Page 18 of Problems

Jack glared at him. "You act like you never went out before. I was going crazy in here stuck with the three of you."

"That doesn't excuse you sneaking out and stealing money.” I couldn't believe he'd snuck out.

Jack had disregarded everything we said. The entire reason we were in Arizona was to protect him and he snuck out as if it wasn't a big deal. As if we weren't important.Iwasn't important. My chest burned in the most uncomfortable way. The sensation started slow until it encompassed the entire area and set it on fire.

"Looks like you fucked up," Cian teased.

Jack glared at him before glancing my way. His mouth dropped down in a frown, and he took a step toward me. As much as I always wanted him near me, I didn't trust myself with him right now. I was so angry and hurt I was liable to say or do something to hurt Jack. I stepped back and the crestfallen expression that overtook Jack's face nearly had me going to him and comforting him.

"Ronan." Jack's voice was soft and lost.

"If you'd come to me, we could have figured something out. I asked what was wrong—"

The front door slammed and all three of them turned to see Fin walking in. His glare cut right to Jack. I knew that look. I straightened up instantly ready to defend Jack even if I was upset with him.

"You spoiled rotten sh—"

I moved in Finnian's path, and he stopped short. "Ronan move."

He was technically in charge of me now. I took orders from him when they didn't come directly from Declan, but Jack was my priority. Always.

"Move or I will move you," Fin threatened.

Cian whistled. "Look what you started princess."

"Wait, I didn't start shit. Look I just needed a break. Nothing happened. I made it back in one piece."

Fin glanced over my shoulder. "You made it in one piece thanks to the Laureati family. I had to go pay respects."

I turned on my heels and stared at Jack. "You said you went out with friends."

"I did."

"From another family and an Italian one at that?" Cian asked. He shook his head, his coffee forgotten as we all stared at Jack as if he lost his fucking mind.

"What part of no one is supposed to know we're here did you not pick up on?" Finnian asked.

"It's not that big of a deal," Jack stressed.

Finnian pinched the bridge of his nose. His brows were pinched together and his frown was deeper. "Are you that naive?"

"Jack, this is a big deal. Your father hasn't picked a side and you’re basically making it seem like we are siding with the Italians." I stared at him imploring him to understand what he'd done.

"All I did was go out and have drinks with friends. Their daddy came to pick them up and drove me back home, that was all," Jack said.

Finnian stepped around me and marched over to Jack. I was right behind him.

"Ronan, if you stop me, know that I will put you through the floor. You are to stand by, am I clear?"

Finnian's voice brokered no argument. I looked at Jack and still, the boy didn't seem to understand the problems he'd caused.

"Yes sir."

Cian moved silently, slipping behind Jack as he attempted to step back from Finnian.

"Where do you think you're going princess?" Cian teased.

Jack visibly shuddered. "What are you two doing?" He looked to me, his eyes pleading with me for help. "Ronan."

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