“Never.”
Declan huffs a laugh as he takes a step closer to me. “I suggest you prove she’s here, or I give my men the order to move on your house where I know at least the pretty dark-haired one is. Blood will be spilled tonight. It’s up to you whose.”
I grind my teeth.
It goes against every instinct I have to bring Ciara out to face Declan, but I also know that Declan is a man of his word. If I don’t show him Ciara, he will go after Mila, and I can’t risk that.
Ciara’s already lost one friend because of this asshole; I won’t let the tally increase to two.
I just have to trust that my brother and I will be enough to keep Ciara safe.
Ciara’s eyes widen as I open the car door. “What’s going on?”
“I need you to prove you’re here.”
“I thought you wanted me to stay in the car?”
“I do, but Declan has other ideas. Trust me, I don’t want to do this, but he’s giving me no other option.” I take her hand and help her out of the car.
When Declan’s eyes land on Ciara, that feral smile tugs at his lips once again.
Every muscle in my body tenses as I keep my hands firmly on Ciara’s shoulders, her back flush against my chest.
He tilts his head. “So strange seeing a McCarthy with a Sullivan…”
I notice Finn’s eyes narrow as he looks from me to Ciara.
Ciara lifts her chin. “I’m not a McCarthy anymore.”
Despite everything, my chest swells with pride. Even in the face of danger, Ciara doesn’t even balk.
That’s my girl.
“Get back in the car?—”
Declan holds up a hand. “Not so fast, Ronan. I want to get a good look at her.”
“Declan…”
“She’s a pretty little thing.”
Ciara scoffs. “Trust me, I’m more than just a pretty face.”
I almost choke on a laugh at the look of surprise on Declan’s face.
His eyes rake down her body. “I’m sure you are…”
Without taking my eyes off Declan, I move to step in front of Ciara to shield her from view. “That’s enough. Get back in the car.”
Ciara does as I ask, and I slam the door shut as I glare at Declan.
He smirks. “I will say I’m impressed with Stephen. I didn’t think he had it in him to deliver.”
“Stephen’s dead.”
Declan’s smile falters. “Is he now?”
“I put a bullet between his eyes.”
