Page 53 of Rugged and Filthy

CHAPTER 15

Rylee

The anger toward myself remained. However, getting close to the three men wasn’t in anyone’s best interest. I knew enough about Madden to realize he’d use the three musketeers against me if he could. He’d consider them a weakness, a target.

Just like I feared he’d use my son.

I’d been so guarded over the last few years, shutting myself off. I’d been taught that at an early age. Powerful people used others to get ahead in their unscrupulous lives.

My mama had raised no fool.

Even if she was no longer here to lend an ear or additional advice.

It was crazy that I wasn’t certain who I could trust any longer.

While I wanted to confront my father, demanding exactly what he’d told the three men and what conversation he’d had with Madden, I had something to handle first. No one was going to go behind my back. No one. I didn’t care who it was or how long I’d known the person.

Hearing about Declan’s intentional visit with Madden felt like a betrayal, one that I wouldn’t be able to get over. I’d questioned how he managed to drive such a nice car and live in a stunning seaside house while my father continued to live in squalor, but I also knew Declan’s family had some money.

How much I’d never asked.

Still, the coincidence that he’d been with Madden wasn’t something I could take lightly. Maybe I shouldn’t believe what the boys had told me, but they had no reason to lie. This wasn’t their country and they had homes far removed from Ireland. Whatever was going on, I was damn determined to take control over.

Even if fear remained heating up my blood almost as much as the rage had.

I pulled into Declan’s driveway, cutting the engine immediately and storming onto the pavement. Taking long strides, I headed for his door, pounding on it with a lot of adrenaline fueling me.

He opened the door and I could tell by the flash on his face he was fearful of who was standing behind the door. When he broke into a huge smile, I took a deep breath. When it became a lecherous one, I bristled.

“I know what you did.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked. “Do you want to come in? Maybe we could share a glass of wine.”

“You’re a pig, Declan. You had a meeting with Madden Byrne, the man who’s attempting to extort my family into selling the rig. Well, he’s not getting it.”

I sensed shock tearing through the man. At least he had the good graces to seem embarrassed. I wanted to laugh. Too little, too late.

“He told you.”

“Madden? He didn’t say shit to me other than making a few nasty little threats. I don’t know what you thought you were going to accomplish but it’s not going to work.”

“He was asking questions about the rig. Nothing more.”

“Right. Tell me another lie,” I huffed. “Or maybe explain the payoff you were seen taking.” I could tell instantly he was not only anxious but angry he’d been seen. “I’m waiting.”

“I have nothing to say. You don’t know jack shit about what is going on.”

“I see. And you’re not going to tell me. Well, have it your way. You’re fired.”

“What?” He was genuinely shocked.

“You heard me. I don’t want you on the site again. You’re not welcome on my rig and if you fuck with me, I’ll make certain you never work on another one.”

He gripped my wrist, bending it back at an awkward angle. Pain rushed down the length of my arm and I could sense he was strong enough to snap it in two.

“You can’t do this,” he growled. “I won’t let you.”

I tugged my arm, but he dragged me closer. “Let go of me. I can do whatever I want. It’s my family’s rig. I assure you that if you break my wrist, I’ll have you arrested for assault.” I was gritting my teeth, my eyes watering from the anguish. I’d never seen Declan like this. He was scared of Madden and what the man could do. What in the world was going on?

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