Page 114 of Vengeful Secret

I shake my head. “I’ve thought about it, but I don’t think so. I think he’s just surveilling for the moment.”

“So, he doesn’t know how bad off I am? Why didn’t he address the parlay invite to me, then?” Da asks, and I’m reminded that his mind is as sharp as ever, even though he’s injured.

“I think that was a dig, because he had his men shoot you,” I explain. “I don’t think he knows the extent of your injuries.”

“Thank God for that.” He pauses. “You did the right thing, son. You turned down his ridiculous offer and didn’t escalate things further. That’s why I chose you over Declan, you know. It’s not because you’re older. It’s because you’re more level-headed.”

Pride swells in my chest, but I push that away, too, only focused on trying to figure out how to move forward from here.

“What do I do now, Da? He says he wants war. He’s coming after us.”

Da scoffs. “He's been coming after us for years. We’ve always outsmarted him, haven’t we?”

“Yeah, but?—”

“But nothing, Gray. You’re doing great, taking over for me. I'm proud of you. We just stay the course, keep our heads down. We don’t retaliate just yet. We’re playing the long game. Chess instead of Checkers.”

I nod. “That’s what I keep telling Declan and Kael. But they’re worried.”

“Of course. We’re all worried. But I’m not worried I made the wrong choice having you take over.”

“Thank you, Da,” I say quietly, tears pricking at the backs of my eyes that I don’t let fall.

“I heard Sutton went with you,” he says, changing the subject, and my cheeks flush.

“Yes. I wanted her there to keep her safe, and for support.”

“And did she support you?”

“She did,” I agree. “I’ve been teaching her to shoot, and she kept her hand on her purse the whole time.”

“Good girl,” he praises, smiling. “I think I like her the most of any girl you’ve brought home, Gray.”

“I’ve never brought any other girls home,” I say with a chuckle.

“Exactly.” He grins at me. “You know, Gray, the way I’ve always lived my life is knowing I’ll leave behind a legacy. And if that legacy is you, Declan, Lara, and Paige, I’ll die a happy man.”

Tears spring to my eyes again, and I can’t push them away, letting one or two fall before I wipe at my face.

“That’s good to hear, Da. All I’ve ever wanted is to make you proud.”

“And you do, Gray. Every day. I’m proud of you for handling this thing with Sutton so well, too.”

“Thing with Sutton?”

He laughs. “You can’t convince me you knew about that little girl all this time and just kept her from us. I’m not stupid. But you forgave her, understood why she did it. You didn’t blow your top, and I’m proud of that.”

“Me, too,” I have to admit. “I didn’t think I would handle it as well as I did.”

“But you love her, aye?”

“Aye,” I say solemnly, looking down at my father, who smiles up at me.

“Then that’s all that matters.”

I lean down to give Da a hug, and he hugs me back tightly.

“Thank you for this, Da. For everything.”

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