Page 22 of Hide Little Traitor

I sit up and drop my head into my hands.

What a goddamn mess I’ve made for myself.

I push myself out of bed and move to my desk, where I have my burner taped to the inside of the bottom drawer.

Even as the next boss, there’s always a chance I’ll need to make a quick exit, and I’m prepared if that day ever comes. Especially given how many people in the family are displeased by who is slated to take the throne when Dad retires.

I bring up Ronan’s number and press the dial button without thought. It’s three in the morning in Miami, but if I know my brother, he won’t be sleeping until he at least has a lead on where to find Chloe.

“Hello,” he answers groggily.

“It’s me,” I say, rubbing a hand down my face. “I wanted to check in on how you’re tracking.”

He sighs, and the sound of sheets rustling fills the line. Seems he’s been able to rest more than I have. “We’re in Maine. Ryker says Kingston comes here when he wants to be alone, but the house is empty. Didn’t seem like anyone had been here in a while.”

“You’re still with the bodyguard?”

He groans. “Unfortunately. He’s a real pain in the ass, but he’s my best shot at finding Chloe.”

I nod along, despite him not being able to see me. “Do you need anything? I can wire you some money I have stashed in an offshore account if you need.”

Silence fills the line, and I pull the phone from my ear to make sure we didn’t lose connection.

“Why are you doing this, Damon?”

“Doing what?”

“Helping me? Helping Chloe?”

This time it’s me that takes a while to respond, because I don’t have an answer for him. At least not a good one.

“I don’t know,” I reply lamely.

“Yes, you do. Tell me why you’re risking everything for someone you claim to hate?” Any fatigue in his voice disappears, and I curse myself for calling.

It was only a matter of time before he started asking questions. I should have had my answers prepared.

I could lie. Hell, I should lie. But Ronan knows me better than anyone else in the world. It’s almost surprising he doesn’t know the answer himself. Or maybe he does. Maybe he’s always known my hatred for Chloe was fake. A lie I told to protect us all.

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Ryker’s tired voice comes through the line, and my brows rise in question.

“Are you sharing a room with the bodyguard?”

“Not by choice,” he rumbles. “Are you going to answer my question?”

“Nope. Sleep well with your new roommate,” I say a moment before ending the call.

For the first time since I met the smug son of a bitch, I’m grateful for Ryker’s interruption.

I won’t be able to dodge my brother’s questions forever, but for now I can pretend that I hate Chloe and I’m only doing this for Ronan.

Even if it’s a lie.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DAMON

THEN