“Because you’re you.”
“Well, you’re wrong.”
“Intriguing… Care to share what Princess Riley has done to piss you off so much?”
“Don’t call her that.”
“My bad, forgot that’s your little pet name for her.” Brennan smirks. “So, spill. What happened between you two?”
“It’s none of your damn business.”
Brennan rolls his eyes as he sets down his glass on the table. “You know, it’s okay to admit that you care.”
“Caring is a weakness.” I pick up the bottle of whiskey and pour myself another drink.
“Bullshit. That’s what you used to believe before Riley.”
I drain the rest of the whiskey and stare into the empty glass.
Once upon a time, that was true. I didn’t let anyone in or let myself feel anything that could be used against me. It was easier that way.
Then Riley happened.
Now here I am, feeling like my heart has just been ripped out of my chest, and it’s not something I want to get used to.
Brennan stretches before getting to his feet and straightening his jacket.
“Well, I’ve got to check in on some potential leads about Cormac, so I’ll leave you to your existential crisis. Try not to blow anything up while I’m gone.”
“I’m not making any promises.” I eye the shelves of vintage weaponry, wondering if it would be a bad idea to take some of them out of retirement.
“Don’t even think about it,” Brennan says, as if he can read my mind.
“I wasn’t going to use them on me.”
“Oh, yeah? Then who?”
“You, for breaking into my office and drinking my liquor.”
“Don’t make me send Ronan over here to give you a talking to.”
I groan.
Ronan is the last person I want to see right now.
Brennan chuckles. “That’s what I thought.”
“Get the hell out of my house.”
Brennan heads for the door, but he pauses just before he leaves. “For what it’s worth, whatever’s eating at you? It’s not the end of the world. You’re too stubborn to let it be.”
The door slides shut behind him, finally leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I pour another drink and stare at the amber liquid as if it somehow holds all the answers to my problems.
Riley is carrying my child.
The thought should fill me with pride, but instead, all I feel is anger.
