Great.Thanks a lot, Brody.“He’s no one.”
“If he’s here, he’s someone. Do we need to keep an eye on him? I don’t have time for more bullshit.”
“What? No. I don’t know what Brody’s been telling you.” Think, Maeve,think. “He’s a manager-in-training.” Not a complete lie. If the deal goes through, Kellin could be around and working with us. I feel like a little girl again, overtalking to prevent myself from divulging the truth. “If we expand, and we’re leaning in that direction, we’ll need more manager types. That’s all. He’s a potential higher-up, a ‘second Lenora,’ should the time come.”
Please, let us be done with this conversation. What am I even saying?
My father goes into the kitchen and pours himself a scotch.
“If we’re done here, I’m going to go.”
“Steaks. Three. Rare. And another one of these.” He holds up the scotch long enough for me to read the label.
“Okay, I can do that.” No sense in arguing. “Anything else?” I text Lenora as I wait for his response. If I forget to feed the bear, I’ll regret it.
He eyes me steadily but doesn’t respond or demand that I stay.
Just as I spin around to leave, the door clicks and Brody strolls in. “Hey, Maeve.”
I scowl when I get closer. “You’re such a dick, you traitor.” I hiss the words, but he still hears them.
Brody sputters. “What the hell did I?—”
I pivot so we’re nose to nose. “You know what you did.”
And then I stalk through the door, slamming it in his startled, puppy-dog face, cutting off whatever stupid excuse he had for being the world’s shittiest brother.
He should know how fraught my relationship with our father is. So why couldn’t he keep his mouth shut?
I answer my own question. Because he and Connor both give Declan Gallagher all their loyalty, leaving none left over for me. I will always come in last place, if I ever merit any consideration at all.
Fear eats at my bravado, swallowing my courage entirely by the time I reach my room. Hopefully the loss serves as a reminder to exercise caution.
The last thing I want is for my father to discover the real reason for Kellin’s presence.
Chapter 25
Kellin
At the click of the lock, I leap off the couch. “Where the hell were you? You’re supposed to be in bed.”
Maeve kicks off her flip-flops by the door. “It’s fine. I’m feeling better.”
I grasp her by the arms, sit her on the velvety sectional, and peer into those dark, soulful eyes. They appear sharper than this morning. Less clouded with nausea and pain.
But the edges of her mouth droop into a frown that was absent the last time I checked on her.
My gut dips. What if she figured out what I did? “You have some color back in those cheeks?—”
“Thanks, Mom.”
I push on. “You’re rattled. What’s going on?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.Poof. All good. I don’t know what you’re sensing. Maybe my energy coming back?” She falls into me, shaping her mouth to mine for a sensual kiss.
My tongue kicks into gear. This woman…
Fuck me.
