He arches an eyebrow. “We don’t know what we’re walking into.”
“I know,” I admit, irritation flickering at the edge of my voice. “Which is why she gets to bow out after we stop at Wavecrest.”
Declan studies me, expression unreadable. “You like her.”
It isn’t a question, and I say nothing. I walk to my rental, where Kori is already in the passenger seat, illuminated by the glow of her phone as she types.
Sliding behind the wheel, I catch sight of herscreen—she’s drafting an email to a divorce lawyer.
I start the engine and give her the estate’s address so the lawyer can send the papers there. Because I’m oddly comforted by her clarity. Whatever today brings, Kori Blake knows exactly what she wants.
Me? I’m still piecing together a past I barely knew existed—chasing breadcrumbs to a sister I never knew, chasing answers from a father who never claimed me.
As I pull onto the road, tailing Declan’s car heading in the direction of Wavecrest, all I can do is hope she isn’t sick of seeing me yet because I’m not ready to let her go.
Chapter 19
Kori
I stare out the window as we drive back toward Wavecrest, watching the Irish countryside roll by in a blur of green. Kane is quiet beside me, one hand on the steering wheel, the other tapping an irregular rhythm against his thigh. The air between us feels charged somehow, heavy with unspoken words.
My phone buzzes again—another text from Mark—but I ignore it, shoving the device deep into my pocket. I’ve said all I need to speak to him for now. The next conversation we have will be through lawyers.
“You okay?” Kane asks, glancing over at me.
“Better than I expected,” I admit. “Talking to Mark was... clarifying.”
“How so?”
I consider this for a moment, trying to put my feelings into words. “He sounded like the man I first dated. Reasonable, apologetic, saying all the right things.” I shake my head. “But now I can hear whatI couldn’t before—how he turns everything around until somehow I’m the one who should feel guilty for not understanding why he did what he did.”
“Sounds like he’s good at manipulation,” Kane observes.
“The best,” I agree. “But it doesn’t work anymore. That’s what’s different now. I can see the pattern.”
We lapse into silence again as Kane navigates a particularly narrow stretch of road. I find myself studying his profile—the strong line of his jaw, the way his hair falls across his forehead when he leans forward. Something is compelling about him, beyond the obvious physical appeal—a vulnerability beneath the bravado that resonates with me.
“What?” he asks, catching me staring.
“Just wondering what you’re thinking,” I deflect. “About this whole treasure hunt situation.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I’m torn. Part of me wants answers—about my sister, about Tomas, about why he kept all this secret. But another part...”
“Is afraid of what you’ll find?” I finish when he trails off.
“Yeah,” he admits. “What if our sister wants nothing to do with us? What if Tomas is just using us for some scheme? What if this whole thing puts everyone in danger?”
“Those are all valid concerns,” I say carefully. “Butwouldn’t not knowing be worse?”
He considers this as we turn onto the coastal road that leads to Wavecrest. “Maybe. I’ve spent my whole life not knowing who I really am. What’s a little longer?”
“But now you have a chance to find out,” I point out. “Not everyone gets that opportunity.”
The cottage comes into view, looking peaceful and isolated against the backdrop of the churning sea. Kane pulls up next to Declan’s car, which has arrived just before us. The others are already getting out, stretching after the drive.
“One hour,” Declan reminds me as I climb out of the car. “Get what you need and let’s move.”
I resist the urge to salute sarcastically and head inside, Kane following close behind. The cottage feels different with him here in the daylight—less of a hiding place and more like just another stop on whatever strange journey we’ve embarked on.
