Greenish-blue eyes snap up to meet mine. “Like involve our family in the drug trade again. That’s Lorkan’s latest threat for me disrespecting him.”
I suck in a breath. “Are you serious?”
All I get is a nod in response. “And if he’s willing to destroy my father’s legacy by going back to selling drugs, it's not a far reach to assume he’d be willing to tarnish my reputation by getting involved in the skin trade.”
“It would also explain how someone had managed to steal our supplies without us knowing. They knew how to avoid all our cameras, only work in the blind spots. Never speak near the audio tracks. Only higher-ranked officials are privy to that information,” I summarize.
“Fuck me,” Declan groans, dragging his hands down his face. “Killing your own brother though? Lorkan’s a monster but I don’t know if he’sthatkind of monster.”
He looks almost innocent with his hands cradling his face and the loose, tousled strands of his hair covering his eyes. Like a child who just learned their hero had been lying to them the whole time. Or a man realizing not even your own blood can be trusted.
I bite my lip. Hard. My mind is still rattling in a billion different directions with all the events of tonight. Being shot at was one thing, but realizing everything I believed about Declan was wrong threw me off my axis. Now adding on the layer that his own uncle may have killed his father. I’d spare Declan my proclivity to speak what’s on my mind even when I know it will crush the recipient.
“What do you think?” Declan asks, though the words comeout more like a plea.Tell me my uncle didn’t kill my father. Tell me, please.
“I think it’s been a long day, and rational decisions are never made with exhausted minds.” I shift off the bed, giving Declan a terse smile. “Get some rest. Whatever we decide to do next, you need to be fully healed for.”
“We?” he asks, lips slightly curving upward.
“Yes, we. If I wasn’t clear, we’re a team now.”
17
DECLAN
“If you continue to fuss over me like I’m a newborn who can’t take care of himself, I will fire you,” I grumble at Maura as she wags the shoulder brace in front of me.
Her eyes turn into slits. “Declan. Andrew. McAlister.”
My stomach tightens as she punctuates my full legal name. Shit. I fucked up.
“Damn, Dec, you’ve really fucked up now.” Aidan cackles, voicing out loud what I’m thinking.
“Did you really justthreatenme? The woman who feeds you every night. The woman who nursed you through several hangovers during a rebellious period that well overstayed its welcome? The woman who is on you when you’re sick, and who you beg every time to stay longer because you turn into an absolute baby when your stomach hurts?” Her words and the sarcasm laced in them get louder and louder with each question.
“I didn’t mean it, I was just being dramatic?—”
“Oh no. Don’t you try to take it all back. Maybe you’re right. Maybe you don’t need me. Maybe I’ll just quit and havean early retirement. Lord knows I’ve more than earned my time to relax by the sun, dealing with you two.” She wags the wooden spoon in her hands between Aidan and me.
Aidan throws his hands up in surrender. “Hey! What did I do? I’m just an innocent bystander!”
“Innocent my arse. The reason I have so many greys is because of you.” Maura rolls her eyes before walking away from the kitchen. “I’ll just go ahead and pack my bags now since I’m not needed here.”
“Declan. C’mon, man, do something. You know damn well the place would cave in on itself without her.” Aidan’s panic is as pathetic as it is endearing at this moment.
“She’s just bluffing. And trying to make a point.” I huff, crossing my arms across my chest and refusing to acknowledge the twinge of pain in my shoulder that follows.
“Well, she can take all my money with that poker face she’s rocking. Plus, that doesn’t sound like a bluff to me.” Aidan nods his head to Maura’s room, and the creaking sound of wooden drawers being thrown open, followed by the sharp, aggressive unzipping of her suitcase.
Christ.I had really hurt her feelings this time. Great job, Declan. This is exactly what you needed on top of the never-ending list of problems on your to-do list.
Taking a deep breath, I take a few strides down the hall until I’m standing in the doorway of Maura’s room. “What are you doing?”
She clicks her tongue. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m moving out. Should be done in the next hour. After that, I’m heading straight to Cabo.”
“Cabo, huh? It’s pretty sunny there,” I note.
“I’m well aware. I’ve packed extra sunscreen,” she practically growls as she slams one of her suitcases shut.
