I stumble back a bit, to my surprise. Moving quickly, I grab ahold of her arm and halt her. She turns to glare down at my hand wrapped around her wrist.
“If ya want to remain the owner of that hand, ya will get it off me. I mean it, Cole,” she growls.
I hold my hands up in the air, still grinning down at her. I love the fire in her eyes. If I didn’t have questions for her uncles, I would follow after her so we can sort this all out.
However, the mention of my granda and Deja’s confusion has a number of questions running through my mind. I have no idea what I just walked into, but it’s starting to smell and sound like the Alliance.
I grit and bare my teeth as I turn to reclaim my seat. Both uncles are watching me closely. I sit back in my seat as if I own the place.
“What am I missing here?” I ask.
“If ye don’t know, it’s not our place to tell ye. Where’s yer brother? We’ll talk to him or the Italian. Preferably yer brother,” Ken says.
“Aye, Deja will remain with us until our terms are met or when those who sent her here come for her,” Ewan adds.
“We’ve just learned my brother is being held in an Irish prison thanks to dear oul Oland. The Italian. You’re speaking of LaSalle, I take it.”
“Aye, that’s all we’re willing to say to ye,” Ewan says.
“Ye should go. Don’t come back here. It isn’t safe for ye or Deja.”
“Ach, I’d like to see who plans to make it unsafe for me. I’ll respect your request because of her and only because of her.”
“Och, yer not going to listen to a word we say. I can see it in yer eyes. Yer as hotheaded and stubborn as Ian was.
“I hope ye have his heart too. Yer going to need it. Ye’ve walked right into the lion’s den,” Ken scoffs.
“Remember, lad. Don’t be fooled by Oland when he says he’ll never work with anyone who’s not Irish. He’s not so much against Deja because of what she is. It has more to do with who she is and what that means to all the things he’s trying to prevent?—”
“Ewan,” Ken bites out.
“Aye.” Ewan nods.
I grind my teeth in frustration. These two seem to have all the answers I need, but they’re not willing to share. I have a problem with that, but for now I’ll have to suck it up.
Ken looks me over then locks eyes with me as I guess he finds whatever he’s looking for. “I will give ye one final warning. Oland has eyes and ears everywhere.
“We McDougals want to keep the peace on our land. Tread lightly when yer around Deja. She’s important to this family and Oland will use that in any way he can.”
“What does my brother have to do with all of this?” I ask tightly.
“Ye need to wait for him to tell ye. Until our terms are met, none of this is our business. We promised to keep her safe; that’s our only task in this until we get answers. Ye should head back to the states,” Ken says.
“Och, as if he’s going to follow that advice. Look at him,” Ewan snorts. “I feel like I’m looking at Ian Black in the flesh. He aims to rock the boat. I have a mind to send the lass away.”
“You do that, I will find her,” I bite out.
“Aye, we know. Ye should take a step back and think about what yer doing. What happens when ye cause Oland to raise his head?” Ken says, narrowing his eyes at me.
“You sound like you’re afraid of the oul bastard. I did some digging. I know who you are. Why not just kill the oul piece of shit and be done with it?”
Ewan snorts. “Ye think we’ve been who we are by charging into every battle headfirst. Yer a young lad, so I’ll give ye a pass.
“I know Ian taught ye better. Every cause has an effect. Removing O’Brien comes with consequences. Ireland remains balanced with him where he is.
“He is feared and with good reason. His replacement has to be as feared and steadfast as he is. Not someone who’s all talk, but someone who’s going to get the job done.
“Yer da has already expressed he doesn’t want to return to handle the job. Yer brother has plans of his own, and from yer words, he’s not currently available. Who does that leave?
