Page 186 of Deceived Wrath

“Of course, I don’t want to admit it! So, if there is another explanation for her being caught up in some shit with my uncle, I will find it.”

“I’ve tried.”

“Tryharder.”

Aiden sits back against the torn leather of the booth and folds his arms across his chest. He’s never been one to crack a smile, but today his expression is even more grave.

“She could have been manipulated,” I say eventually. “Lorcan’s good at that.”

“From the pictures, it doesn’t look like it.”

I clench my hands into fists under the table. “So, what. You’re telling me she walked into this willingly?”

Aiden doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he pulls the envelope back toward him and slides his thumb beneath the lip.

“I’m telling you she wasn’t surprised to see him, which makes me think this isn’t the first time they’ve met.” He pulls out a stack of photos. “If this doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.”

He tosses the photos on the table, and I stare down at the screenshots taken from CCTV footage of Fiona standing outside what looks like her apartment door, talking to?—

“Lorcan,” I growl as I pick up another picture taken from the opposite end of the hall where I can clearly see Fiona’s expression.

She doesn’t look exactly happy to see my uncle, but there’s also a significant lack of fear in her eyes.

She was expecting him.

My chest tightens painfully at the realization.

I squeeze my eyes shut briefly, then force them open. “How long has this been going on?”

Aiden hesitates.

“How. Long.”

“Long enough to suggest that he sent her knocking on your door.”

“You don’t know what they were talking about.”

If Kieran was here, he would slap me around the back of the head for how naive I’m being, but I just can’t bring myself to accept that Fiona has been double-crossing me all this time.

Maybe if Scout wasn’t involved I would feel differently, but he’s bonded to her. And now I’m going to have to rip her out of his life.

This wasexactlywhat I didn’t want to happen.

“No, I don’t know what they were talking about. But I do know they met before she ever interviewed with you, which tells you everything you need to know.”

Silence stretches between us as the reality of my colossal fuck-up sinks in.

“I’m sorry, Cormac. I wanted to be wrong. I don’t like bringing this to you.”

I laugh once, but the sound is bitter and cold. “That didn’t stop you.”

“I’m thorough. And I’m not easily fooled.”

That’s what finally breaks something in me.

Aiden isn’t emotional. He doesn’t jump to conclusions. He doesn’t chase ghosts. If he’s saying Fiona is a traitor, then I have no choice but to believe him.

“She’s been in my house. With my son.” My voice is shaking with rage.