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He chuckles. “Remember to act as if you like me.”
Chapter 11
Aurora
My eyes dart around the room, looking for anything I might use as a weapon. Anything that will make me feel less naked. I’m in a room full of criminals and I’m the only unarmed person. Caine isn’t much of a shield and I’m honestly not convinced he’ll protect me if push comes to shove, but a flimsy shield is better than none.
I resent the relief that floods me when Caine takes my hand. I grip his hand so tight my knuckles turn white. He gives me a reassuring squeeze. I know he’s not a good guy, but with his father and brother present, I’ll take the devil I know.
Caine must have gotten his blue eyes from his mother. His father, Jacob’s are gray. They’re so pale, like someone has drained the color. It’s a shocking contrast to Caine, whose eyes are the bright blue of the midday sky. Caine resembles him, except he has spark and vitality. Jacob is hardened like a retired prizefighter or a hitman.
The only person who seems to enjoy this miserable get-together is Killian. He’s all smiles and floppy dark hair. His blue eyes are steely and the black suit he’s wearing makes them appear brighter. His collar is undone and I can just glimpse the edges of a skull tattoo. The O’Connor family tattoo, hinting at his true nature.
My hand shakes as I reach for the decanter to refill my scotch. Seeing my discomfort, Caine’s hand shoots out, and he takes the decanter from me. I notice he moves like his family. All predatory grace and unnerving speed.
When Caine hands me the glass, Jacob’s eyes track the movement. He shifts to see my face better as Caine slings his arm around my shoulders. I press into his side, sinking into his warmth and praying to the God I don’t believe in that he’ll keep me safe.
“Do you live nearby?” I ask. My voice is steady. I don’t know if it’s thanks to the liquor or Caine’s presence, and right now I don’t care.
No one answers. Caine draws me closer, seemingly unbothered by their silence.
Killian stands up to pace the room. He studies everything from the books on the shelves to the art and finally, his gaze lands on me. He tilts his head to the side. Between the three O’Connor men, I’m circled by sharks.
Finally, Jacob decides he’s looked his fill. “Bit unusual, innit?”
“Pardon?”
“For a woman to speak on behalf of the Dullahans,” Jacob says smoothly. “But I suppose bikers have always been backward.”
It takes me a beat to sort through his thick Irish accent, so much stronger than that of his sons, but I realize he’s telling me the Dullahans are weak because I, a woman, am here in their stead.
“It’s a one-off,” I say. No point in lying.
“Aurora’s a smart girl. We came to an understanding,” Caine says. His thumb is tracing circles on the bare skin of my shoulder. It’s a surprisingly reassuring gesture.
“Nothing good will come from a war between our families. As long as I’m with Caine, dad and the Dullahans aren’t going to start anything.”
Jacob smiles. It’s more a baring of teeth. “Well, it seems as if meeting my son was fortuitous for you and your family, Miss Locksley.”
Hot and deadly anger bubbles up inside of me. I take Caine’s hand and squeeze so hard my knuckles turn white. Again. He doesn’t react in the slightest.
“As it’s been for us as well. The Dullahans haven’t caused any more trouble,” Caine says to Jacob. His tone of voice is even, but the tension in his jaw reveals his true feelings on the matter.
Killian’s eyes slide along my legs. Caine’s posture changes. He leans forward to obstruct his brother’s view of me.
His hand lingers on my knee. If I wasn’t so frightened, the intimate touch would annoy me. Instead, anything that reminds me, I’m not completely alone is a comfort.
Without warning, a tempest of red hair and fury bursts through the study door. She’s about my age. Her long red hair flows freely behind her and a furious expression mars her beautiful features. For a second I worry she is Caine’s girlfriend come to kick my ass, and I’m inching out of my seat ready for trouble, but she rounds on Jacob.
“Where the fuck is my invitation to this family event?” she demands. Hands on her hips.
“Language, Tawny,” Jacob scolds. “This isn’t Sunday dinner. It’s a business meeting, and it’s no place for you.”
“She is here now, Da,” Killian says, clearing his throat. “May as well stay, right?”
All of Jacob’s children turn to face him. Their expressions range from hesitant to demanding.
Jacob nods, and it’s as if the oxygen returns to the room.
