. “That isn’t going to change, no matter the title.”
“I know, Fitz,” he says. “And I have a big ask for ye right now.”
“I had a feeling.”
“Niall’s worked out an offer with the Russians. They want three of our lads to take a fall at the fights.”
“You can’t be serious.”
That’s worse than death. Taking a beat down like that. All for a woman. I’ve never seen Crow do any such thing for anyone other than his mates. And now I know, he’s definitely gone completely mad.
“I am serious,” Crow answers. “Rory and myself have already agreed. I just need one more.”
I look up at him and wonder for the thousandth time in the last two months if Mack’s still going to ruin him in the end. After everything he’s done for her. Sacrificed for her. I’ve never seen him so out of sorts. He’s putting everything on the line for that woman. It’s completely fecking stupid and also a little too relatable.
“You want me to take a fall for Mack?” I clarify.
“For me,” Crow answers.
He’s not doing himself any favors by using that on me. He knows I owe him everything. But he’s never chosen to throw it in my face before.
“You can say no,” he says quietly. “I’d understand.”
“No, ye wouldn’t.”
“I don’t want ye to do it out of guilt,” he replies. “I know how ye are with these things. They have to be on your terms. I don’t want to put ye in a situation that’s going to bring up bad feelings for you, Ronan. If you say no, I’ll understand.”
Silence falls between us, and I try to work out my feelings about this whole situation. It isn’t an easy task for me. I understand risk and loyalty. I understand doing something mad for someone. Crow doesn’t think I can, but I do. He isn’t clued in on what I did for Sasha. What I would do again even if it meant getting caught.
Now he’s here, asking me for a favor. My best mate. There’s no way I could refuse him, even if I had reason to. Which I don’t.
“Just tell me when to show up,” I say. “Ye know I’ll be there.”
Crow grins and relief passes over his face. He wouldn’t let on to it, but this means a great deal to him.