Page 101 of Deceived Wrath

Brennan chuckles. “That sounds adorable.”

“Why does it matter?”

Kieran shakes his head. “Because this could be catastrophic for the company if this ends badly. It doesn’t seem like you’ve thought this through.”

“What I want to know is why you didn’t come to us for help.” Ronan has been surprisingly quiet all through dinner, and I expected him to air all of his opinions the moment we were alone, but it seems Kieran has taken over that particular role in the family.

“It all happened at the last minute,” I mutter.

“So?”

“I didn’t get a chance to call.” Because I was too busy calling Fiona, but of course, I don’t say that.

“You can’t keep yourself closed off like this. It’s not healthy for you or Scout,” Kieran snaps.

I slam my fist down on the table, causing all of the glasses to rattle. “Don’t you fucking dare tell me what to do with my own son.”

“We’re only trying to help—” Ronan starts, but Kieran cuts him off.

“He is a part of this family. We get to have an opinion. That’s how family works.”

I go to retort, but then I see it in each of my brothers’ faces that they really do care.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to isolate Scout from his own family, and that’s only going to end one way, with him resenting me for the rest of his life.

I run a hand through my hair. “I know. I should have asked you for help first.”

Brennan frowns. “Then why didn’t you? I’m great with kids.”

“Annoyingly, he is,” Ronan mutters, and Brennan grins.

“It’s not that, it’s…”

Kieran huffs. “You can’t leave us in the dark, Cormac.”

“I know, but it’s not just about Scout’s safety. If I come clean, suddenly all of you are being dragged into this mess.”

Brennan shrugs. “So?”

“So, that includes Ciara and Riley and the kids too. It’s not a risk I am willing to take.”

Kieran scoffs. “Always the fucking martyr. Too bad, because that’s not your decision to make.”

I snort. “You’re seriously telling me you’re fine with me drawing a big red target on the back of your pregnant wife?”

“That’s part of being a Sullivan.” Ronan shoots Kieran a look. “Kieran knows that.”

I reach for the whiskey and pour a large glass. “Not like this, it isn’t.”

Brennan huffs. “You’re saying this is worse than Sean O’Keefe or Declan Walsh? Because I’m not being funny, but if we can take them down, I think it’s safe to say we’re good.”

“Trust me, who I’m dealing with… Let’s just say he makes those two look like a pair of Easter bunnies.”

The smile drops from Brennan’s face.

Ronan frowns and leans forward. “Who are we dealing with, Cormac?”

I don’t miss the way he sayswe.