“That was surface-level shit. I don’t need a phone number or an email address this time. I need something that could be used as a bargaining tool.”
“That’s crossing into sensitive territory, my friend.”
“So is having someone threaten a child’s medical care in order to control their aunt,” I growl. “So, dig.”
Aiden is silent for a beat. “You’re really doing this for leverage?”
“And for protection.”
For Fiona. But I don’t say that part out loud.
“All right. I’ll see what I can find.”
When the call ends, I lean back in my chair and stare at the ceiling.
Lorcan had no right to hold those girls over Fiona’s head like collateral. But more than that, he had no right to make me doubt her loyalty when the truth is I would have done the same. If someone threatened Scout, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to save him.
Maybe that’s why I’m finding it so difficult to continue acting like I don’t care about Fiona…
I don’t like what this says about me. I don’t like that after everything she’s done, I still want tofixsomething for her.
I should let her sit in the consequences of her choices. I should stay cold and detached, but it's becoming harder and harder to ignore the truth. I’m doing this because I care, and because whether I want to admit it or not, some part of me still sees her as mine to protect.
I’m about to get to my feet and go in search of Scout when my phone rings again, only this time with an unknown number.
I straighten, my mind instantly going to Smirnov.
He’s been unusually quiet, especially considering he’s learned he has an heir, though I know better than to think he’s keeping his distance.
He’s biding his time, more like.
I’m already planning how to get Scout underground as I’m answering the call, but instead of a heavy accent on the other end, I’m met with a shrill, high-pitched voice that could shatter glass.
“Cormac Sullivan!”
I wince, holding the phone away from my ear. “Who is this?”
“Your worst nightmare.”
“I highly doubt that.”
“This is Zoe, Fiona’s best friend?”
Zoe?
I blink, genuinely surprised. “How did you get this number?”
“It’s not important. Whatisimportant is that you’re treating Fiona like she’s disposable, like she’s some kind of possession you can punish until you feel better, and I want to tell you to cut it out.”
My grip tightens on the phone.
Am I seriously being lectured right now by someone who looks like they drank a bottle of glitter?
“This doesn’t concern you.”
“Like hell it doesn’t! She’s my best friend, and if you had any idea of the shit she’s been through, you’d understand why she did what she did.”
“You think I don’t know what she’s done?”
