Chapter 35: Crown of Smoke: EXTENDED EPILOGUE

I pull up to the Kean estate, working to control the rage that comes each time I think about those fuckers building this home on the ashes of my parents.

I park and make my way to the front door. The gravel crunches under my shoes as I approach, nodding to the guards who’ve come to know me as their newest recruit.

Marshall’s death and Lucy’s story bringing forth what had just been rumors about the Keans’ true nature has made the Keans paranoid. They’ve closed ranks and at the same time, worked to build a bigger force. It became the perfect opportunity for me to get a job with them.

Three weeks into infiltrating the Keans’ security detail, and I’m finally being allowed into the inner sanctum. The house. The place where the traitor Jenna Hart works.

With a new member of the Ifrinn family born last night, it’s time to get Keans out and take our rightful place. I still can’t believe Flint is married with a kid now. But we’ve always been different. Or I have. My brothers are all dark-haired and blue-eyed. If I wasn’t born at the same time as Flint, I might have thought I was adopted with my blond hair and green eyes.

So far, no one in Kean’s crew has questioned who I am. I guess in ten years, I’ve changed enough. No one is even guessing that the Ifrinns are back.

I straighten my suit jacket, playing the part of the professional guard. Inside, I’m itching to wrap my hands around Ronan Kean’s throat for burning our home with our parents inside. The confession Lucy recorded wasn’t enough to bring them down legally, but it gave us exactly what we needed. Confirmation of everyone involved.

Flint found his happiness despite our mission for vengeance. But me? I won’t rest until the Keans pay for every life they destroyed that night. And now that my brother’s got his own family to protect, it’s my turn to step up and finish what we started.

I check my watch. It’s almost time for my shift guarding the man who murdered my parents. I allow myself a small smile as I head inside. Soon, Hampton and Ronan Kean will learn what it means to fear the Ifrinn name again.

But first, I need to go inside and meet the staff. In particular, I want to meet Jenna Hart, the girl who betrayed us by giving away our home’s secret access.

I stroll through the Keans’ marble halls, taking in the gaudy display of wealth. Crystal chandeliers catch the morning light, casting rainbow prisms across gilt-framed mirrors. The air reeks of money and fear, evident in the bulletproof windows and armed guards posted at every entrance.

Hampton Kean’s paranoia bleeds into every corner of this fortress. Security cameras track movement through every room, and panic buttons hide beneath antique furniture. The staff scurry about like frightened mice, heads down, voices hushed. Yeah, you should be afraid.

The cleaning staff move quietly through the halls, dusting and polishing. Jenna isn’t a maid so I keep going, heading to the kitchen as that seems like where non-house staff might hang out.

I round the corner toward the kitchen, following the sound of female voices.

‘Did you see Mr. Kean this morning?’ A breathy voice carries through the doorway. ‘That navy suit he was wearing…’

‘Oh, girl, you’ve got it bad.’ The other woman laughs. ‘You should stop wasting your time. He doesn’t know any of us exist.’

I stop, remembering that Lucy said the woman had a crush on Ronan. Could it be this woman is who I’m looking for?

‘He smiled at me yesterday when I brought fresh flowers to his office.’ The voice holds such hope. ‘Maybe he’s finally noticing me.’

I peer around the doorframe. A petite brunette with curly hair tied back leans against the counter, her green eyes bright as she talks about the man who murdered my parents. She looks so normal. Young. Nothing like a calculating traitor. Perhaps all the women here pine for Ronan.

‘Trust me,’ the other woman says, ‘Ronan Kean doesn’t date the help. Remember what happened to Sarah?’

‘Maybe I’m different,’ the first girl insists, though uncertainty creeps into her voice. ‘He seemed genuinely interested in the gardens when I mentioned the new rose varieties…’

Is she the groundskeeper? Really? Her?

I smooth my jacket and stride into the kitchen, letting an easy smile spread across my face. You get more from charm than harm, I always say. ‘Ladies, I hope I’m not interrupting.’

The women startle.

‘Just doing my rounds,’ I say, leaning casually against the doorframe. ‘I’m Blaise Tine, new security detail.’

“I’m Debbie,” one woman says. “I work in the kitchen.

“Jenna Hart,” the one crushing on Ronan introduces herself. Up close, she’s not at all what I expected. She’s pretty in an innocent sort of way, with bright green eyes and a smattering of freckles across her nose.

Debbie gives me an appreciative once-over. ‘Haven’t seen you around before.’

‘Just started last week.’ I wink. ‘Thought I should get to know everyone. Especially the lovely ladies who keep this place running.’

Jenna blushes, ducking her head as she turns to arrange flowers in a crystal vase. Her curls fall forward, hiding her face, but I catch the shy smile playing at her lips.

‘Well, aren’t you sweet?’ Debbie fans herself dramatically. ‘Most of the guards just grunt and glare at us.’

I laugh, the sound genuine despite the rage simmering beneath my carefully constructed façade. ‘Their loss. Besides, who wouldn’t want to spend time with such beautiful company?’

“Well, I’d love to stay and… chat.” Debbie’s eyes suggest she means fuck, not chat. “But I’ve got to inventory the pantry.” She leaves us alone in the kitchen.

Jenna fidgets and gives me a shy smile. There’s something endearing about her innocent demeanor that makes me want to put her at ease. What the fuck is wrong with me? This woman opened the door to killers.

‘The gardens look amazing,’ I say, remembering her earlier conversation about roses. ‘You must be the one responsible for that.’

Her face lights up, transforming her from pretty to stunning. ‘You noticed? Most people just walk past without seeing how the colors complement each other or how the heights create depth…’ She trails off, ducking her head. ‘Sorry, I get carried away talking about plants.’

‘Don’t apologize. It’s refreshing to meet someone passionate about their work.’

Our eyes lock, and for a moment I forget why I’m here, forget that this innocent-looking woman played a role in my parents’ death. All I can focus on is how her hands twist nervously and how badly I want to still them with my own.

‘I should get back to work,’ she murmurs but doesn’t move.

‘Of course.’ I straighten up, maintaining my professional demeanor despite the unexpected attraction coursing through me. ‘Maybe you could show me those roses sometime?’ I’m only flirting because she’s part of my mission. That’s all.

Her smile is shy but genuine. ‘I’d like that.’

I watch her leave the kitchen feeling completely off-balance. How can I be drawn to someone who helped destroy my family? To the woman I’m here to destroy?