Page 81 of Toxic

Before that night, I never thought the Baileys or Rossis could infiltrate into the O'Connor or O'Malley families. But I'm no longer a fool. No one is trustworthy. The years of my father discovering his top men were Baileys, or hearing Angelo tell my father he had a similar experience with the Rossis, keeps me from doing anything else to jeopardize my children's safety.

Angelo comes into the study. He kisses me on the cheek and offers a smile. "Good to see you, Bridget."

I nod, unable to speak.

Angelo and Dad talk off to the side.

Dante squeezes my waist. "No matter what happens, I'm going to be here, right by your side. Let me get you a drink."

It's a statement that I usually would refute, claiming I don't need him. Yet the only thing I feel is gratitude and the ache for him to stay. I study him pouring the glass of whiskey. He's soon at my side handing it to me when the door opens.

My heart stammers when the O'Malleys step inside. All of them, including his cousin Finn, are pieces of Sean. While it's only been five years, they've aged. And I hadn't seen Finn for longer since he was in prison. Every one of them have features that remind me of Sean. It tears at my heart as I wonder how Sean would have aged. And when Finn went to prison, he was barely a man. We had spent a lot of time together, along with his girlfriend, Brenna. We were all close. I want to reach out and hug all of them, but especially him. Then I see the hatred in his eyes. It's a replica of Sean's brothers, and I cringe inside.

"It's time you told us who is coming after you, Bridget," Killian blurts out.

I flinch, not expecting anyone to be nice, but the harsh tone hurts. It's a question I didn't expect, nor do I have a response ready. I'm not sure how I'm going to get through this. I reply, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Declan steps closer. "It's not threats against the O'Malleys you're scared of, is it?"

I grip the tumbler so tight, I think I might crack the crystal. "Of course it is."

Declan steps even closer and softens his tone. "Stop lying."

"I'm not."

"Bridget—"

"Does it have to do with Brenna?" Finn blurts out.

I gape at him, and my hand trembles harder.

Why would he think it has to do with Brenna?

My voice cracks as I ask, "Brenna?"

"Don't lie to me. I have the photo," Finn calmly states.

Photo? What is he talking about? Is this why he looks pissed? Is it not about the kids and my lies?

I step back, unsure how to decipher or answer him.

"Bridget?" Dad questions.

Finn takes a deep, calculated breath. "You can all discuss the kids later. Everyone except Bridget out."

My chest tightens. I feel like I'm about to get thrown from one hurricane to the next, and I'm unsure why. But Finn looks like he wants to throw me to the wolves.

What did I ever do that he would get this upset over?

Why does he say it has to do with Brenna?

Then it hits me. There's one thing I never told anyone except Sean. I assumed Finn knew, but maybe Sean never told him?

On a trip to New York to visit my father, after Finn got sentenced and Brenna disappeared, I ran into her in the park.

But why is he talking about a photo?

A chill runs down my spine.Were one of the Rossis or Baileys following me?

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