Page 13 of Tempted

“Since when doyouneed to be ready?” She asks, not hiding the snarky tone.

“Are you saying that I’m a whore?” I bark.

A little smirk shows on her face that she tries but fails to hide. She wants to say something but is holding back. Usually when she does this, it’s quite comical what she wants to say, but she knows that it’s offensive. “Say it.” I prompt, elbowing her.

She rolls her eyes, snorting, knowing full well that if I was anyone else, that she’d get a knuckle sandwich. “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, and sends dick pics like a duck...”

I laugh out loud.

She laughs out loud, too.

“Bitch.”

“Whore.”

“And they weren’t dick pics.”

“Close enough.”

Chapter 5

Malcolm

As I tighten my tie, I’m trying to talk myself out of going, but I can’t. It’s not my business, it’s not my place. Hell, it’s not even my family. Nonetheless, I’m putting on my funeral suit, because, as much as a fool as I am for doing it, I’m going to Steph’s granny’s funeral. To be honest, it’s partly for extra security. Uncle Dougall is not allowing us to provide them with security while they’re bidding their granny adieu, and as much as it sucks, that’s where us Harris boys come in. Declan is going as well, and, for good measure.

“You know that my da is going to chop our nuts off, right?” Declan says, as he enters my office, all dressed to go.

“It’ll be worth it. Especially if that murdering asshole Callum is stupid enough to show up.”

“He won’t. But he may be watching from afar.” I surmise, tucking my arm into my suit jacket.

“Or he may have hired someone to do the same.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

And just as he says this, Uncle Dougall walks in, without knocking first. He takes one look at the both of us, and knows exactly what’s going on. I brace myself for him to tear us a new one. But instead, he softens. “I’m sending Rory with you.”

“Rory?” I ask, confused, since he’s a pilot, even though I know that he also doubles as security.

“I’m not going to stop you two from going, especially you, Declan, since this is to support your lass, Moira. But, you, Malcolm. I don’t quite understand why you’re going. I know that you’re into this Steph lass, but I didn’t think that you werethatinto her. Have you bedded her yet?”

My teeth grate together. I hate it when Uncle Dougall asks such questions. He has no shame whatsoever. “No.” Is all I say.

“But you want to.” He clarifies.

“Yes, he wants to, da.” Declan answers for me, and I don’t know which would make me want to punch him more. If he stayed quiet and let me get into it, or if he answered for me, which he did.

“My brother wouldn’t be very happy with me if I didn’t protect his son.” Dougall adds.

I decide to keep quiet and just let that comment simmer. Uncle Dougall pats us both on the shoulder before walking to the door. “Rory will be ready for you.”

“Thanks, da.” Declan states.

He just nods and walks out of my office.

“Moira knows you’re coming?” I ask Declan.

“Aye.” He replies, looking at his phone. “Did you tell Steph that you were coming?”

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