I can see his mind spinning. He’s connecting what I’m saying to our short time together just like I did after learning about his past.
He’s not just a dumb enforcer. He’s wiser than I’m sure Declan gives him credit for, and that truth digs at the back of my mind.
Maybe Finnwilllet him join. Might even give him the respect he deserves.
“I knew you were smart as soon as I met you, but I didn’t realize how smart.” He opens his eyes again and pins me with those honeyed irises. “Cunning, if you think about it.”
The praise sends a weird little flutter through my stomach. “Yeah, I’m a real genius. Except now, it might get my wholefamily killed.” I pause, biting back a hitch in my breath. “It could’ve gotten you killed.”
Brody just shrugs, the corner of his lip twitching. “But it didn’t, and I’m fine. I also never expected you to actually do something like that. You’re pretty ballsy.”
He’simpressedthat I left him for dead?
Of course. Such a man.
“I don’t think I’d call it ballsy, but…”
He continues. “You know, for someone who seems to think things through?—”
“I didn’t consider the long-term consequences when I went down this rabbit hole. Trust me, I’m aware.”
He laughs. A quiet but real, warm laugh that reminds me of water trickling through a brook in the forest. I think my heart might explode.
Brody studies the IV in his arm before yanking it out.
Or maybehisheart will explode. “What do you think you’re doing? You need that!”
“Weneedto get out of here.” He swings his legs over the side of his hospital bed and stands. He immediately sways sideways, his left leg buckling.
“Whoa there, cowboy.” I grip under his arm, attempting to steady him. “All right, yeah, we’re leaving. Give me a second to find clothes and things, okay?”
He nods before sitting back down on the edge of the bed. I’m a little surprised he listened to me, but I guess that’s what good pain meds will do.
I grab his shoes from the cabinet near the bed, then slip into a sleeping patient’s room to steal a pair of sweats.
Once Brody’s dressed in normal clothes, we leave the hospital on the sly with surprising ease.
The plan is to steal a car, but Brody needs me to steady him as we trudge through the parking lot. “I don’t think we should leave the area just yet.”
He side-eyes me and half-smiles. “It’s the meds, but, yeah, I’m toast right now. Let’s get a hotel until morning.”
I blink, stunned that he capitulated so easily. I’m not about to look at gift horse in the mouth, though. His agreeableness is bound to wear off with the drugs, so I’d better make the most of it.
Chapter 27
Brody
The ride from the hospital to a motel at the edge of the city gives me time to digest the hard-drive bombshell.
Trinity offered me the keys to the castle.
If this drive can damage Declan, it’s the ultimate piece of leverage. My ticket to finally getting the old man’s respect.
Plus Finn.
Plus Trinity.
Though whatever good feelings Trinity has for me will be toast if I go through with killing her brother. Can I live with that? Do I want to cause her more heartache?
