Page 64 of Vengeful Guard

What the hell is wrong with me?

18

KAEL

Declan calls, and I curse myself for almost kissing his sister. The sister I’m supposed to protect.

Paige steps ascend the basement stairs as I look at my phone, feeling flushed from the workout and Paige’s nearness.

“Kael.” Declan’s voice sounds tinny and thin on the line because the basement has bad reception. “I’ve news about Murphy.”

I stiffen. “What kind of news?”

“Word on the street is he’s going after the Burke girls,” Declan growls. “So, I need you to watch Paige like a hawk.”

“I’m already watching her like a hawk.”

“Yeah, but don’t let her out of your sight. Murphy’s planning something big. Everyone in his crew is talking about it. I thought about asking Paige to come back home?—”

“She’s comfortable here,” I state. “And I’ll keep her safe, Declan, I promise you that.”

Declan hums. “Well, extend the offer to her anyway. See what she says.”

“All right. But I’m not going to force her.”

Declan pauses. “Is everything all right, Kael?”

“Why do you keep asking me that?” I groan through gritted teeth.

“Because you sound... off. I can’t put my finger on it.”

I roll my shoulders around. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“You can have a break after this.”

“You promise?”

Declan snorts. “I guess we’ll just see what comes.” He pauses again. “I want to thank you for all of this.”

“Anything for the Burkes, Declan. You’re like family to me. Paige, too.”

“Like a little, annoying sister?”

I squeeze my eyes shut. There’s nothing sisterly about Paige as far as I’m concerned. At all. Guilt rushes through me. “Something like that.”

If he had any idea how much I want his sister, he wouldn’t be thanking me. He’d be kicking my ass. Hell, he might even shoot me.

What am I saying? He’d definitely shoot me.

“I trust you to do the right thing, Kael. Keep her safe.”

“Will do.”

Thankfully, Declan hangs up the phone.

I feel like a real asshole, being close to his sister like that.

After my phone call with Declan, I head to the shower, knowing I’m sweaty, but needing the time and the chance to be alone.

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