Page 15 of Vengeful Guard

He shakes his head. “You just can’t imagine being a one-woman man, can you?”

“If I wanted someone in my life, that’s exactly what I’d be. But since I don’t…” I shrug and smirk.

Ma’s wanted me to settle down and get married, have a bushel of grandkids for years. Ever since I turned thirty, it’s all she wants to talk about, but I always tell her that she’s the only woman I need in my life.

I think it’s kind of funny, but she doesn’t.

I’ve just never been the type of guy to think much of relationships. My da cheated. My ma was unhappy. I don’t want to repeat that cycle, not that I’d ever cheat, but still.

And honestly, I just don’t trust most people. I don’t have some tragic backstory of some girl that broke my heart, nor do I want one. Besides, I do know this lifestyle, and I don’t need to be giving anyone ammunition against me.

And I have seen relationships that don’t work or make people miserable. In fact, I’m surrounded by them. Either people are terrible human beings that should not be in relationships, and they hurt their loved ones by cheating or being abusive or just plain not caring, or they die too young, and their loved ones are left to hurt just the same.

“I wish you all the best with married life, Declan, especially now with the baby on the way, but all that ball-and-chain nonsense’s not for me.”

Declan nods. “That’s another reason I’m using you for this one. Paige is pretty, you know? Somebody else might fall in love.”

I make a face. “Yeah, no, thanks.”

Declan laughs out loud and stands, and I stand with him.

“Dec, have you told Paige about this?”

He winces. “Not yet.”

“Don’t you think you’d better?”

Declan sighs. “I guess I have to. And there’s no time like the present, so I guess we should just do it?”

“Wait. You’re expecting me to start... today?”

“Of course.” Declan shrugs. As if it’s obvious. As if that’s not totally insane. “In fact, let’s start now. Give me your phone, and I’ll set you to have access to the tracker on her phone now.”

I wonder if it’s a good thing that I don’t even have time to think about what’s about to happen. Less chance of backing out.

I hand him my phone. This is happening too fast. “I’ll need to go by my place and grab some things.”

Declan nods.

“Of course. Just meet me at Paige’s after you grab what you need, and we’ll set you up. Here, all set.” He passes me my phone back, and I put it away.

Feck me. I was antsy to get something to do. But this was not what I had in mind.

I have to let Ma know that I won’t be around the house for a while again, so that she can air the place once in a while.

It’s a good thing I always keep a go-bag ready. I’ve left for other jobs last-minute before, and this isn’t that different.

“Is there a room close to the front door?”

Declan smiles. “She has the perfect place.”

“What, a springy couch in a mudroom?”

He snorts out a laugh, and I stand, heading out to the car.

A babysitting job.

Jesus Christ.

---