Flynn maneuvers my sister until she’s laying down before covering her with a throw blanket and standing to pace behind the couch.
“Flynn, cool it. Annie’s personal life is not our business. Also, I’ll check him out as soon as I get home. Lukas, can you send me the security video so I can comb through it? No offense to your guys, but I’d rather check it out myself.” Mac asks as he watches his little brother prowl like a wild beast.
“Of course.” Papa nods, “Consider it done.”
Declan shifts so his shoulder is pressed to mine, and that same feeling of calm and comfort washes over me. I offer him a sly smirk as everyone else is either asleep or engrossed in my dad and Mac’s conversation. He smiles back and I feel the grip around my heart loosen for the first time since before my Papa walked into the bar.
12
Chapter Twelve
Declan
Ican’t help but smile as Phoenix walks into the living room and sits beside me before taking her feet and digging them under me to warm her ice cold toes. Every single ounce of me wants to push her feet away and move to a different couch, but I let her warm her icicle phalanges to her heart’s content because she’s suffering enough with this pregnancy.
“You’re touching me, Nix.” I tell her in a monotone voice.
“But Deccc. My toes are so cold, and Kieran’s at work.” She pouts.
This is why God never gave me biological sisters. He knew I would crack like an egg on the side of a frying pan at their first request. Even though the entire time she’s touching me, I have to put continuous effort into pushing the invisible handsaway from my throat. None of my sisters-in-law trust men easily at all, and the fact that they all trust me enough to be themselves is the biggest compliment I could ever get.
“Fine, but only for a few minutes.” I grumble.
She snuggles back into the side of the couch and smiles in victory. God, Kieran has his hands full with her.
“How are you feeling? How’s baby boy doing today?”
She beams at me, “I haven’t thrown up all day today. Kieran’s going to be so happy when I tell him. Baby is okay I guess. He isn’t kicking my lungs or anything crazy if that’s what you’re asking.”
I shake my head in amusement. “How much water have you drank so far?”
“Declan, don’t ruin our moment like that.” She glares at me.
The laugh that bubbles out of me is unprompted. “I’ll be right back.”
Standing up, I grab the thick blanket that Clara keeps on the back of the couch and cover her up with it. Before she can protest, I quickly make my way into the kitchen and make her a large tumbler of ice water. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I’m just about to text Kieran to come get his gremlin when I notice a missed text from earlier.
Chaos: What are you doing?
Yeah, I changed his name, mind your business.
Declan: Taking care of my sister-in-law while my brother’s gone. How are you doing after last night?
Chaos: I’m fine. Everyone’s okay, so that’s the most important part.
Declan: How many times have you been by their houses today?
Chaos: Fuck you.
Chaos: Only four.
Chaos: Each.
I can’t help but shake my head and laugh. Always the protector.
Declan: That’s what I thought. What are you doing for the rest of the day?
Chaos: Well, I’m at Lee’s now helping her out with something, then nothing.
