Page 37 of Vengeful Secret

Sutton and her daughter’s safety is more important than my brother’s mild discomfort.

“I was hoping for an all-out war,” Kael mumbles. “I want Niall Murphy’s head on a stick.”

“We all do,” Declan says, nudging Kael with his shoulder. “But it’s not the right time.”

“When will it be the right time?” Kael asks, and I look at him seriously.

“When Da is better. He’ll know what to do.” I have to admit, a part of me is worried that Da will never be the way he was before. It’s a serious injury, and his road to recovery is long and hard. It’ll be a long time before he is back to being in charge.

Declan gives me a look like he feels the same way, but I don’t acknowledge it. It’s not something that we talk about.

“So in the meantime, we just put surveillance on Sutton’s house, and have men following the girls at all times,” Kael wraps things up.

“That’s exactly right. But I’m going to be the one checking the surveillance at Sutton’s.”

“That’s not a good idea, Gray. You know it’s dangerous, being in the public eye like that. The more people see you there, the more suspicious they’ll be that there is a connection between you,” Declan warns.

“I don’t care.” The urge to protect Sutton and her daughter is all encompassing. I can’t let someone else do this and mess it up.

Kael stands up, wiping invisible dust off his jeans. “I’ll make a few calls.”

“She was nearly attacked.” I need them to realize the gravity of the situation. “And she has a small daughter, so this can’t be taken lightly.”

“Of course not, Gray,” Declan says easily, standing as well. “You care about this woman. That much is clear. Of course, we’ll protect her.”

My throat constricts as Declan pulls me into a hug.

It’s hard, having all this responsibility, taking on so much and now, there’s even more danger.

Now Sutton’s been dragged into this, and I feel awful about it. It reminds me of before we broke up, of her doubts, her fears, and it makes me feel like shit.

“It’s going to be okay.” Kael claps me on the shoulder when Declan releases me, and I just nod, not trusting myself to speak.

They leave the room, and I head to the kitchen, wondering which of the guest rooms Sutton will pick. They’re all big enough for her and her daughter, but she may want them to have separate rooms.

Marisol is prepping for dinner, and when she sees me, she smiles. “How’s it going, Gray?”

I give her a weak smile back.

“It’s been better.” I pause. “Listen, I wanted to ask you to buy some kid-friendly stuff next grocery trip.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Kid-friendly?”

“Yeah, you know, stuff a little one would eat.”

She looks slightly offended. “How little? Because unless they don’t have teeth yet, anyone can eat my cooking.”

I sigh. “I know, Marisol. And I actually don’t know how old the wee one is, but if she wants some chicken nuggets...”

“I’ll pick up some things,” she says, breaking out into a smile again. “I was only teasing you.”

She hums. She’s been in a much better mood since Da got out of the hospital.

I wish the two of them would just go ahead and admit that they’re dating, but oh well. Not my business, I guess.

“Thank you.”

I head upstairs, passing by a couple of the suites that Sutton can choose from. It’s going to be a bit crazy having her here. My head is spinning, and I don’t really know which way is up.

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