Page 44 of Declan

“Oh my God,” I whisper, rubbing my face, feeling the heat creep up my neck as I remember how I ground into him like a damn bitch in heat.

“Do you need a glass of water?” A voice cuts through my thoughts like a knife.

“Oh!” I jump back, clutching my already-twisting stomach.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to—” Connor’s tone is calm, with a hint of amusement.

I cut him off too quickly, trying to hide the heat in my face. “It’s fine. I was just... thinking.”

“About?” His eyes are inquisitive, and he seems a lot more comfortable around me than he did weeks ago. I’m not sure if I like that.

“Life, in a way,” I lie.

“Deep stuff, then,” Connor says, rubbing his messy hair. Only now do I notice how perfect it is, glowing honey-coloured in thesunlight filtering through the window, giving him a strangely regal look.

“Yeah, kind of,” I mumble, staring a bit too long until he raises an eyebrow, amusement flashing in his eyes. “Where’s Declan?” I move to the bookshelf, pretending to search for a book.

Smooth, Viviana. So smooth.

“Meetings with the Keeffes,” he says, a faint trace of bitterness in his voice.

“Oh... those.” I snarl, unable to contain my disgust. The way Nolan came at me at the fire, the hate in his eyes as he spat his anger, demanding to know where the Russians were like I had some kind of crystal ball that could pinpoint their location.

I was ready to punch him in his teeth if he came closer, but Declan... Oh my. The way he pulled Nolan back with just one hand sent him sprawling to the ground. His imposing frame in front of me, muscles tensed, pulling his suit jacket to the seams.

He rolled his neck, and I could hear the crackling tension. His hands clenched into fists, looking like a bull about to charge, defending me like a knight would his queen.

“Guess they didn’t make a good impression that day,” Connor leans against the wall, studying my face.

“No, they really didn’t,” I shrug. I had known Nolan long before I saw him at the wedding. “Do they still think I had a part in that?”

“I don’t think so. Declan made sure of that,” he says with a wry grin.

“Declan believed me?” My eyebrows shoot up as I face him, crossing my arms defensively.

“Is there a reason he shouldn’t?” His eyes turn serious, shadowed, with a smirk that’s anything but friendly.

I roll my eyes, muttering, “You too, Connor?”

He lets out a low chuckle. “Not really. You don’t have that killer look.”

“I don’t... for now, at least,” I reply sharply.

He steps closer, touching my shoulder to turn me toward him. This kid is bolder than before. “I was on the rooftop that day, Viviana. I saw how your hand shook when you pointed that gun at the Russian. You were not going to shoot him, let alone Declan or any of us.” His face softens, his voice lowering. “You’re not some cold-hearted killer...”

“Like you three?” I interrupt, eyeing him, trying to understand this new way he’s looking at me like he trusts me and believes in me.

He whistles, shaking his head with a hand to his chest in mock indignation. “Ouch.” Then, the humour fades, and a darker expression takes its place. “And your family? Trust me, Vi, they’re worse.”

He has me there. My father…Far worse than the Callaghans can ever be.

“Why did Declan protect me at the club?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

A mischievous smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Imagine someone hurting the Irish Consortium leader’s wife right in front of him?” He shrugs, stepping back and leaning against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.

Only now do I notice his arms—muscular and strong, with a tattoo of a skull similar to Declan’s. He’s not as broad as his brothers, but those arms look like they can do real damage, veins pulsing as he flexes. I realize he’s caught me staring, and my face flushes, but I shake it off.

“So it’s all for appearances. Got it.” I snap, my voice carrying more hurt than I intended. What was I expecting? It’s not like we’re married for love. Connor is right; if Declan had let Nolan hit me, everyone would know the leader can’t protect his wife just like he couldn’t protect his girlfriend.

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