Page 84 of Devious Kingpin
My lips thinned. He didn’t really think Dante would be reporting his business to me, did he? Reading the expression on my face, Killian decided to change the subject.
“I’m going to be gone for a bit,” he said and my stomach tightened. I didn’t like when he was gone “for a bit.” It worried me to death that I’d never see him again.
“Where do you go when you’re gone for a bit?” I questioned.
Sometimes I wondered what Killian had done and endured to survive in the underworld. The dark side of him often lurked around him like this black mist. It had always been like that, even when we were younger. It didn’t bother me, but it made me worry for him.
Especially lately.
It seemed to almost swallow him.
“Here and there,” he remarked vaguely.
“How are you handling the whole ‘left at the altar’ affair?” It had been an “avoid at all costs” subject for everyone and it was awkward as fuck, especially now that I was married. He didn’t seem heartbroken, but it wasn’t as if he’d break down and cry. In fact, I didn’t think I’d ever seen my brother cry.
I, on the other hand, cried all the time.
“Just another day,” he said, eyes still darting around the room.
“Not exactly,” I protested softly, touching his arm. “I wish you’d let me in, Killian.”
The way he looked at me sent warning bells blaring through my system. “The way you let me in, Jules?”
I stilled, unsure what he was hinting at. Maybe Kian had recognized me after all. Or maybe Killian learned something that was meant to be a secret.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “What do you mean?”
The maid showed up with a tray of cookies and drinks. Good thing she knew how to welcome the guests. It never even crossed my mind to offer my brother any refreshments. I groaned inwardly. I’m going to be the worst wife, I swear. Maybe I should get a book on good housekeeping or something.
Killian picked up a cup of coffee, thanking the maid before she disappeared. He took a sip, contemplating his next words if his expression was any indication.
“I mean with stealing.”
“Old news,” I said hurriedly.
“The defense classes you’ve taken. Even learning to shoot.” Fuck, how did he find that out? “You should have come to me, and I would have helped you.”
“You’re busy,” I said, offering the lame excuse. I knew if I’d asked him, he’d have taught me. But there would also be questions that I would refuse to answer. Knowing Killian, he’d have a whole inquisition going.
My eyes met his soft blue ones and I feared he’d see something he wasn’t meant to see. But I held his gaze, waiting. For what, I wasn’t sure.
“You’ve changed, Jules.” The sad tone in his voice hit me right in the chest. I didn’t know why. “I’ve seen this darkness in you once before, but lately, it seems worse.”
I blinked, my mouth suddenly dry. He’d seen my darkness. But how? I hid it so well. Didn’t I?
Reaching for the glass of water, I turned my attention to the television.
“What do you mean?” I asked, keeping my tone light.
Killian shook his head. “I know you, Jules. You’re my sister. A part of me.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into him. “You used to tell me everything. Even things I would have preferred not to know.” I grinned, remembering those days. “Remember when you called me to announce you were a woman? All because you got your period.”
I choked out a laugh. “I’m trying to forget.”
“Or when you dragged me into a Victoria’s Secret store so you could find me a girlfriend and help Aunt Aisling find a man with attractive lingerie?”
I chuckled softly. “That was a dumb plan.” My mind flickered back to that day. It was funny. He remembered me dragging him to the Victoria’s Secret store. I remembered him dragging me to Tiffany’s. “Kill?”
“Yes?”
