Page 19 of Mate For Hire (For Hire 3)

“You’re not serious? He chose that woman? We don’t even know if everything she told us is true or not. Declan’s got some guys out right now checking on her story. I mean what if she’s one of Patrick’s people an

d he hired her to come here to lure Gerard away from you? He’s probably ticked off that Gerard quit working for him.”

“Yeah, I thought of that possibility, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s his mate. His childhood sweetheart. He planned to marry her, and he thought she died.”

“That is a tough one to compete against.”

“I’m not competing!”

“Alright. Don’t yell at me. I didn’t bring her here.” Janessa flopped onto Lachelle’s bed. “Although I would gladly send her on her way given half the chance.”

“Didn’t I tell you not to tempt me?”

“I’m going with you.”

“Say what?” Lachelle faced her sister. “I thought you said things have turned around here. You’re not thinking about leaving Declan right after you’ve married him. I’m not letting you do it, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Are you crazy? No way. I love that man too much. No, I’m going to go with you to get things situated back there, and to make sure Mom and Daddy get home safe. I could kiss Declan every day until eternity for bringing them here. It was a risk, but he did it for me. He’s so sweet.”

“Are you crying?” Lachelle’s voice softened.

“A little. Can you blame me?”

“No.”

“I feel guilty for being so happy when you’re struggling.”

“I’m fine. I’ll bounce back in no time. I love him. Don’t get me wrong. But I’ll find someone new. I’m young.”

“And beautiful.”

Lachelle hugged her again. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea for either one of us to go to the city, but I’m going. Someone might recognize us.”

“We can wear disguises.”

Lachelle snorted. “You’re not serious.”

“I’m very serious. Everybody’s gaga over the dragons. They’re looking for Viking-like sexy with silver eyes. Our brown eyes and chocolate skin will help us to blend into the background.”

“Hmm. You’re forgetting about the video with me, and Gerard dropping out of the sky like super dragon.”

Janessa laughed. “Hence the word ‘disguises.’ Dark glasses, a wig…”

“Declan’s not going to let you go.”

“See if he can stop me. I said I’m going to see that my family is safe. Period. If he doesn’t like it, he knows what he can do for me.”

“Oh, sounding like the queen already.”

“Shut up.” Janessa grinned. “That part of the deal—yikes!”

“Alright, let’s do this. The sooner I’m out of here the better for my sanity.”

Chapter 8

“Where is she?” Gerard yelled and made demands before he even got through the door. The hinges creaked, but he didn’t care. He used too much force. The door would never be the same, but someone else could fix it. He had one thing on his mind. Where was Lachelle? “Why did you let her go?”

Declan charged to his feet as Gerard tore into the meeting room. “What are you talking about?”

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