Page 26 of Destructive Truths

No more second-guessing myself. I am Saoirse Ryan. And Killybegs belongs to me.

SIXTEEN

LIAM

Arms folded across my chest, I lean against the front grill of Beibhinn’s Defender and watch as Saoirse says goodbye to her mother. Éanna’s arms engulf her daughter in a tight hug, and Saoirse nestles her head into the crook of her mam’s shoulder. “Are you sure about this, Saor?” Éanna steps back, holding Saoirse steady by gripping her shoulders. “You need to be sure.”

“I am.” A slow smile settles on Saoirse’s lips. “I need to do this.”

Éanna nods and pulls Saoirse closer, pressing a kiss against her forehead.

Behind them, Lorcan appears in the doorway. His eyes linger on the two Ryan women, but before I can dissect the anguish on his face, he turns away and tosses a bag at me. “Don’t just stand there, Devin. Be a good wee’an and load her bags.”

“Yeah, Devin,” Beibhinn mocks, “be a good little boy and load the bags.”

“You’re enjoying this far too much, aren’t you?” I raise my brow.

“Immensely.”

Rounding the vehicle, I pull the keys from my pocket and open the boot. Silently, I toss Saoirse’s duffel into the back, but before I can turn away, Lorcan halts me by placing a firm hand on my forearm. “Listen, boy.” His eyes pierce into mine. “You can’t tell anyone you saw me ’ere. Gabriel King has no clue the syndicate has me watchin’ out for the Ryan heir, and it needs to stay that way. Understood?” I tip my chin. “You were a wee kid the last time. But now, prove you are man enough to keep your mouth shut. If anyone asks, you, Beibhinn, and Saoirse weren’t here. For that matter, you never saw Éanna or me, either.”

“Understood.” The muscle in my jaw clenches, hating the condescension that licks his tone.

“Good.” He retracts his hand, then crosses his arms across his chest. “Rohan is adamant I can trust you with keeping the Ryan heir safe. And that means keeping this brief trip down memory lane to yourself. Gabriel can’t know Éanna is alive. The future of the syndicate is at stake, and to outsmart someone like Gabriel King, we need to remain several steps ahead. I’m placing my trust in you and your sister. Don’t shatter it a second time, Devereux.”

My teeth bite into my tongue, guarding the anger that wants to slide off my tongue. Instead, I hold back, knowing if I lash out, it won’t do me any good where Lorcan is concerned. But there is one thing I need to know. “I don’t get it. You’ve been loyal to Gabriel, doing his dirty work for years. Was it all a ruse?”

“Sometimes we do what we need to in order to get to where we want to be. But don’t be mistaken, pup. My loyalty lies with those who never made me question theirs. Gabriel will get what he deserves. The syndicate has spoken. And like it or not, his day will come.”

The muscles of his jaw tighten, popping in the hollow of his cheeks as a wild spark ignites his eyes. “Time to choose a side, Liam. Everyone has a motive, and there are many teams at play. Choose wisely, because when the last move strikes, there will only be one side left standing.” He steps closer, lowering his mouth to my ear. His baritone deepens, making my skin crawl. “Make no mistake, Devereux, the last ones standing will be loyal to her.”

I dip my head in concession, and slam the boot shut. My gaze follows his, landing on Saoirse as she climbs into the passenger seat and pulls the door closed behind her. Conflicted by my thoughts, I give him a curt nod, ignoring the way my heart flutters to a frantic rhythm. I want to choose her, I do. But if I defy my father’s orders, there’s no guarantee Saoirse Ryan will choose me. Am I willing to risk her safety to ensure my place by her side?

With one last warning glance, he turns on his heel and strides towards the passenger side window. As I hike myself into the driver’s seat, Lorcan raps his knuckles against the glass, gaining Saoirse’s attention. I depress the push-button start to fire up the ignition, giving her window power, and she presses the button, sliding the window down.

“Stay safe, doll.” Lorcan’s eyes soften. “I’ll be in touch.” In the next breath, he’s gone.

“Jesus. That man could melt the knickers off a nun. So fuckin’ hot.”

I peer into the back seat, and spy Beibhinn dramatically fanning her face with her hand.

“Ew.” Saoirse’s head falls back against the headrest. “He’s the same age as your dad.” Her body shudders and her nose crinkles.

“Even better,” Bev laughs. “I’d call him daddy and promise to be his good little girl.”

“Too much information, Bev. Way too much.” Twisting the radio dial, I turn up the music, trying to drown out my sister’s antics as I pull out of the driveway.

* * *

As I weave up the winding roads towards Killybegs, I find it hard to keep my eyes on the road and off the girl in the passenger seat next to me.

Every couple of seconds, I glance her way, stealing a quick glimpse. Her elbow rests on the small door sill, and her cheek presses against her knuckles as she stares out the window, watching the world flash by in a blur.

Music blares from the speakers, bleeding into the cab, yet somehow, the sound of Saoirse’s thoughts overshadow the lyrics. Nudging the volume dial on the steering wheel, I turn down the song. “You doing okay over there, Free Bird?”

Startled by my question, she shakes away whatever thought was consuming her, and twists in the seat to face me. She tucks her left leg beneath her right, then her eyes flick between me and Beibhinn in the back seat. “Yeah, I was just thinking, and I don’t want to go back to your gate-lodge.”

My brows crease. “What do you mean?”

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