Page 71 of The Eagle's Vault

“Of course. Before you do, I wanted to offer my official thank you, Declan, for getting my little sister out of that ordeal with the smuggler.” His sincerity took me by surprise. “Leigh’s not built for excitement like that. She’s a quiet, law-abiding girl. Wants to settle down, get married, and have a few kids.”

Maybe that was true. Maybe Leigh wanted all those simple, beautiful things. But that wasn’t the woman who’d spilled her deepest desires to me moments ago, talking about her longing for a grand adventure and a love affair. Or who wanted me moaning her name. My cock twitched again, practically hauling me to the bathroom door.

Isaac leaned in closer, as though confiding a secret to a confidante. “Normally, I look out for her, but with all these meetings, it’s been hard.” He raised his glass again. He was stubborn. “Thanks to your team for watching over my little bug.”

Enough was enough. I put my untouched glass of wine back on the table, shaking my head. “Have you ever really talked to your sister? Because it doesn’t sound like you know her at all.”

Isaac handed the glass back to me, but I took it and placed it on the table. “Leigh’s capable of a hell of a lot more than you give her credit for.”

“You barely know—”

“I know enough. You didn’t see her in the Cassaforte vault. The determination in her eyes was inspiring. So were her steady hands when she filed that key for Giovanni’s safe deposit box.” I’d seen plenty of contractors crumble under pressure, but not Leigh. She was fucking brilliant.

Isaac frowned. “She was crying when you left Cassaforte.”

“So what?” I shot back, not letting him gain the upper hand. “She held it together when it mattered and did exactly what she needed to. She held it in when the pressure was on, then let it out after.”

Leigh had too much practice holding everything in, especially around her overbearing brother. Every time she was around Isaac, her vibrant energy dimmed, like she was suppressing who she really was.

Isaac motioned toward Leigh’s books on the table beside my tools. “Why do you have her books?”

“Packed them by mistake when we left the other hotel,” I snapped. “I forgot about them.”

Isaac chuckled. “Bookworm, that one. Bet she could’ve figured out that catacombs vault.”

The words hit me like a punch. He was right. I should’ve welcomed her help. She was the only one in the meeting with Giovanni who even knew what the lost legion was. I’d been as dismissive as Isaac, treating her like a fragile little thing that needed protecting.

“When are you heading to the catacombs?” Isaac asked. “You taking a nap because you’re going tonight?”

That’s it.It was none of his damn business. “I’m going to sleep because I’m tired, Isaac. It’s been a long couple of days, and I want you to leave.”

Isaac offered the wine to me again, insisting on a single toast. I hated wine, but I took the glass.

“To you and your team, Declan. For everything you’ve done, no matter how insane,” Isaac said, lifting his glass in a salute.

We raised our glasses, but I didn’t drink. I put mine on the table, my desire to get rid of Isaac outweighing any social courtesies. My mother would have smacked me for being so rude. I didn’t care. Handing him the bottle, I ushered him toward the door.

“Let me know when you’re heading to the catacombs?” Isaac said, excitement clear in his voice.Couldhe be working with the Fenix kidnappers? If he was, why so insistent about me going? “I’d love to see that vault.”

“Sure, I’ll let you know,” I lied.

“And please, Declan. If Leigh asks, don’t tell her when you’re going.” He stood in the doorway, blocking my opportunity to slam it. “She has health concerns that can flare up if she gets too excited. Anything like that might be dangerous.”

“You should have more faith in your sister, Isaac.” Part of me knew he was right. The catacombs were no place for Leigh. I needed to keep her safe. No, Iwantedto keep her safe. Ineededto let her be herself. “But no, I won’t let her go if she asks.”

With Isaac finally gone, I turned my attention to my priority. When I opened the bathroom door, a lump lodged in my throat. Tears shimmered in Leigh’s eyes. She must’ve heard everything Isaac said. Our moment had passed. She wouldn’t want me now. Not after what Isaac said about her.

“Your brother’s an ass,” I said, venting my frustration.

To my surprise, she nudged me backward, a determined glint in her eyes.

“Is it true too much excitement is dangerous for you?”

“No.” She nudged me again.

“How can you be sure?”

“I get checked regularly by a fantastic medical team. I’m sick and tired of everyone treating me like I’m about to drop dead at any second.”

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