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5
Keira
I palm Decker’s cell and walk from the room, needing privacy and distance. One more than the other, although I’m not entirely sure which is more important at this point.
I dial Cole’s number then bite my tongue as he barks, “What is it?”
“It’s me.” I keep my voice low.
“Keira? How are you? Where are you? I tried calling—”
“I left my cell in the restaurant because some jerk shoved me into the arms of one of his goons and demanded I leave.”
“That jerk was trying to keep you safe.”
I roll my eyes. “I can keep myself safe, brother.”
He sighs. “I don’t have time to argue with you right now. Hunter said you’re out of town. Where, exactly?”
“The safe house.”
“Which one?”
“There’s more than one?” I accuse. “Since when?”
“Fuck.” His frustration echoes down the line. “We’ll discuss details later. Just as long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”
“I am. Decker has everything under control. He’s been perfect.”
“Perfect?” The disapproval in his voice is loud and clear. “Is he close by?”
“In the kitchen. Do you want me to get him?”
“No, what I want you to do is be careful.”
I continue down the hall, toward the far end of the house, glancing over my shoulder every few steps. “Yeah, I know. You don’t have to warn me.”
“He’s still new. And reckless. And a motherfucking smartass. His attitude doesn’t sit well with me.”
“So why make him my white knight? I should’ve stayed with you.”
“It was good timing and the perfect opportunity.”
My pulse increases. “The perfect opportunity for what?”
“Keeping an eye on him. Getting inside his head.”
I clench my jaw, unsure and a little disturbed at how my brother could’ve thought about strategy while bullets were flying and people were screaming. “He’s been good to me, Cole.”
“Good or cu
The intensity in his voice puts me on edge. “Am I in danger?”
“From him? No. I wouldn’t have sent you with him if I thought he was capable of hurting you. But is he capable of hurting this family? I’m not sure. He’s yet to prove his worth. And until he does, his intent will remain questionable.”
“What do you expect me to do?” I ask.
“Nothing. Not yet. Just remain open to testing him if you get the chance.”
“Testing him?” I hiss under my breath. “He’s supposed to be on our side.”
“What’s supposed to be and what usually happens are two different things. You know we’re both paranoid for good reason.”
He’s right, even though judging Decker as the enemy feels entirely wrong.
“Be smart, Keira. Be safe, too.”
I nod. “I will.”
I’m not going to plead Decker’s case. Not yet. I’ll take more time to come to my own conclusion first. To cement my assumptions. “Do you have any news on who’s responsible for tonight?”
“There’s nothing to go on. Not yet. But I’ll find out sooner or later.”
Nausea swirls in my belly. The slightest tremble works its way into my hands. Knowledge isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes ignorance is most certainly bliss. Especially when knee-jerk, death-causing reactions are likely. “Don’t do anything rash, okay?” I beg. “You, more than anyone, need to keep a level head.”
“You know me, Kee, I’m nothing if not level.”
His sarcasm is scary. I’d laugh if I didn’t want to crumple.
“Look, I’ve gotta go.” His tone turns dismissive. “It’s not a great time to talk. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
There’s a pause, and for a moment I think he’s already disco
“Yeah?”
I swallow over my drying throat. “How’s Layla?”
“She’s fine.” His response is instant. Without thought. “She got out before you did.”
My brows rise at the placating lie.
“Right…” I suck in a calming breath and let it out slowly. “Well, can you let her know I lost my phone in the restaurant? I have to use Decker’s, and she’s not answering my calls.”
“She’s probably screening and doesn’t recognize the number. I’ll pass on the message.”
Liar. Liar. Liar.
“Thanks.”
“I’ll speak to you soon, Kee. Make sure you lay low until I call.”
“I will.” I hang up and stare out the window at the far end of the hall.
Cole is playing a dangerous game by distorting the truth in an attempt to keep me calm. All our enemies need is a weak spot. Just one. That’s it. Then, bam, we’re vulnerable.
But I get why he lied. We all have secrets. Some are made to protect those we love.
He thinks he’s doing the right thing.
He doesn’t want me to worry. And yet the intent has had the opposite effect.
I’m concerned as hell. About being alone with Decker. About my mental stability. About Cole reacting without thought when he finds out who’s responsible for the drive-by.
I can’t hold tight to the strength I usually cling to. Adrenaline has zapped my common sense.
Come on, Keira. Pull yourself together.
I tread lightly down the hall and pause in the shadows. Decker is still in the kitchen, now eating from a can of corn with a spoon. He isn’t doing anything sneaky or covert. He’s relaxed, his jacket gaping to expose his inked chest, his dark hair mussed and falling around his forehead. There isn’t a glimmer of deception ebbing from him, but I know there shouldn’t be if he’s an accomplished manipulator.
Deceit is rarely obvious.
I inch into the living room, my gaze never leaving him as I stop a few feet away from the kitchen counter. “That looks appetizing.”
His lips kick, his face the very definition of cocky arrogance.
“I was talking about the corn,” I clarify.
“Sure you were.” He tilts the can in my direction. “Want some? We don’t have a lot of options where food is concerned.”
“No, thanks. I don’t think my stomach could handle it at the moment.”
He shoves another spoonful into his mouth, his chiseled jaw working overtime. “How’s your brother?”
I shrug. “He’s the same ol’ Cole. Nothing changes.”
He pauses, his eyes narrowing. “Something’s wrong.”
It’s not a question, it’s a statement that catches me off guard. He can already sense my mood, can already decipher my expression. The realization fills me with apprehension and appreciation in equal measure.
“No. Not upset,” I lie, indicating my face with a swirl of a finger. “This is a look of a
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I should be used to it by now, right? To be honest, I’m surprised it still bothers me.”
He throws up a hand in a what-are-you-go
“Yeah. That’s the plan.” After getting off the phone, I’ve gained a few new layers to my exhaustion. Only I’m finding it hard to walk away. Maybe I should test him. Not to claim answers to Cole’s doubt, but to prove my instincts about Decker are right. “Will you be okay finding a room of your own?”
He spoons a few more kernels of corn into his mouth. “I’ll crash on the sofa if I have to.”
“If you have to? You don’t plan on sleeping?”
“I might doze a bit.”
“Why? We’re safe here, aren’t we?”
“Yes, of course.” He pulls out the garbage drawer and throws the can into the trash. “I’m only being cautious.”
I don’t want to believe him. I can’t. One, because trust is a personality trait I rarely indulge in. And two, because the thought of him giving up sleep for me makes my stomach twist in knots.