Page 22 of Vengeful Union

Please, Bree. Pick up.

Chapter Eight

8

RORY

The phone ringsthree times before a breathless voice answers.

“Hello? Who is this?”

“It’s your brother.”

“Rory? How did you get this number?”

“Don’t worry about it. I just need to know where you are. If you’re safe.”

“Of course, I’m safe! Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because Father says you were kidnapped and has done something stupid.”

“Oh, God. Is Lara okay?”

“Just listen to me. I need you to explain what the hell is going on. And in detail.”

Bree takes a deep breath. “Okay, so months ago, Declan kidnapped me. I was never harmed or hurt in any way. Andeventually, Declan and I fell in love. And now we’re married, and I’m happy, and I’m pregnant.”

“By Declan Burke.”

“Yes! I know it’s complicated, but I?—”

“And you didn’t tell me any of this?”

“How long has it been since you wanted to know about me? Before I was taken, you were always busy! Every time I called, you had somewhere to be. Something to do.”

I huff out a breath, but she’s right. I have been busy, and I haven’t wanted to know what crazy shit has been going on in Chicago in my absence.

“Rory, if you know where Lara is?—”

“I have to go.” I’m not sure what to reveal to her, so I say nothing. “But I’m happy you’re safe.”

I hang up the phone, and it starts to ring immediately, but I ignore it.

“See?” Lara says a bit smugly, and I can’t help but smile a little. “So, now you can let me go.”

I scoff. “I can’t let you go.”

Her green eyes widen. “What?”

“My father isn’t going to give up. We can’t extricate ourselves from this without some thought,” I hiss, not wanting Oscar to hear me.

“But your sister is safe! She’s happy!”

“I know,” I say quietly. “But there’s no way my father is going to believe that. And even if he does, he isn’t going to let you go without a fight. He’s stubborn.”

I stand up, taking Lara by the arm, and she tries to wrench away from me, but I hold her tight.

“Back to the room,” I say, and she starts to yell.

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