Page 35 of Deceived Wrath

Sure, she'sattractive. I mean, I've been thinking about her ass in that tight skirt all damn day.

But there was something else about her. Maybe it was the way she was willing to blow an interview for an incredibly well-paid position just to check in on her sick niece. That shows a level of integrity that is rare to see these days. And I find that more attractive than anything else.

I reach for the bottle and refill my glass. "I didn't notice. Anyway, it doesn't matter. You wanted me to choose someone, and I did."

Kieran leans back in his chair and crosses an ankle over a knee. "I have never met anyone who is so against help."

"I've managed just fine on my own."

"Maybe. But keeping your head above water and truly living are two different things."

"You've been watching too many daytime talk shows."

Kieran huffs a laugh. "I guess marriage really does change you."

"How is Riley?" I ask in the hope of changing the subject.

"You would know if you visited more."

"I visit."

"Only when we have meetings at the house."

I exhale as I lean back in my chair.

For the past couple of years, it's been just Scout and me, and I'm finding being constantly surrounded by family, who all seem to expect a version of me that no longer exists, completely draining.

"I figured you didn't want to be bothered."

Kieran laughs. "Rileyalwayswants to be bothered. The whole big family thing is still a novelty to her. I swear I can't remember the last time I came home to just my wife."

"It'll wear off."

"Hopefully, because otherwise, I'm going to have to turn one of the guest rooms into Brennan's room, and I really don't want to have to do that. I see him enough as it is."

"But she's doing okay?"

"She's fine. Still no baby, so she's going out of her mind. It turns out my wife is not one for sitting around and doing nothing."

"That doesn't surprise me."

"I just hope she doesn't hate being pregnant so much that she won't want to go through it again."

"You haven't even had the first one, and you're already thinking about baby number two?"

Kieran's face breaks out into a rare smile that almost takes me aback.

"I can't help it. Something about seeing the woman you love carrying your child just turns you into a caveman. I mean, surely you get that?"

I say nothing because it's easier than explaining that the woman I love is dead and that it has left behind a wound so great that I spend every day feeling like I'm slowly drowning.

"I should get home." I get to my feet.

Kieran looks like he's about to ask something but then thinks better of it. He gets to his feet and follows silently behind me as I head out of the office toward the elevators.

He presses the button for the lobby. "Take it easy on your new assistant. It's not her fault that I made you hire her."

"I'll treat her the same as I treat everyone else."