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“Goddammit to hell,” Judge growls. “You think it’s the same person?”
My eyes snap up to Judge. “Wait!” I say, my voice shrill. I step back to see him better. “What do you mean, the same person? This has happened before?
His jaw clenches, and his hand balls into a fist. He jerks his chin up. “A few weeks ago, a girl was shot in the arm. The perp got away.”
“What?” My heart rate kicks up. “You let me bring our daughter here, knowing there was someone out there hurting people, killing people, and you didn’t tell me?”
“Neither of you have been in danger,” he bites out in irritation.
I don’t give a flying fuck if he’s irritated. He owes me an explanation.
My fisted hands land on my hips, and I glare at him. “You can’t know that if you don’t know who the person is. It could be anyone.”
“I know because you both have either been with me or near one of my brothers.”
“That may be true for Maisy, but I was out today by myself.” I state the obvious.
He crosses his arms over his massive chest. “Actually, you weren’t. Emo was with you.”
My eyes widen in disbelief. “What? How? I didn’t see him.”
“That’s because I didn’t want you to see him.” When my lips form a straight line, he sighs and drops his arms. “I didn’t want to frighten you, Ellie. No, we don’t know who this person is, but regardless, they won’t get near enough to hurt you or Maisy.”
I keep my glare directed at him for several moments, not at all appeased by his words, but having nothing else to say. I know Judge would never let anything hurt us, but it still pisses me off that he didn’t warn me.
“Swear to me that you’ll tell me if anything else happens,” I demand. “Don’t leave me in the dark again.”
He catches my meaning. I’m referring to the attacks, but also the fact that he kept his relationship with Layla, Jamie, and Gillian a secret.
He closes the gap between us and frames my face with his hands. His lips press against mine for a simple kiss before pulling back.
“I promise,” he says softly.
After a moment, I nod. “I’m going to go check on Maisy.”
He kisses me again before letting me go. When I pass by Trouble, he stops me with a hand on my arm.
“You don’t need to worry. We’ve all got people we care about and are being vigilant.”
The smile I give him is brittle. Leaving the men behind, I go back into the house, blowing out a long breath as I close the door.
Chapter Twenty
ELLIE
I LAUNCH MYSELF OFF the porch and run toward Declan. He drops his bag just in time to catch me in his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
The hair on the top of my head ruffles as he laughs. “Missed you too, Ellie.”
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen my uncle Declan, but it feels like so much longer. I’m used to seeing him every day, so it’s been a big adjustment for Maisy and me both.
“Now, where’s my beautiful niece at?”
I loop my arm through his as we walk up the steps. “She’s just finishing up in her shower. She’s gonna be tickled pink to see you when she gets out. We weren’t expecting you for a couple more hours.”
He drops his bag just inside the door. Judge walks out of the kitchen, a dish towel slung over his shoulder. Coming up to Declan, he holds out his hand.
“Good to see you again, Declan.”
