Page 75 of Blindsided
“Did we interrupt something?” Kat asks, a knowing smile on her lips.
“Yes,” Kane says bluntly. “But not what you’re thinking. Kori’s husband showed up.”
“What?” Wren exclaims, setting down her bags with a thump as she grabs a knife. “When? Is he still here?”
“About twenty minutes ago,” I explained. “And no, he’s gone back to his hotel in the village. He’s leaving tomorrow.”
“Put the knife down, goose.” Declan’s eyes narrow as he assesses the situation. “Everything okay?”
The genuine concern in his voice touches me. For all his brusqueness, Declan has shown unexpected kindness these past few days.
“Everything’s fine,” I assure him. “Better than fine. I needed that confrontation to be sure about my decision.”
“And are you?” Wren asks gently. “Sure?”
I nod, feeling the truth of it in my bones. “Absolutely. That chapter of my life is closed.”
The others exchange glances, and I can see theywant to ask more questions but are restraining themselves—all except Kat, who has never been one for restraint.
“So,” she says, dropping onto the armchair across from us, “what’s the plan now? Back to our regularly scheduled treasure hunt?”
Kane looks at me, and I can see the question in his eyes—are you still in this with me? I squeeze his hand in silent answer.
“I think it’s time we found Kane’s sister,” I say, turning to the group. “We’ve done our research. We have the map. Let’s go to Wicklow.”
Declan studies me for a moment, then nods. “Tomorrow,” he decides. “We leave at first light.”
As the others bustle around, unpacking groceries and discussing logistics for our excursion, I lean against Kane’s shoulder, suddenly exhausted but strangely at peace. Confronting Mark has freed something inside me—a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
“Thank you,” I murmured to Kane.
“For what?” he asks, his breath warm against my hair.
“For being here. For seeing me when I couldn’t see myself.”
He presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head. “Anytime, a stór. Anytime.”
Chapter 27
Kane
As I watch Kori interact with my family, I’m struck by how naturally she fits among us. She moves around the kitchen with Wren and Kat, laughing at something Rory says, while Declan is studying maps at the table. The scene feels domestic in a way I’ve never experienced before—people I care about gathered in one place, planning not a heist or a business venture, but a rescue—a reunion.
“You’re staring again,” Kori says, appearing beside me with two mugs of tea.
I accept mine with a grateful smile. “Just thinking.”
“Dangerous pastime,” she teases, bumping her shoulder against mine. “Care to share?”
“Just that... this feels right,” I admit quietly. “All of us here. You here.”
A soft blush colors her cheeks, but she doesn’t look away. “It does, doesn’t it?”
We stand in comfortable silence, watching theothers prepare for tomorrow’s journey. Declan has taken charge, as usual, assigning tasks with military precision. But there’s something different in his manner now—less dictatorial, more collaborative. He’s even talking to Kori more.
“He’s warming up to you,” I murmur, nodding toward Declan.
“Who, your brother?” Kori sips her tea. “I think he’s just realized I’m not going anywhere.”
