Page 89 of Vengeful Guard

Because it’s clear he doesn’t care. It's just some male instinct?—

“Of course, I care.”

I stare at him. “You do?”

“I can’t help but care about you, Paige. I’m here to protect you, but…”

“But what?”

My breath is short waiting for his response, but he doesn’t answer, just shakes his head.

He lifts me off him, placing me gently next to him on the couch.

Then he stands up and silently goes into his room.

Shit.

I messed that up.

I just wanted to know if he feels something for me, the way I feel something for him. I guess I got my answer.

He does, but that doesn’t matter.

We can’t ever be together.

23

KAEL

The entire Burke family gathers at Natalia’s, a famous Italian restaurant in the area. It’s an expensive one, too, but Patrick always picks up the tab, so I don’t mind.

Paige and I arrive first, and she’s dressed in a cute little sundress, one that seems a little short. Her thighs and calves are on full display, and I keep having to tear my eyes away.

Declan shows up in a rumpled, three-piece suit, clearly having already imbibed in some whiskey before he came, and Bree follows behind him, frowning.

He leans into her as they approach us. “You’re just mad you can’t drink.”

She laughs, and there’s no bitterness to it. “I’ll drink you under the table as soon as this little one is out.”

I laugh, too, walking up to Bree and hugging her. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“Want a drink?” Declan heads toward the bar, and Bree rolls her eyes.

The Irish celebrate and mourn in the same way. Alcohol.

I follow Declan to the bar, and he orders us both Irish whiskey on the rocks.

I quietly ask the bartender to add a splash of soda water to mine, and she does so, smiling brightly up at me. In any other circumstance, when I wasn’t working, I might flirt with her, but I’ve got to keep my eyes and ears open. This might be a gathering, but not for me. This is work.

Besides, I don’t really feel like flirting with her.

My eyes fly to Paige.

I’m doomed.

The Burkes all gathered together in public would be sitting ducks for Murphy, and I’m sure he’s still pissed that his daughter married Declan, so I need to keep my wits about me.

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