Page 162 of Deceived Wrath

“It still doesn’t mean I’m putting Riley in the line of fire.”

“You didn’t. The second you had Scout, the second I had Aubrey, we put them in it ourselves. We can’t pretend otherwise.” Hegestures toward the hallway where Riley hums softly to soothe the baby. “We accept the risks because the alternative is worse.”

I stare at the floor.

My breathing feels too tight, too shallow.

“I know you don’t want to risk leading Smirnov’s men to Scout, but you also can’t leave him unprotected. You need to go home, Cormac. You need to get your son.”

My throat burns.

He’s right.

“AndFiona. Because whether I want to admit it or not, she’s in danger too.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.

Every instinct wars inside me, but Kieran’s right.

Whatever alliance Fiona has, I know I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I walked away and left her in the line of fire because I care about her too damn much.

“I can’t go back alone.”

“I’ll call Brennan and Ronan to help clean up the mess and to keep eyes on you from the street in case anyone is lingering around the building.”

A soft cry comes from the hallway, followed by Riley quietly shushing the baby back to sleep.

Guilt gnaws at my insides.

“I didn’t think, I just drove. I didn’t know where else to go.”

Kieran nods. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came to me.”

I glance up and meet my brother’s gaze. I can see it in his eyes that he’s sincere, and that means more than I can put into words. Maybe the added strain I put on our relationship by keeping Scout a secret is finally starting to ease.

“I don’t want Scout growing up like this,” I say quietly.

“None of us do. But what we want doesn’t change the reality. We protect our own. And regardless of my thoughts, that includes Fiona too.”

“I don’t know if she’s innocent.” The words taste like poison in my mouth. “I don’t know if she walked into my life by chance or if someone put her there. And I hate that I doubt her. I fucking hate it.”

“Then find out the truth. But don’t leave her defenseless while you figure it out.” He gets to his feet and pulls his phone out of his pocket. “I’m calling Ronan. Ciara and Elena can bring the twins over here while he heads to your place and scouts the perimeter. Brennan will join him once he’s taken care of the cleanup.”

I stand slowly, feeling the weight of what’s coming settle on my shoulders.

“Drive straight to the penthouse and bring Scout and Fiona back here.”

“Kieran—”

“I’m not asking.”

I look past him, toward the faint glow of the hallway where Riley cradles Aubrey in her arms.

The house feels warm and safe, two things I never thought I was missing, never thought I needed. But now I want them so badly. Not just for myself, but for Scout too. The longing is so strong that it physically hurts.

“Go.” Kieran lifts his phone to his ear.

I nod once and head toward the door.