“Olivia?”
Glancing up, I see Maddox Behan flanked by his brothers. He’s the tallest of the three with sage green eyes that give off a nobullshit attitude. I’m not sure I like the way they’re looking at me at the moment though.
I feel like a rabbit ensnared in their trap, and I don’t ever want to feel that way again.
“It’s just about five o’clock,” I say instead, my voice steady. I stay seated because the muscles in my legs are beginning to tremble. It’s easier to hide that when I’m hidden by the desk. I take the time to slowly pull on my coat, as if there’s nothing wrong in the world. “Did you need anything before I leave for the day? I finished the list you left for me.”
My gaze moves smoothly to Cai to show that I know the difference between the two of them and he swallows thickly. I don’t understand why both he and his brother react so strongly to me.
Maddox Behan walks further into the room with his brothers trailing behind him and I wait for whatever shoe is about to drop. They’re way too intense for something not to be wrong. Maddox’s nose flares as he walks, and his brows draw downward in annoyance.
“This might be a sensitive question to ask at work, but are you on any type of blockers?” he asks.
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. “It helps me concentrate better.”
I’ve learned to lie easily over the past few years. I have no remorse over it, because it helped me keep my daughter and I alive. The old habit remains with me, and not even my scent changes anymore when I stretch or corrupt the truth.
“Thank you,” he says. “This is going to come as a surprise to you then. You are my scent match, Olivia, and I reject you.”
“You are also my scent match, and I reject you,” Cai says with no inflection. The blood drains from my body as I physically flinch, feeling as if they both just hit me.
I didn’t have any idea that they were anyone other than my bosses. Their words don’t hurt any less despite the blockers, and I can feel my eyes burning.
“And you?” I ask, forcing the strength to remain in my voice as I glance at Aled. Now I know why he acted so strangely in the parking garage.
“You are also my scent match, Olivia, and I reject you,” he says, his voice deep and sharp.
“Perfect,” I reply, surprising them. “At least you’re all united in your cowardice. I’d hate for you to be interesting. I quit, gentlemen.”
“You’re taking this so well,” Maddox laughs. “Is it perhaps the mental illness you seem to be afflicted with. What do her records say again, Cai?”
“Schizophrenia with active auditory hallucinations,” his brother replies, smirking. “Honestly, I’m a little surprised you’re so well adjusted.”
“The voices were killed quickly and judiciously a few years ago,” I state. “I never had schizophrenia, but I pretended well.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” Aled asks.
“It means it’s none of your business,” I say, picking up my purse. “I’malso no longer any of your concern.”
“I think you misunderstand,” Maddox says smoothly. “My brother still needs an assistant, and you seem fairly competent.”
“My family and I will ensure that you won’t be able to get a job anywhere else,” Aled adds.
Oh well. So much for getting out of the house.
“I don’t have to work for money,” I shrug, forcing strength into my legs as I push back the rolling chair and stand. “I think your sleuthing skills leave a lot to be desired, gentlemen. Did you look into my family by chance?”
“Your daughter is Cerenity Quinn, and she owns a nightclub,” Cai says. “It would be a shame if something happened to her. Isn’t she pregnant?”
Ah, they’re thugs. That’s adorable. Stealing my spine, I get ready to act my ass off.
“I would love to see you try,” I say, not at all worried. A bubble of laughter escapes as I shake my head, and the men in front of me look at each other uncomfortably.
I’m sure they think I’m insane. Maybe I am, because I’m no longer afraid of them. Instead, I’m simply disappointed. I really thought I was going to make a difference here. Their words simply tell me that these men aren’t who I thought they were.
I’ll have to let someone know that there’s a new family attempting to move into Minneapolis.
“You should be careful who you attempt to intimidate,” I say. “Cerenity and her pack have deep roots in the Minneapolis community. If I disappear for any reason, Cian and all the families will be very unhappy.”
