Page 38 of Deceived Wrath

I've been thinking a lot about bringing Scout over to New York over the past few weeks, and hearing about Scout acting out makes me want to do it sooner rather than later before his behavioral issues get too difficult to manage.

"I'm going to sort things out on my end so that Scout can come and live here in New York."

"I think that will be for the best."

"Have I ever told you how much I appreciate your help?"

Ray scoffs. "All the damn time. It's annoying, really. But I can't take all the credit."

"You should. You've been with Scout more than I have recently."

"Like you said, you would be here if you could. And one day, Scout will understand why it had to be this way."

"I hope so."

"I think Nadia would be proud of how you're raising Scout."

My throat tightens at the mention of her name, even after all these years.

It's because of her family that I'm having to go to such lengths to keep Scout safe. If Nadia's family were to find out about Scout's existence, they would think nothing of taking out whoever was blocking their path, and it's not fair for me to put that risk on Ray.

It's up to me to keep Scout safe, and I will do that, no matter the cost.

Chapter Nine

FIONA

Despite the obnoxiousamount of deodorant I put on before I left my apartment, apparently it wasn't enough to keep the sweat at bay. I lift my arm up and subtly try to sniff because the last thing I need on my first day atSullivan Investmentsis to smell.

I don't think I've ever been this nervous in my life.

Even without the added pressure of being Lorcan's spy, working for Cormac Sullivan is terrifying in itself.

I lost count of how many outfits I tried on before finally settling on a navy dress that complements my eyes and doesn't suck what little color I have out of my skin, before heading out the door at eight a.m. sharp.

After turning myself into a sardine on the subway, I finally make it to the towering office block that is going to be my home for the next however long.

I quickly swap my sneakers for heels, and by the time I've collected my ID from the receptionist in the lobby and taken the elevator up to the correct floor, I am so nervous it feels like I'm walking to my own execution. Though maybe that hassomething to do with the fact I am literally a dead woman if I don't do a good job...

My stomach is in knots as I make my way to Cormac's office.

I've barely been able to keep food down ever since I signed the contract, but there is no going back now. So, I take a deep breath and knock.

"Come in."

Plastering a smile on my face, I open the door and step inside. "Good morning, Mr. Sullivan?—"

"I expect you to be here at seven a.m. sharp." He doesn't look up from the stack of papers in front of him.

"Uh..."

"Something wrong, Miss Callahan?" He is still not looking up.

I don't remember reading anything in the email or contract I was sent about getting here at seven. Unless I was too blinded by the six-figure salary to notice?

Well done, Fiona. You're killing it.

"Nothing is wrong."