Page 35 of Desired

“Fuckoff.”

I look at Maverick, and he starts wiggling his pelvis, making suggestive moves, which he only does when he’s hammered. “Go fuck a monkey, asshole.”

He laughs, doubling over, and I punch him playfully in the back. “Loser.”

He stays in that position, and curls up, taking a nap, as I sit in the back, contemplating my next move. When I draw in a deep breath and let it out, not realizing how quiet it is inside the cab of Caleb’s car, he looks at me through the mirror again. “Keep it simple, Declan.”

“What do you mean by that.” I say as more of a comment.

“Any response beyond three words is making it complicated. It’s something I learned from some goddamn book I read back in college. Can’t remember the name of it. But I do remember the acronym, K.I.S.S., or—”

“I know, I know.” I whine. “Keep it simple, stupid. Everyone knows that, asshole.”

He shrugs. “Hey, it’s logic, man. You start complicating things, you’re adding to the problem. And what does da always say? If you’re not a part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.”

“God, you’re such a kiss ass.”

“Call it what you want. It’s worked for me. Just saying.”

I keep silent for a moment, thinking it over, when I realize that he’s right. All I need to say is three words. I just have to pick the right ones. I want to take her, to be with her, to make sure that her old da doesn’t pull any fast ones, but I also want her to do what’s right by her, not by me. I’ll reign her in and let her know what I know when it’s the right time, and if it’s even necessary. So I sit there, as we pull onto my street, and I send the message, without thinking twice about it.

“Are you sure?”

Chapter 12

Moira

Stephisatmydoor when I arrive home from work. She’d called ahead and asked me to let the doorman know, despite the fact that I know it won’t matter, since he’s as useless as tits on a bull. The look on her face says it all. “What?” I ask rhetorically.

“You’re going to do it, aren’t you.” She states. “You’re going to go see him.”

“Have I left yet?” I’m snide.

“No. But you’re going to. And you’re not going alone, either, Moira. I insist.”

“And you think that you’re going to go with me? Tear my da a new one, when he’s already on his death bed?”

She places a hand on her hip indignantly. “Is he in the hospital? No. He’s in jail.”

“He’s incarcerated, Steph. Who knows where he is. They could have him in the hospital, just on watch, you know.”

“The letter came from the correctional facility, Moira.” She corrects. I’ve opened my door and set my laptop bag and purse down, and now I’m shuffling through my mail, avoiding eye contact.

“Look, I'm not going to argue with you, Steph. Frankly, you’re starting to piss me off.”

She ignores me. “Did you tell your granny? She’ll knock the sense back into you.”

I sigh, but my lips are pursed. “No, I haven’t told her yet.”

“Why not?” She demands.

“Because I don’t tell her everything. I haven’t even told her about Declan yet.”

Steph waves, unimpressed. “That’s because you don’t want her to go buy china plates yet. But if you go see your da without telling her first, without anyone coming with you to keep your wits about you, she’ll never forgive you, Moira, and you know it.”

“Stop being dramatic.” I sigh, even though I know that she’s right. I’m a born sucker for my da, and now that he’s dying, it pulls at all my heartstrings. If I ignore him and waste the last few moments that we have together before he dies, I know now that I’ll never be able to forgive myself. But I’ll also live a lifetime of regret if I don’t go. It’s a battle either way, and I’m so confused, but I’ll be damned if I let my cousin beat me at this. She doesn’t mean to be overbearing, but all the same, she is. “I’m not going alone.” I say with my nose in the air.

I pull out my phone and see that Declan has finally responded to me, asking if I’m sure that I want to go alone. After I reply that I’ve had a change of heart, and that I’d like him to come with me, just to spite Steph, I all but stick my tongue out at her. “Declan has offered to take me in his private company jet.”

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