Fuck.Hades was loose and we all know he does not do well with strangers. Matteo and Akio step forward as one, ready to intercept the massive dog. I step closer to Fallon.To what? Protect her?My instincts and my brain are not exactly getting along right now.
“Dawww. Hey, baby.” Before anyone can stop her, Fallon darts around my brothers and approaches him.
“Wait!”
“Siren!”
“Poison, stop!”
Our shouts echo through the hall, but within seconds she’s on the ground with the big bad Hades, who is now on his back with his head in her lap getting belly rubs, and loving it.Lucky bastard.
“Who is a good boy? Hmm. Awe, you love the snuggles.” Wearing just her panties and bra, she’s snuggling our fucking guard dog.
Exchanging confused looks, we just stand there. I fucking swear this woman has some sort of power that has every male in this house caving to her will, with little to no effort on her part. I willnotjoin them. My resolve doubles.
While I am lost in thoughts of how to ward myself from the wiles of Fallon, Akio crouches by her. “I got you some clothes and food. How about we go back down to your bedroom so you can eat and get some sleep?” He poses it as a question, but we all know it’s not.
“Can he come with me?” She turns her eyes to Akio, begging to keep the dog. Clearly Hades is all for it.
“No.” The harshness in my voice startles everyone, including myself. “Hades stays up here. Now go before I change my mind.” I turn on a heel and storm out of the room. I have to get away from this girl. She is going to break us from the inside, starting with Akio and the dog.
Chapter 9
Matteo
After the rooftop escapade, I open the double French doors that lead to my office on the third floor, and well away from Fallon, so nothing can be overheard. Standing at the window, I pinch the bridge of my nose in a failed attempt to ward off a growing headache.
“He crossed a fucking line!” Akio slams the doors shut behind him. Declan leans against my desk, looking casual with his arms crossed, but tension lines every muscle as he prepares for the attack.
“I did what needed to be done. She was closer to talking on that roof than with anything else we have tried.”
Ripping his mask off, Akio storms toward our brother. I haven’t seen his monsters this close to the surface in years. While we come to blows frequently enough, it is the glint of silver in his hand that has me jumping to intervene. Snatching his arm mid swing, I full body slam him into the wall, immobilizing any further attack toward our brother. Throwing a glance over my shoulder, with his mask abandoned on the desk, I see the shock on Declan’s face. He knows he finally pushed too far.
Breathing heavily, Akio is no longer straining to get past me. “Breathe, brother. Turning on each other over a girl is not the answer.”
“This started because of a girl. Or did you both forget the fucking reason for everything we have built?” Venom spews with his words, his chest heaving.
“We promised we would do anything to find answers. This is anything.” Though he’s not backing down, Declan is being more cautious with his tone.
The silence stretches as I meet Akio’s gaze. “I’m going to let you go. Put the blade away and let's just talk.” It's a command, but we all know there is a question lurking in there too. No one is safe if he truly loses control. He responds with a single nod.
I move back a few steps as he puts away his weapon. Declan doesn't move, but this leaves us able to see each other clearly.
“It is not too late to let her go. If she didn't talk after getting nearly thrown from a roof, then she doesn’t know anything.” He cuts a look at Declan. “She hasn't seen our faces. We can drop her off somewhere and I can make an anonymous report for the authorities to pick her up. Better yet, her little friend Quinn can pick her up.”
“She doesn't leave.” Declan’s voice sounds…possessive? “You remember the agreement. If she isn't involved in any way, right? Ultimately she cleaned up the Councilman bullshit, so she’s involved whether or not she knows it. We can get information from her even if she doesn’t realize it's useful.” Declan doubles down with his argument. These two will be the death of me.
I step between them again. I need some fucking Excedrine. “Enough!” I stop them both in their tracks with a stare. There is a reason they listen to me most of the time. No matter what, I have always put our family first. That isn’t about to change. “She stays for now but we try a softer approach. Maybe find some middle ground with her. I am starting toagree with Akio.” The image of her on that roof creates a pit in my stomach. “Maybe she isn’t involved and can help us navigate Helix.”
Declan’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t argue. Which means he knows that's the truth, and he has some other reason for wanting to keep her around. The thought of using her as a pawn or bait to get to her father leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Akio looks from me to Declan. “This isn’t us and you know it. She could be useful, but I don't think we are going to get anywhere with the current approach.”
Declan swipes his hand down his face. “Alright. What do you suggest?”
“Let’s let her rest,” I respond before Akio can speak up. “We can work out the logistics of making her more comfortable. If she’s as appalled by the Helix dealings as she let on, then maybe we can get her to help us.” My mind is already swirling with how to do this and keep the situation contained.
“Fine.”
