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Gideon looks between all of us, then returns his gaze to Rowan. His lips pull tight and his jaw clenches. And though his breathing seems almost labored, as if he’s forcing it into a slow rhythm, I can tell he’s come to a decision.
He nods, then turns to Scarlet and says something to her before spinning on his heel and leaving. She narrows her green eyes on me as she slowly begins to back away.
One by one, Gideon’s men retreat. No, retreat isn’t the right word. A man like him doesn’t do that. They choose not to fight today because of Rowan.
“Are you all right?” I ask him.
It takes him a moment to peer down at me. When he does, I can see the weariness and exhaustion in his face. But more than that, I see relief.
I wrap my arms around his waist and press my ear against his chest, listening to the powerful beating of his heart.
He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll be okay as long as we’re together.”
“We will be. Forever.”
25
ROWAN
It’s a fucking interrogation. Being on the receiving end is worse than being the one giving them.
I’m sitting in a chair in Don Fernando’s kitchen with far too many eyes on me for comfort. The only thing that keeps me from losing my shit is the feel of Lou’s hand in mine.
And even that might be pushing me to the edge, because all I want to do is take her in my arms and bury myself inside her.
She fought Declan for me. Risked her life for me.
“Is it true? Gideon is your brother?” Luca finally asks.
“Yes,” I tell him.
The room goes quiet, and everyone looks at each other for confirmation that they heard that right.
“Fuck,” Daniel chimes in. “A McKenzie and a Black. You know how to choose them, Lulu.”
“Shh.” Art surprises me by keeping him in check. He’s finally stepping up to his role.
Carina tilts her head. “How is he your brother?”
“Apparently, my uncles had other motives for wanting to kill Stephen Black other than him taking their business. He also took my mother.”
“Shit.” Gunn gives me a wide grin. “That motherfucker isreallyyour brother?!”
“He seemed so familiar to me when I met him,” Carina says thoughtfully, brows knitted. “It was because I’d already met you.”
“It’s the shifty eyes,” Gunn tosses in.
Luca sits back, obviously bothered by this revelation. “This is going to be a problem.”
“I know,” I agree.
“He could have kept it a secret,” Lou interjects. “But he chose to be honest with you.”
They all look at each other again.
“The question is,” Carina says. “Where do your loyalties lie?”
“It doesn’t matter what he says. I’m not sure we can trust him.” Luca taps his pen against the table. “He will not go against his brother. We all saw his indecision when it came to choosing a side.”
