Page 60 of Scarred Souls

Sage’s lips twitched as if she knew a secret. “Liam Murphy will be back from Cuba soon.”

Vaughn’s spine straightened. “The new guy? That Irish pretty boy who always waits until Brandon’s not around before telling you how beautiful and smart you are?”

Sage shrugged. “I like him.”

“Irish accents are so hot,” I said.

“I know, right?” Sage grinned. “Wait until you see him. He used to play rugby for Ireland.”

I sat up straight. “Oh my God. Really?” I knew nothing about rugby except that it involved huge muscly men getting all up in each other’s business. The small amount I’d seen on TV had made me reach for a notepad to fan myself.

“Wait.” Brandon faced Sage wearing a perplexed expression. “What exactly has Murphy been saying to you, Wife?”

Sage only shrugged as though she had no idea what all the fuss was about, but I suspected she was enjoying this conversation far too much. I liked her.

“Send someone else,” Vaughn snapped.

I pouted. “What if I want the Irish hunk?”

A muscle in Vaughn’s jaw flexed. “You’re not getting the leprechaun.”

“I don’t understand you, Decker.” Sage scoffed. “You just begged for a replacement, but Murphy isn’t good enough?”

Vaughn pounded his fist on the counter. “I don’t trust him with Hope.” When everyone went quiet at his outburst, he added, “I mean, I know nothing about his skills. I haven’t seen him in the field yet.”

“I have.” Brandon cleaned his glasses with the hem of his flannel shirt before returning the frames to his face. “He’s a solid operator.”

“Don’t care.” Vaughn gave a sharp shake of his head. “What about Owen?”

“Do you ever talk to your brother?” Sage asked. “He’s in San Diego for a fishing trip.”

“Fishing? Is that what he told you?” Vaughn snorted. “The only thing he’s trying to catch in California is some English ballerina pussy. He’s been chasing Freya’s sister since they hooked up after her rescue. I’ll call him and tell him to get his ass here.”

“Don’t you dare!” Sage growled. “Let Owen enjoy his time off. He’ll be back next week, and if he agrees, we’ll send him down. Is that okay with you, Hope?”

Was it? If Owen was Vaughn version 2.0, forget it.

“I don’t know.” I tucked my hair behind one ear. “What’s he like?”

“Nothing like Wolverine here.” Sage swept her hand toward the screen, and I laughed at her description. “Owen’s great. You’ll like him.”

“More importantly, I can trust him,” Vaughn said.

Why was he suddenly so picky about his substitute? Also, why was I having mixed emotions about Vaughn being replaced? I reminded myself that this was a good thing and I should welcome it. No. I should rejoice in his departure. He’d been nothing but trouble since the moment we’d met.

When Grim drove down my driveway for the last time, I’d wave, say good riddance, and celebrate never having to endure his confusing hot-and-cold bullshit ever again.

21

VAUGHN

From a dark corner of Hope’s bedroom, I watched over her as she tossed in her sleep. I’d snuck in here after she’d fallen asleep, knowing there was no way she’d agree to me staying. But the casita was too far away to protect her, and that piece-of-shit fold-out bed looked less comfortable than the floor currently making my ass numb.

Hope had been mumbling for most of the night, but now, those restless sounds turned into agitated pleas and her movements became violent. Beside me, Titan whimpered as his owner battled an imaginary enemy in her dream. I wanted to wake her, but if she found out I’d been watching her, I’d cop no end of sass about it.

Titan looked at me as if to say, Aren’t you going to do something?

I looked at him and silently asked the same. He was her dog. Why didn’t he do something?

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