My Pulse

Chapter 23 Cian O'Shea

I step into my office and close the door behind me. I've been craving a private moment amidst all this madness, even though I hate being away from Quinn. Today, however, I have to make an exception. What needs to be done, I must do myself. I'm calling the head of the FBI to state my demands. News of our takeover has traveled remarkably fast, and the reality of Quinn's existence is now exposed to the underworld. Soon, we'll have to meet the powerful figures who rule it. They won't accept my takeover until they see Quinn in person. With my beautiful princess at my side, they'll accept the new regime.

Kieran mentioned the flood of calls from ruthless family heads in the criminal underworld, all wanting to meet Quinn. I plan to set a meeting today, but first, I must secure our safety in my home country.

I sit down behind my desk, propping my feet up as I lean back in my chair. Taking out my cell phone, I dial my FBI contact.
"Agent Bradford," the man says when he answers.
"Bradford, it's Cian," I reply, relaxed. There's a long pause on the other end.
"Cian, I've been looking for you."
"Yeah, you and everyone else in Ireland," I say with a dark chuckle.
"What do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"You know why," I respond, my tone serious.
"We won't agree on a deal," he says flatly.
"Really? And why's that?" I ask mockingly.
"We've already chosen a new underworld head."
"Oh? And who might that be?" I ask, keeping my cool.
"Rourke Kelly," he replies.

I pause, my intake of breath audible over the line.
"You know I'll kill anyone standing in my way," I tell him.
"Rourke will be under our protection, and you are no longer welcome in Ireland," he says sternly.
"You really think you can protect him from me? I may not be your first choice, but I am your only choice," I counter, my tone harsh.
"We had another choice, and we took it. Step foot in this country, and I'll personally hunt you down."
I chuckle darkly, crossing my legs as I rest them on my desk. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but I thought it might," I say. "My team has planted several bombs in populated areas around Dublin. If you don't agree to my terms, I'll detonate them, and there will be many unnecessary fatalities."
"You'd blow up your own countrymen? For what? Power?" he asks, disgusted.
"Bradford," I pause, letting his name hang in the air. "If I don't claim the throne, I'm as good as dead. And I fully plan on staying alive."

There's silence before he mutters, "Fucking bastard."
I chuckle. "I look forward to agreeing on terms. Tell your higher-ups they have an hour to accept them before the first bomb goes off."
"And what are these terms?" he asks.
"I want immunity for the O'Connor incident, collaboration and protection from the FBI, and, of course, to come home."
"No immunity, no deal," I state firmly before hanging up.

I lean back in my chair, a triumphant grin spreading across my face. My plan is coming together. Now, I just need to get Quinn on board. I bring up the security camera feed from inside the house and see her talking with Anita. The sight of her smile soothes something inside me. I know I have work to do, but seeing her makes everything better.

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Quinn tells Anita she's going to tour the house, and I decide to get back to work. My craving, though not fully satisfied, is somewhat tamed now that I've seen her. Returning my attention to business, I access the secret portal the underworld uses to communicate. It's a hub for sending messages to the bosses who help run the criminal operations—guns, drugs, assassinations. Never a dull day.

I scan the recent posts and smile at the flood of meeting requests. Everyone is curious about Quinn and our sudden takeover, which seemed to happen overnight. The O'Connors are no more, and the thought fills me with immense satisfaction. I begin drafting a coded message, detailing an upcoming meeting in Dublin on Saturday at a secure location. It's only Wednesday, giving me plenty of time to return to Ireland once I have the all-clear. Security will be crucial, especially with Quinn by my side. No one would dare challenge me—but if they do, they'll quickly learn why it's a mistake.