Page 4 of Destructive Truths

Stunned by his words, I say nothing, allowing everything he said to sink in.

Had he chosen me?

Aodhán holds out his hand, pulling me from my thoughts. “Now, how about I get your bag from my car so you can get dressed? Then I’ll make you a cup of tea while we wait for Lorcan. After that, you can tell me what went down between you and Satan’s spawn.”

THREE

LIAM

My feet drum against the slatted belt of my treadmill as the heavy beat of “I’m Still Here” by Boy Epic blares through my AirPods. I keep pushing harder, faster, starving my lungs of oxygen, chasing the demons I’m trying to expel.

Rohan’s arms were around her waist, pulling her closer until he moulded her against his chest. The tilt of Saoirse’s chin as she peered up at him over the long lashes framing her soul-claiming eyes. That intimate, gentle, and caring touch she laid upon his face. Her empty, unrumpled bedsheets—a sure sign she didn’t sleep here last night.

Wild fury pricks my skin. Each snapshot eggs me on until my veins burn with inextinguishable jealousy that no amount of running will erase.

Done with my sprint down memory lane, I slap the stop button, drawing the machine to a swift halt. “Fuck!” My head falls forward as my chest rises and falls in time to my rapid breathing.

Tugging the small towel that hangs around my neck, I bring it to my face to wipe away the pearls of sweat off my forehead. I knew it was coming. The second I saw how they looked at each other—the first day at the gym—I knew Rohan King would be a problem.

Stupidly, I thought my shared past with Saoirse would be enough to cut the cord between her and Rohan. How wrong I was. Rohan welded his charm like a nuclear weapon, annihilating all other players in this war of hearts.

The plan was fucking simple. Let Saoirse find her feet, then remind her of the boy I was.

Only I’m not him. Not anymore.

I never thought she’d arrive before she turned eighteen, and I sure as fuck hadn’t expected her to fall flat on her arse for a prick like Rohan King.

Closing my eyes, I run through every interaction I’ve had with Saoirse, irritating myself further.

I’m losing to a King, and that is something I refuse to do.

Goodbye, Mr Nice Guy. If Rohan wants a war, I’ll come at him guns blazing.

Suddenly, my gaze flicks toward the mirrored wall to my right, catching sight of the stone-faced man leaning against the doorframe.

“Son,” my father greets as he pushes off the jamb and strides toward me. The last thing I want to do is rehash how I allowed another man to escort my date home—possibly out of her dress. But judging by the steely glint in Oliver Devereux’s eyes, that is precisely what I’m in for.

“Tell me this…” His tone holds an air of condescension as he circles the treadmill with his narrowed eyes laser-focused on me. “Why did you allow Saoirse Ryan to disgrace our family name? People talk, Liam. Word is spreading—my son’s date left a syndicate event with another man. And if that wasn’t pitiful enough, it was the same guy who destroyed him in the ring mere days before.”

My chin dips to my chest as his words wash through me. “You said—”

“Enlighten me, Devin Liam Devereux.” He drops my full name, letting me know how pissed he is. “What exactly did I tell you?”

“Make Saoirse Ryan fall in love with me.”

His left brow hitches, challenging me to admit how much I’ve screwed up. “How’s that going for you? Cause from where I’m standing, you’re doing the opposite.” Disappointment settles across his forehead, punctuated by the crease of fine lines at the edge of his eyes. “Well?”

“I can… I was giving her space to adjust to this life.”

“Space? For fuck’s sake, Liam. You know what’s at stake. You’re running out of time. Once she learns what awaits, she will have to choose. So do yourself a favour and ensure you’re the one by her side when the time comes for her to face her last trial.”

He holds my gaze, and my chin dips in agreement. “Yes, sir.”

A proud grin slides across his face. “That’s my boy. Now, go. I will not allow history to repeat itself. Show that girl why a Devereux is the better option.”

Flashing a forced smile, I quickly gather my things and head for the door.

“Oh, and Liam?”

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