Page 60 of Ruthless

A vein pops in the side of my dad’s temple as he watches, but he doesn’t say anything about it. “Savage.”

“Donnelly.” Zane’s politer than I expect. “Everything all set to go?”

“Aye. Teegan and Rory will be over first thing in the mornin’.” My dad nods his head while he pulls a cigar out of his jacket pocket.

“What about Connor and Rory?” Zane’s chest tenses against my back.

My dad tilts his head from side to side, studying Zane as he pinches the cigar between his lips. It’s a look I’ve seen him do a million times before. He’s gauging how much info to share. “They’re needed in Boston to tend to some business matters for me.”

That piques my interest, and my head snaps up to meet Connor’s gaze. “You going to see Fiona while you’re there?”

“Yeah.” Connor’s nostrils flare as his eyes harden, but I’ve learned to ignore him when he’s in one of his moods.

“Will you tell her to call me? I’ve tried a few times, and she hasn’t answered.” I think back to the last phone call we had, and it’s not like us to go so long without talking.

“Promise,deirfiúr.” His gaze travels over to my dad, and I get the feeling that he wants to say something more but holds back. “I’m going to pack.” He spins on his heels and heads off toward his truck without another word. Rory shoots me a wink and walks off to follow after him.

Teegan and Keegan remain standing off to my dad’s right, but I can tell by their stiff body language that they aren’t happy with Zane’s question. They’re nineteen and cocky. Having Zane question that is a massive hit to their egos.

“What happened with Kelsey wasn’t our fault.” Teegan tugs at the collar of his black dress shirt.

“Exactly.” Keegan adjusts the red feather on his Fedora as he shoots Zane and Axel a look.

“No one is blamin’ ye for that.”

“Speak for yourself,” Axel mumbles loud enough for everyone to hear.

“That right?” Keegan moves to step forward, but my dad stretches his arm out across his chest to stop him.

“Easy, lads.” My dad ignores Axel’s comment and keeps his attention on Zane. “Everythin’ is set. The boys will be there first thing in the mornin’.”

“Good.” Zane’s deep voice rumbles against my back.

“A Donnelly always keeps his word,” my dad says around the cigar in his mouth. “Ye might want to remember that.” My dad gives me one last smile before turning and getting inside his car.

Zane’s fingers tighten around me, but he’s not getting out of this. I twist out of Zane’s hold and push the bridge of my glasses up my nose to stare at him.

“What was that about?”

“Nothing.” Zane does a slight shake of his head, but I know better. He can’t weasel his way out of this.

“Don’t you ‘nothing’ me. I know it most certainly means something if my dad said that.” I put my hands on my hips and wait him out.

“Oh shit. Her hands are on her hips. You’re so fucked, Z.” Axel snickers.

“Shut up, Axel.” Kelsey slaps him upside the head and rolls her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she mouths, “I’m sorry.”

“That’s it, Wildcat!” He bends down, props her stomach against his shoulder, and then carries her off in a fireman’s hold. “Looks like I need to teach a lesson.” He slaps her on the ass.

“Don’t you dare! We’re at church, for crying out loud.” She laughs as they disappear into background noise.

Once they’re out of sight and Zane sees I’m not giving on this, he finally caves. “It’s no big deal, Ken.”

“It is, or you’d be telling me what it is.” My hands go from my hips, crossing them over my chest.

His eyes follow the movement as he toys with the end of his beard. “He just promised that I’ll never have another kid if something happens to you.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re giving me the G-rated version of what was said?”

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