My heart lurches in my chest. Maurice isn’t dead. He can’t be!
He continues, “My men and I outnumber you tenfold, at least.”
I smile. “And that’s why you’ll always be second best.”
Moving away from him, he can now see the red beams trained at the center of his chest. The same thing happens to every man around the room. Crossing the room, I stand next to Henri and Luca.
“When we left the house, Luca and Henri were going over the plan of attack. It was a good plan, too, but then I reminded them of something. Want to know what it is?”
He spits out, “What?”
“We are one of the most powerful families in the city. We are too important to deal with scum like you. So, I encouraged my guys to give some friends a call. Friends who happily came when we said we needed help.”
The door on the opposite side of the room opens and Hook walks in with Smee and Ronan. Above us, on the second floor, Midas, Doc, Huntsman, and Blick appear at the railing. And behind us, the three Behr brothers enter. Guillaume D’Arque visibly pales, and it makes me so fucking happy.
“I’d tell you to give up, but it won’t make a difference. We’ve decided the city is better without scum like you, so you and your men won’t be walking out of here.”
Henri and Luca move past me, going to Maurice. Once they have him down, we walk out of the warehouse as all hell breaks loose. I’m only focused on Maurice.
“Is he okay?”
“I’m still here, birdie.”
His eyes open, and I exhale. “Thank god.”
Henri says, “You gave us a good scare, Mo.”
“Sorry, Ri.”
Suddenly, every emotion that I’ve shoved down over the past few hours escapes as I sob into my hands. Someone puts an arm around me, pulling me close.
“I was so scared,” I finally say, looking up. “I’m in love with each of you. I can’t lose you now.”
Luca, who I discover is the one holding me, says, “We love you, too, little bird.”
“Do you mean it? You love me?”
“I do.”
Maurice adds, “I do, too.”
Henri smiles. “You already know how I feel.”
Nodding, I let out another sob. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I want to go home and see my siblings. Then I want to move into Luca’s room, but it’s not just going to be me. All four of us are going to share the room. Understand?”
They are all silent, and someone clears their throat behind me. Turning, I see Hook standing there.
He says, “It’s finished. Guillaume D’Arque and his family are no longer an issue for us or for the city of Chicago.”
Luca nods. “Thank you.”
“I suggest you do what your lovely woman suggests. Go home and enjoy yourselves. We can handle the rest. Midas has already sent for the chainsaws.”
My stomach roils at the thought, but I try to remain stoic, so the guys don’t worry. Henri and Luca help Maurice to his feet, and Hook motions me over.
“Can I offer you some advice?”
“Sure.”