Page 43 of Desired

“You didn’t tell him we were going?”

He gives me a look. “Even if I didn’t, which I did, he’d find out. He wants to make sure he’s on top of everything.”

“I’m really beginning to like your da. When do I get to meet him?”

“Whenever you want to, lass. Usually people fear him, so I didn’t ask.”

I frown. “My da is a jailbird. There are very few people I fear.”

“Good point.” He states, setting my clothes on the bed. “Sit tight. I’m going to go downstairs and grab our bags from the car so we can clean up.”

He pulls his dress pants back on, without a shirt or briefs, making me salivate, especially as I watch his abs ripple while he bends to lift his pants. “You can head in the shower first if you like.”

“Okay.” I nod, but part of me wants to stand there and watch him walk away. His ass is like two scoops of butter pecan ice cream.

He points to the door in the bedroom that’s opened. “Ensuite is right there, lass.”

I smile my thanks, as I pull myself away from his gaze, knowing that I’m holding him up, and head for the shower. After I tie my hair up and tuck it inside, to avoid getting it wet, I start to lather up. A few moments later, I hear Declan come into the bathroom. “I’m setting your things on the toilet. I’ve got a few calls to return while you’re in here.”

I want to say that I’d like him to join me, but I refrain. Steph once told me that women can fuck again and again at anytime, but men sometimes need time before having it again. Plus, I don’t want him to think that I’m some wanton whore, and that’s all I want him for. He’s got things to do, and we need to get back on to American soil in short order. It’s bad enough that his da loaned me his aircraft and his pilot and co-pilot, so the last thing I should do is hold everyone up, because I’m a horny, unsatiated woman. “Okay. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Take your time, lass. There’s no rush.” I think he’s lying. If there wasn’t a rush, then he wouldn’t have received the call. He’s just being sweet.

After I clean myself up, I go back into the bedroom, dressed and ready, and I hear him downstairs, still on the phone. As I climb the stairs, I can hear rustling of paper, to discover that he’s got some breakfast on the table. It’s takeout from one of my favorite places. We sit down and eat, while he’s on the phone, I’m assuming it’s with one of his brothers, as it’s all business. He shoots me the odd wink here and there, in an effort to make me feel like he isn’t ignoring me, even though he doesn’t have to. Watching him walk around shirtless, wearing tight dress pants with no underwear, is enough for me.

“Sorry, lass. I’ve got to go get into the shower.” He says as he hangs up the call.

“No apology necessary, Declan.” I tell him. He leans in and kisses me sweetly on the mouth, and then he leaves me to go shower.

That’s when I hear my phone beep. My purse sits on the counter, so I reach for it, and when I look at the display to see who it is, my jaw nearly drops. It’s my younger brother, Callum. We haven’t spoken in years, and the only way that he could’ve gotten my number is through granny. I start to panic immediately, but nothing could prepare me for what I’m about to hear...

Chapter 15

Declan

AsIwalkupstairs,readying for the shower, I can hear her on the phone. At first, it sounds casual, but then I hear her shouting, and I tear down the stairs, thinking that her da is after her again. She glances at me, terror in her eyes, as she sees me appear in the kitchen. The second she sees me, she places the call on speaker, so I can overhear.

“Callum, look, I know you’re my brother, and I know that you’re angry with me for not helping da, but you know that I had my reasons.”

“Don’t be daft, Moira. That’s no excuse for what you did to him just now. The man is dying. And you didn’t even tell granny where you were going, you witch! Nobody trusts you anymore!’

“I didn’t want to tell her, Callum. She’s an old woman, and she’d try to stop me.”

“Bullshit! That’s why she gave me your number right away, is it?!”

She exhales quickly. “And, just how did you find her, Callum? And why did you, anyway?”

“I told you, Moira. I came into some money a while ago, and I’ve been thinking it over. And now that da’s sick, I don’t want to see him rot in jail until death. The fact that you abandoned him at a time like this sickens me. Granny gave me your number because, like a fool, she thought that you were in trouble. And from what da told me, you’re here fucking someone, and to all but spit in da’s face!”

I’m about to intervene, fist balling up, but Moira lifts a hand, to stop me. “Look, Callum, you don’t understand. Da is lying. He’s not even sick!”

“Bullshit! Why would he make up such a thing!”

“Because Richard is dead, Callum. Da can get out much easier now. He just needs my testimony.”

He sneers. “You think I’m stupid! Of course I knew that! The fact that you left the man hanging for so long is beyond me, Moira!”

“You’re no different, Callum! And you’re a fool! He’s lying through his teeth! And if you help him, he’s going to take you for everything you have and more!”

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