Page 30 of Vengeful Vows

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, angry.

“I’ve just heard otherwise, that’s all. I’ve heard he gets around that strip club he owns.”

“Well, those are just stupid rumors.” I’m sure my father hasn’t been completely celibate ever since my mother left, but I don’t think that he’s been with anyone long term.

“Maybe.” Declan shrugs. “There’s a lot of those floating around this community.”

“Wiseguys gossip like a bunch of old hens.”

Declan barks out a laugh. “They kind of do. Especially the older ones.”

“Like your father?”

“And yours.” He glances over at me. His eyes really are remarkable, darker blue in the moonlight.

I nod. That’s fair enough. “What about you? Did you always get along with your siblings?”

Declan laughs out loud. “God, no. Gray and I used to fight like cats and dogs. And Lara, she used to try and dress me up like one of her little dolls, before Paige was born.”

I grin, looking over at him. “God, I’d love to see that.”

He groans. “Don’t tell Da, he’ll bring out the photo albums.” He pauses while I laugh, and then continues. “Did you ever get lonely without your brother there?”

“Nah. I had friends. Besides, I kind of liked being the only one around. I love my brother, but as the oldest, he was sometimes under the impression he could boss me around. Spoiler alert, no one can.”

“Spoiled.” He grins.

I giggle, and then close my mouth, realizing that I’m acting like a schoolgirl with a crush.

What is wrong with me? I need to focus on what’s important–trying to get out of here.

But... making friends with Declan may be just the way to grease the wheels enough. Maybe, if he thinks I’m into him or something, he’ll lower his guard.

Against my better judgment, I’m already halfway to friends with Paige and Lara. So why not try?

“Your mother?” I murmur, and Declan’s face shutters, his emotions unreadable.

“I don’t talk about my mother.”

I nod. “I don’t like to talk about mine, either.”

He glances at me but doesn’t say anything.

I’m losing steam here. I need to get him back on the friendly side. Mentioning his mother was obviously a mistake.

I flip over on the bed, looking at Declan with a devious smile.

He raises an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”

I shrug. “Nothing.”

I slide my hand under the covers, slowly wrapping it around his cock.

He draws in a sharp breath. “Doesn’t feel like nothing, princess.”

“You showed me how good you can make me feel,” I murmur against his neck. “Let me do the same for you.”

I slowly pump up and down his length, and he thickens and plumps in my hand, his breath growing shorter.

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