Lucky Strike (Gangland Hearts Book 1) by Rochelle Allison

Author:Rochelle Allison [Allison, Rochelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-16T00:00:00+00:00

What started as an afternoon squall mellows into a cozy rainfall that stretches into the evening. After dinner, Conlan reads a bedtime story to Liam while I clean up the kitchen.

“I’m going down to the cellar,” he announces, startling me as he enters the kitchen. “Do you want more rosé?”

I glance at the vase of peonies. The past few days have fast-forwarded us into a closeness that I remember all too well and it’s hard to put on the brakes. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

We lounge in the living room with our wine, listening to the rain as the dogs snooze at our feet. Terry and Mitch turned in a little while ago, muffled TV sounds coming from their rooms, so it’s just us.

“Only thing missing from this scenario is a fire,” says Conlan, pointing his glass at the fireplace.

“Have you ever built one here?”

“Nah. We always come during the summer, when it’s hot.”

“It’s not so hot tonight,” I muse, glancing at the window. Rain streams down the glass, blurring the outside world.

“You want a fire?” he asks, sitting up.

“No.” I take a long draw of wine. “Is this from Sloane’s winery, too?”

“They all are. She knows I won’t buy it for myself—I’m not much of a wine drinker.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow, thinking of the past couple of nights. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“I drink it if it’s around.” He gives me a crooked grin. “And Mom makes sure everyone’s house is well stocked. You’ll probably get a bottle or two at Christmas, watch.”

"Can I ask you something?"

He sips his wine. “You ask that a lot lately."

"When did you know that your family was into the stuff it's into?"

He laughs dryly. "I don't know. When you grow up like that, everything just seems normal."

"Did you always know you'd take over?"

"My dad started really sharing stuff with me when I was fifteen. He'd let me sit in on some of the meetings with the family, his inner circle—my grandparents, my godparents, my uncles. It was exciting, having a seat at the table. I'd known these guys my whole life, you know? I loved and respected them. Trusted them. It didn't seem strange." His eyes find mine. "Still doesn't, though I'm sure you see it differently."

I nod slowly, trying to understand the complexity of his situation. Generations of Kellys have been about this life. Conlan and his siblings were raised with the same codes, his place as the heir apparent to his father's throne all but cemented.

"Do you ever question it?" I ask, hoping to draw out more from him.

He runs a hand through his hair and leans back against the couch. "Of course. But this is who I am, Bria. Who my family is. It's not like I can just walk away from it."

I watch as he fidgets, obviously uncomfortable with where this conversation is heading. Still, I push a little more. "So, what's the plan then? Take over and continue on the same path as your father?"

He shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe.

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