Page 14 of Vengeful Guard

“Loud and clear.”

Declan slides an envelope stuffed with cash across the desk, and I pick it up, placing it in my pocket.

“Thank you, Kael. It means a lot to me that you’re taking this job.”

“I’m glad you trust me with it.” I grin. “Not like I’m the most clean-cut guy you know, but I got you.”

“Well, since Paige isn’t a stripper or a lady of the night, I figure you’re not interested.”

“Not in the slightest.”

My penchant for working women is pretty solid—you don’t get attached, and you don’t have to worry about them becoming attached. One way or another, you’re paying for a service, whether it’s dancing or escorting.

I don’t do relationships, and as far as life is concerned, my ma and my work are all I need to keep me busy.

My loyalty is to Ma and the Burkes alone, and I guess that includes little, annoying, pain in my ass Paige.

I shift, about to get up, but Declan holds out a hand to stop me.

“There are a few conditions.”

My jaw tightens, but I force a smile. “Of course, there are.”

“We need you to move in with her.”

I stare at him. “What the feck, Declan. You cannot be serious.”

“I know it’s asking a lot.” Declan runs a hand through his hair. “But as long as she stays there, she’s a target. And this might be a longish job. You will not be sleeping in your car for the duration. That’s just crazy. We need you inside the house, making sure all entries and exits are covered at all times.”

“You think Murphy’s going to hit her place?”

Sure, Niall Murphy has been after Patrick for years, but he wouldn’t actually attack her house, would he? Surely, not even he would be that stupid.

“He won’t do it himself,” Declan agrees. “But he’s likely to send men to do it if he gets desperate enough and knows she’s vulnerable. He’s up in arms after what happened with Bree, and he’s off his rocker.”

So, he wants me there as a bodyguard and also as security. That makes a little more sense.

“You just had to go kidnap and marry a Murphy while I was out of town, didn’t you?” I mutter, and Declan grins.

“She’s a Burke.”

“Sure, sure. Now she is. But you gotta admit, you really kind of jumped the gun there.”

“It was Da’s idea.”

“Something tells me that it didn’t stay that way.”

Declan laughs. “I guess you’re right. It all started with me wanting to piss off Niall, but it grew into a lot more.”

“Because you fell in love or whatever.”

“Or whatever is right.” Declan chuckles. “And now we are having a baby.”

“Wnaht? Congratulations, man. When did that happen?”

“Thanks. I just found out on my honeymoon. I’m over the moon!”

I smile at him. “It shows. Good for you!”

---