Page 71 of Devil in Her Details

“I have my people scouting at all times.” Nothing would happen again without him hearing of it first. Nothing.

Maxen’s jaw worked. “Scouting isn’t the same as having your brothers at your back.”

“I have what I need.”

Six expressions turned thunderous at once. Dagger wanted to curse. He hadn’t meant that the way they were taking it. The marquess could be dealt with easily enough. If she showed his damn face. He never meant to imply they were unwanted. Only unnecessary for this.

“So you don’t need your brothers anymore?” Knight snapped.

“That’s not what I said,” Dagger said with a scowl. “Stop bloody putting your own meaning on my words.”

“But it sure sounded just like how you said it, frère.”

“Then you weren’t listening.” Cornered. He felt damn cornered by his own flesh and blood.

“Close enough,” Knight muttered.

“Then recalculate your damn math.” Dagger looked back at Maxen, annoyed. “You want me to call for you every time I take on a job? Because I don’t recall any of you doing that. I don’t recall Drake sending word before he walked into that fight. I don’t recall any of you asking permission before doing any of the things you do. Stop treating me as if I bloody betrayed you all. I’m not Deveraux.”

Silence.

Dagger exhaled slowly. “I know what I’m doing. Trust that. Or toss me in a damn dungeon like we do all threats.”

Maxen’s expression hadn’t softened, but his mouth flattened with resignation.

Drake was the one who finally spoke. “We’ll be close. Whether you like it or not.”

Dagger didn’t argue. He wanted to ask if there was news of their uncle, but kept his mouth shut. The timing seemed off, and they would have said something if anything had happened. He could understand their concerns. Maxen had tightened the ship, which meant they all stayed together. This wasn’t, however, like it had been in the past. In the past, it meant they all hunkered down at Fury’s until they could form a plan, a clear picture of the threat, and act accordingly. But now they had two ships. A mansion where Maxen and Drake lived with their wives, and the tavern, where the rest of them chose to remain.

This had Maxen on edge.

His brother hadn’t expected that they’d all choose to remain at their current lodgings. His estimations had been off. Dagger venturing beyond the bounds of their ship . . .

Serpent tossed a bag, landing at his feet. “Clothes.”

He nodded his thanks.

No brother moved to leave.

They simply stared at him. An indescribable feeling rose in Dagger. Christ, you’d think they were reluctant to send him off to fight in a far-off land. “Bloody hell, you’d think I’m dying with those faces of yours.”

“Feels like it, frère,” Reaper said mockingly. “Feels like we lost you.”

“Your dramatics I can understand. The rest you, Christ.”

Maxen gave a curt nod. “Then we’ll take our leave.”

Maxen didn’t wait. He simply turned and left. Saint gave Dagger one last glance before following on his heels. Knight clapped him once on the shoulder as he passed. Serpent said nothing. Reaper scowled. Drake simply sighed.

“Be safe.”

“You know this was never about her,” Dagger said stiffly.

“I know. We overstepped. Just don’t let your anger keep you away too long.”

Aye. They had touched the one thing he did not suffer to be touched. But they were his brothers. He owed them his life. “I’m not angry.”

The corner of his brother’s mouth lifted wryly. “Of course you’re not. Just come back if things look like they might go wrong. Bring the chit, too.” Drake crossed to the door and paused at the threshold. He stood there a moment with one hand braced against the doorframe, head slightly bowed. Then he straightened and was gone.