Page 69 of Royal Beast
Guy’s face falls for just a moment before his gaze flicks to my father as if to double-check for confirmation. Max just shrugs.
“You’re married?” he asks, his voice laced with disbelief.
“Yes,” I answer, my voice steady, not giving him any more ammunition. I don’t trust this man—not one single bit. He can’t get anything else out of me.
“Wow. When did this happen?” His head tilts as he continues to study me, stepping a little closer as if trying to read my every move.
“A few months ago,” I say, moving closer to my father’s side to brush his hair out of his face, focusing on the task to avoid meeting Guy’s gaze.
“And who’s the lucky guy?” His voice drops into something much more predatory, a grin spreading across his face as he steps even closer. “Have I met him?”
I keep my expression neutral, but inside, I’m starting to feel my guard go up even more.
“Kellan Brannagan,” I say, my tone cool and clipped. “You’ve probably heard of him. He’s part of the Brannagan Family.”
There. That should be enough. The Brannagans are prominent in town, and if Guy’s really got a gambling problem, he’s no doubt crossed paths with them before. I hope the name alone sends him running.
But instead, Guy’s expression shifts into something darker. He sneers, his lips curling in distaste as if the name alone left a bad taste in his mouth.
“Ah. The Brannagans,” he mutters, almost to himself, before raising his voice again, making sure I can hear. “Big, tough guys, right? I’ve heard plenty about them. Kellan Brannagan, the thug. A real family man, huh?”
I freeze, a cold rush flooding through me. Something in his tone makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a trap, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up.
“What exactly are you implying?” I ask, my voice tight, but he doesn’t stop.
“Oh, come on, Darcy,” Guy continues, stepping even closer, his breath hot on my skin. “You know what he is. A man like that? He’s only using you. He’ll say whatever he needs to make you think you’re special, but when he’s done with you, he’ll feed you to the wolves, just like the rest of ‘em.”
My breath catches in my throat, a wave of anger crashing through me. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I want to tell him to get lost, but I hold it in, forcing myself to stay composed.
Max shifts uncomfortably in his bed, clearly not picking up on the tension between Guy and me, or maybe he just doesn’t care. Either way, I feel my patience wearing thin.
“Leave it, Guy,” I say, my voice sharp now. “You don’t know Kellan, and you don’t know anything about what we have. You’re way out of line.”
Guy shrugs, an arrogant smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Maybe. But one thing’s for sure. When the Brannagans are done with you, they’re done with you. Just remember that.”
Before I can respond, he turns away, looking too pleased with himself as if he’s made his point.
My heart is pounding, and I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over. Guy’s words still hang in the air, taunting me, and my gut tells me there’s something much less friendly behind his little nice guy act.
“Leave it, Guy,” I repeat.”
But Guy doesn’t back off. Instead, he gives me that same smug look and shrugs. But when I glance at my father, I can tell he’s thinking about what Guy just said. He nods, voice low as he starts to speak.
“Guy’s not entirely wrong, Darcy,” Max says, his words making me freeze. “I’m just worried. I’ve seen what happens when men like Kellan get what they want. They don’t stop, not until they’ve taken everything they can.”
I blink, my stomach sinking as I try to process his words. “What the hell are you talking about?” I demand, my pulse racing. “Kellan is nothing like that. You don't know him at all, Dad.”
“I do know him,” Max insists, his tone surprisingly firm. “I’m just trying to look out for you, kid. You deserve better than someone who’s just going to throw you away when the time comes.”
I feel like the air is being sucked out of the room. Max is supposed to be on my side, so why does it feel like he’s throwing me under the bus?
I glance at Guy, who’s still watching the exchange with too much interest, as though he’s enjoying the moment. His grin widens when he sees the look on my face.
“Maybe it’s time to listen to your father, Darcy,” Guy says, his voice dripping with false sweetness. “He’s just trying to help.”
Max's eyes flick to mine, and I see genuine concern there and it only makes my anger burn brighter. “I’m worried about you. Kellan’s got a history. His family’s got a history. Have you seen the news? Darcy, they’re saying his fathermurderedhis mother. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I shake my head, stepping back, feeling like I’m suffocating. This isn’t the conversation I expected today. I’m supposed to be here with my dad, focusing on him, not this.
