Page 7 of Vengeful Guard

“Phone works both ways, you know?”

I scoff. “Like I was going to bother you on your honeymoon. So, what’s up?”

Since he’s now busy with Bree, his recently pregnant wife, and a Murphy of all people, this is probably not a social call.

“Need you to come to the house.”

“When?”

“ASAP.”

“Bad?” I don’t want to say too much since I’m on my regular phone instead of my burner.

Declan’s quiet for a moment, and I start to become concerned.

“Just come.”

I frown, hanging up the phone and throwing my gym towel over my shoulder, walking toward the showers briskly.

I get under the warm spray, washing my body and my hair as fast as I can while making sure all my sweat is dealt with.

My hair’s damp and curling when I look in the mirror, and I usually slick it back, but it’s not like I’m going on a date. It’s just Declan. And probably Patrick.

Maybe it’s something simple, and they just have a new job for me. Though I just finished a long-term job, I get antsy when I have nothing to do.

And truth is, I'm not from Irish royalty like Declan is. I’m just a mickey thug, like my father was, so any work I can get will go into helping me and Ma pay our bills.

Besides, this is my best friend we’re talking about. So, whatever he needs me to do, I’ll do it. No questions asked.

I hop into my car and take off for the Burke mansion.

When I arrive, I punch in the gate code and pull up behind the garage, all but jogging to get inside.

The way Declan was talking has me worried. I wonder if it’s one of the girls.

Lara Burke is a class act and a sweetheart, but his baby sister, Paige? She’s a pain in my ass. She’s been a thorn in my side since she was a teenager, always so cheerful and bubbly and just plain annoying.

What’s there to be so fucking cheerful about all the time, anyway?

I knock on the door, and Declan opens it, turning to lead me into his office. I shut the door carefully and follow him up the stairs.

It must be something serious, and my heart pounds against my chest plate as we enter the office, and he closes the door.

Is Patrick sick? Did something happen to one of the girls?

“What’s going on?” I can no longer wait for his explanation.

Declan sighs. “Something happened while you were away.”

I snort. “A few things.”

I’ve already heard about Declan getting shot, about Murphy stealing half a dozen shipments, about Bree Murphy and her forceful first transition to Bree Burke.

“One I haven’t told you about.”

“You guys like to keep things interesting, don’t you?” Shaking my head, I sit down after he does and lean forward, my forearms on my thighs, looking at him, just waiting for him to go on.

“Murphy’s men tried to take Paige.”

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