Page 7 of Deceived Wrath

"Why keep him a secret?" He doesn't look at me.

I stare down at my glass, swirling the liquor around in it.

"It's...complicated."

"Try me."

I shake my head. "Maybe a discussion for another time."

"I'm not going to let this go, so you might as well start talking." He picks up his drink and moves to take a seat in the chair across from me.

"I don't think so. I will tell you what I need to, but not a word more. And you're lucky I'm even willing to tell you anything, considering the fact that not that long ago you thought I was the one trying to tear this family apart."

Kieran exhales as he leans back, crossing an ankle over a knee. His bowtie hangs loose around his neck, and he tugs at the collar to loosen it.

"I thought we moved past that."

"So did I. But when it comes to Scout, I'm not willing to risk anything, so forgive me if I still have trust issues."

"I take it Ronan knew?"

I don't miss the slightly clipped tone of his voice.

"Yes. But just like with you, it was not by choice."

Kieran lets out a breath before draining his drink in one gulp.

"So, he's met him?"

"Yes."

"Fucking hell, Cormac."

"He hasn't seen Scout since he was born."

Kieran slams down his glass on the table. "Is that supposed to make it better? He's my nephew too."

"You were never exactly much of a family man. Not until Riley."

Kieran's eyes darken. "He's a Sullivan."

"I'm aware."

"Then why isn't he here? He should be with his family. We can keep him safe."

"He's fine where he is."

"Who's looking after him?"

"You don't need to know that." I set down my own glass.

"Is it his mother?"

"Scout is safe."

"All I'm saying is that you can never be too careful. Believe me, I should know." Kieran's jaw ticks as he looks away for a moment, no doubt remembering back to when Sean O'Keefe kidnapped Riley outside on the very patio where the wedding reception is currently in full swing.

I understand Kieran's hesitancy to not have Scout here, but I need him to understand that being separated from my son is not something I take lightly. All I care about is that boy, and his safety is paramount for me.