Page 15 of Declan

“Declan might find that amusing for a while. But you’ve seen how he reacts when he’s crossed. You really think you can go toe-to-toe with him and come out unscathed?”

A smirk creeps onto my lips. “I don’t need to come out unscathed. I just need to come out on top.”

Kian’s eyebrows raise, and for a second, I swear I see something close to admiration flash in his eyes. But then it’s gone, replaced by that calculated coldness again.

“Careful, Viviana. You’re walking a thin line.”

“That’s nothing new.”

I step back, turning on my heel with a flourish. My dress swishes against my legs as I start to walk away. But before I take more than a few steps, I glance back over my shoulder, meeting his gaze one more time.

“And in case you’re wondering, Kian, I can carry my own.”

He lets out a low chuckle as I stride away, but I can still feel his eyes on me. I’ve held my own against one Callaghan brother, made another blush like a tomato, and made the third lose his temper over an employee. I shake my head, feeling triumphant. This is going better than I expected.

“Viviana,” Selma calls from the door. “I’m going home. Will you be okay?” Her eyes are full of concern.

“Of course. Don’t worry.” I smile gently and take her hand. “Thank you for being here.”

As I enter the ballroom, almost everyone has left. Even my own family left the party without so much as a goodbye.

I spot Declan and Connor by the door.

“Where is my room?” I ask, my voice cold. I’m tired, I need sleep, and these heels are killing me.

“First floor, second door to the left,” Declan says, deadpan.

Without a word, I take off my shoes and walk up the stairs. The room is massive, with a king-sized dark oak bed draped in white silk sheets. A desk, flat-screen TV, walk-in closet, and en-suite bathroom complete the lavish setup.

Not bad. With some candles, plants, and decorations, I can make this work.

I peel off my dress, finally able to breathe. That damn thing was too tight. Turning on the faucet for the bathtub, I rummage through the drawers to find my bath salts. Sprinkling them into the water, I step in.

Oh God, this feels so good.

I stay there far too long, my skin wrinkling. Finally, I sigh, knowing I have to leave this warm embrace before I fall asleep in it.

Wrapping a towel around myself, water still dripping, I hear a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I try to hide my annoyance. I’ve reached my limit with the Callaghan.

“I have a document for you to sign,” Connor’s voice comes through.

Connor. Interesting.

“Come in,” I say, brushing my wet hair as he enters. Through the mirror, I watch his face immediately flush. His hand clenches around the papers.

Turning slowly, I walk toward him, my eyes locked on his. “What is this?” I point to the papers.

“It’s… it’s…” He clears his throat, his breathing hitching. “It’s the contract. The rules for marriage.”

“Ah, those.” I sign the damn things—essentially a promise not to cheat, run, or kill anyone. Wonder if Declan had to sign something like this.

Connor stands frozen, shoulders tense. As I brush my fingers against him while handing back the papers, his pupils dilate.

“Connor,” Declan’s voice grits from the door. “You’re done here. Get out.”

Connor straightens, blinking as if snapping out of a trance. He turns and exits the room quickly. I can’t help but laugh.

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