Series: Like Us Series by Krista Ritchie
Total pages in book: 177
Estimated words: 174544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
“Why do you ask?” Connor studies me.
I’ve dreamed about Papa Cobalt looking me over like I’m a legend. Now I’m just associated with criminals.
Now I’m just a rat.
Loyalty has been a strength of mine, but to be loyal to the people I care about, I need to betray my whole family. A family who’d sell me out so fast—I’m more than aware of that.
“Ryan Donnelly, Patrick Donnelly—the ones with the restraining orders for trying to attack Beckett,” I say. “Those are Raff’s grandsons.”
Lo slowly trains his glare at the ceiling. “Jesus Christ, how’d we screw up this jigsaw puzzle?”
“I didn’t,” Connor says, his voice carrying little inflection. “My PI did.” He swivels the tablet to me, showing a photo of dark-haired and chin-dimpled Ryan and Patrick.
Same picture I saw when I came across their restraining orders. They’re in their early twenties and broad-chested. There wasn’t enough evidence to convict them of assault. Which is why a wire is now taped above my heart.
“These are your Uncle Finley’s grandsons?” Connor asks.
“Nah, none of Uncle Finn’s kids have dark hair like that. Most are scrawny too. Those are definitely Raff’s grandkids.” Before he asks, I say, “I don’t know how many Patrick Donnellys and Ryan Donnellys there are. Probably a lot. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another Paul.”
Lo pinches his eyes, then drops his hand. “What now, Connor?” he asks, his tone biting. “We start from scratch?”
“Akara, email Donnelly the family tree,” Connor says, but to me, he adds, “in your free time, look through this and correct all inaccuracies. Fill in any blanks.”
I nod a couple times.
Connor addresses the rest of security, “If any of you have questions, feel free.”
“What about your mom’s family?” Price asks me now.
“Um…” I go rigid and shake my head. “Never met them.”
“Why not?” he wonders.
“They sorta disowned my mom, from what my grandmom told me. My mom never liked talking about it.” I look to my right.
Why do I wish Luna was here?
“What’d your mom do wrong?” Tony asks.
I rub the back of my skull. “She had me.”
I drop my hand, then stand up. Needing air, needing…out? Standing was an instinct, a gut reaction, and now that I’m out of the chair, I don’t sit back down. I just walk over to Farrow and turn my back on the small audience.
“You have a smoke?” I whisper, digging in my pocket. Empty. They’re empty except for my lighter.
He’s digging in his. “Breathe.”
“I’m breathing.”
“You’re sweating.”
“I’m doing that too.”
Concern tightens his eyes on me. “How’s your pulse?” he whispers.
“Racing away from me,” I murmur. “You wanna catch it, Dr. Hale?”
He twists his head over his shoulder, but I can’t see who he’s looking at. I’m focusing on the pack of Lucky Strikes that he puts in my hand. I smack the package against my palm.
“Who do you want out of the room?” Lo suddenly asks me.
I flinch in surprise.
“And you can’t say everyone,” he snaps.
I take a breath. “Triple Shield can go.”
Tony lets out a short laugh. “Seriously? Is anyone else slightly concerned that he’s breaking now? He hasn’t even been put in front of his dad yet.”
“I’m not breaking,” I refute.
“You look like you’re tweaking,” he retorts. “You know what, I take it back. Maybe he will fit right in with his family.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Farrow snaps.
“Tony,” Price reprimands.
“Get out,” Connor says more authoritatively. He points at his door.
Tony sighs heavily. “Yes, sir.” He exits.
Akara pockets his phone. “My guys and I will leave with Triple Shield.”
Price nods tightly, but he seems perturbed, looking between Thatcher, Farrow, and Akara. Those three aren’t just bodyguards. Being married into the famous families means they have a lot more reasons to stay than Price does.
Akara is probably smart to play fair and squash rising animosity.
Quickly, the bodyguards filter out of the office. Connor tells them he’ll call them back inside in ten or so minutes.
Ten minutes alone with Connor and Lo.
I’m not breaking. I got this.
The door clicks closed.
“You can’t smoke in here,” Connor says immediately. “I have a wife who’d already love to rip your head off your ugly shoulders and feed your testicles to piranha.”
“Her exact words,” Lo informs me with a dry smile.
Rose hates me.
The fact is cold and uglier than my shoulders.
Lo adds, “Don’t cross the demon or you’ll get clawed.”
Connor tips his head to Lo. “You know how that feels best of all, darling.”
Lo touches his heart.
“I wasn’t planning on smoking in here,” I say quietly and slip a cigarette behind my ear. “I know Rose hates it.” I know Lo does too. I pocket the cigarettes. “They’re just for later.” I look between them. “So why hasn’t Rose castrated me yet?”
“Her sister,” Connor says. “Lily told Rose not to confront you.”
My brows jump. Luna’s mom is saving my testicles and future progeny?
It’s a strange thought, considering I’ve never wanted kids, and now I’m thinking about Luna having babies. I run my fingers through my hair.