Page 53 of Vengeful Vows

“No, Da.”

Just barely.

“Don’t go thinking you can get the gambling bug again,” my father warns, and I smirk.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Good, because I bought off enough casino thugs to finance a college education.”

Gray snorts out a laugh. “I was more asking if you consummated your marriage?”

“That would be none of your business,” I mutter, and Gray brays out a laugh.

“That’s a yes, isn’t it? You dog.”

My father claps me on my good shoulder. “Good job, Declan. You’re doing great, boyo.”

“Thank you.” The praise makes me feel a little awkward. I’m not all that used to it. Gray’s usually the one getting praise. “I think I’m going to nap before dinner.”

I stand up and walk into the foyer, hoping to see Bree, but she’s off somewhere gossiping with my sisters, most likely.

I drag myself up the stairs, feeling more exhausted than I ever have in my life, and I wish Bree was there to cuddle with me.

What?

What am I thinking?

I don’t need her to fall asleep.

After an hour, I huff and roll over, just wearing a pair of gray sweats after I’d dressed down to bed, and I walk out into the hall, going over to the wing where Paige’s bedroom is.

I rap softly on the door, and Paige opens it, frowning.

“What are you doing here? You’ve had her all week.”

Bree stands up.

“What is it?” She looks concerned.

“Can’t sleep without you.” Fuck. I sound like a sap.

Paige squeals, “That’s so cute, Declan.”

“It doesn’t mean anything,” I insist as Bree leads me back to the bedroom, waving goodbye at Paige and Lara. “It’s just been a long time since I slept alone.”

“I know.” Bree’s being kind to me, and I’m barely keeping my eyes open I’m so tired.

She puts me into the bed, cuddling up next to me, fully dressed, and once I can breathe in the rosewater scent of her hair, I instantly relax, drifting off into sleep.

By the time I wake up, it’s time for dinner, and Bree is dressed in a nice, white shift dress that shows off her slight tan.

I groan. “I don’t want to dress for dinner. Just bring me a plate.”

Bree tsks. “You know that your father likes us all to have dinner together. Put on some pants.”

She throws a pair of slacks on the bed, and I grab them and slide them on, as well as a t-shirt she throws in my direction.

I’m not dressed nicely for dinner, but so what? I’m jet lagged.

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