Page 8 of Deceived Wrath

"I won't make the same mistake."

Kieran shoots me a look, but I don't flinch.

What happened to Riley could have been prevented, and from the look in my brother's eyes, I know he knows it too.

The guilt he feels at putting Riley through hell is just something he will have to learn to live with.

"All I'm going to say is that Scout's existence needs to remain a secret. There are people out there who can't get even a whisper about the possibility of him."

"Like who?"

I shake my head. "With all the uncertainty surrounding who we can trust right now, it's even more important that you keep this news to yourself. Can I trust you to do that?"

"You can trust me with anything."

"I really hope so."

We stare at each other for a beat, and I let the unspoken warning show in my eyes.

Brother or not, if he puts Scout in danger, I will kill him without a second thought.

Kieran grunts, getting to his feet. "Come on, let's go and rejoin the party before my wife realizes I'm gone."

"No offense, but I think she's too preoccupied with the twins to give a shit about you."

"I think you're right."

It's getting late, but the reception is still in full swing.

I don't know half of the people here, and the more drunk they get, the less likely I am to want to try and make politeconversation. I was hoping to duck out early to get back to work on trying to track down our uncle.

It's been months without so much as a whisper, and that doesn't sit well with me.

Lorcan has already shown that the Sullivan name means fuck all to him, considering the fact he ordered me to be beaten half to death.

The thought of what he might do if he found out about Scout makes my blood run cold. So, the sooner I can track him down and make an example out of him, the better.

Kieran slaps me on the shoulder. "Have another drink with me. There's something else I need to discuss with you."

"Could you not have discussed it with me somewhere else?"

The lights and the music are making my head pound, and I have had enough social interaction to last me a lifetime.

"It's my wedding, I have to show my face. And so do you." Kieran holds up two fingers to the bartender.

I bite back a groan. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

Leaning against the bar, I look out at the dance floor where dozens of sweaty bodies are grinding against one another.

Kieran hands me a drink. "You know, you should look into hiring an assistant."

"Why?"

"Because you're going to need one."

"Again, why?"

"Because an assistant will make it easier for you to juggle work and any commitments you have with Scout."