Page 79 of Vengeful Vows

He still hasn’t woken up.

The family doctor has come and gone after working hard to save his life.

He’s in our bed, resting, and I refuse to leave his side, as do his father and brother.

His eyes flutter open and he croaks out, “What happened?”

Tears start running down my face. Thank god he is awake. But how can I look him in the eye, knowing I caused this to the man I love?

“You got shot, boyo.” Patrick helps him sit up. “Doc was able to take the bullet out and fix you up. It was a close call for a second there.”

Declan winces when he adjusts his position and I want to rush to him, but I’m the one who did this to him, so do I even deserve to be here?

“Sorry.” He looks at his hand on his lap since the other is closely wrapped around his chest to prevent movement.

Patrick frowns. “Sorry for what, son? You were right in the line of fire.”

“Who was it?” Declan looks up at his dad. He is ready to take on the world, even if he was just in death’s door.

“Callum Murphy.”

My breath leaves me. I knew I was responsible for this, but hearing the confirmation just about destroys me.

My father really is a monster. He could have chosen to save me, to come get me. Instead, he used my information to try and kill these people.

And I share his blood. I did this. I’m just as much of a monster as him.

“Niall’s cousin,” Declan’s shocked voice pulls me out of my head. “How the hell would the Murphys know we were there?”

Patrick shrugs. “Probably came to steal another one of our shipments.”

Declan frowns, and I want the earth to swallow me whole.

His eyes find me, and his face softens. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m all right, princess.”

I sniffle, rubbing at my eyes with the back of my hand.

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. Because I am. So sorry. I could die for him, and he almost died because of me.

He frowns. “What are you sorry for? You were the one shooting at me.”

“I… I…” I can’t tell them what I did. They’ll kill me. And though I may deserve it, I need to make sure he recovers fully. “It’s my family’s fault. So, I feel the need to apologize for them.” I hate myself.

He smiles. “You’re a Burke now, so no apologizing needed.”

Patrick kisses Declan on the forehead. “I’ll leave you two alone. You need to rest, boyo. So, make sure you do.”

He lays a hand on my shoulder and squeezes before he leaves.

Does he know?

Oh god. What will happen if they ever find out the truth?

I haven’t left Declan’s side over the past couple of weeks. He is almost back to normal but still tender in places.

I’m kneeling by him as he looks down at me. God, I want him. I miss his body so much!

These weeks have been good for us to get to know each other a bit better, but we haven’t had sex in weeks.

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