Page 95 of Retribution

“We pay her salary.”

I stare at Lorcan and run my thumb over his dimple. “How?”

“Not every deal is shady. We have some legitimate interests. We use that to pay for Fiona’s services and other things that sometimes come in handy.”

“She’s like your own private nurse.”

One side of Lorcan’s lips quirk up. “More of an attendant. She helps with the police too.” His mouth twists in amusement. “Your line of questioning is rather curious.”

“The way she looked at you was rather curious.”

“I’m an attractive man.”

I laugh, and he grins. “Ah, there’s my prize.”

“Your brand of cockiness is sometimes a little endearing.”

“Only a little? I like the word ‘big’ used in reference to me.”

“Then I guess you’d better up your game so I can use it.”

He laughs, and the light in his eyes when he gazes at me almost makes me forget I’m hoping Finn doesn’t last through the night. If he dies, though, the only person left to take down is Lorcan. Do I have it in me?

“What are you thinking about?” His face clouds, and his fingertips brush my cheek.

“Whether Finn’s going to make it. There was so much blood.”

“We’re a match. I’ll give him some of mine if they need it. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“You’re not worried?”

“Worry doesn’t change the outcome, just makes the wait harder.”

While true, I can’t believe he’s this calm. The thud of his brother’s head bouncing off the flagstones lingers with me, replaying over and over below the noise of everything else.

Was it enough?

Chapter Thirty-Two

We’re knee deep in the second game of Settlers of Catan as we wait for news. Lorcan remembered the game was hidden in a cupboard from a previous wait. When I asked, he grew quiet and said he and his father used to play it, then later Antonio agreed to take part while waiting for news during some other close calls. The idea of him playing this game with Lorcan is both endearing and heartbreaking. It’s tough to imagine he was any good at it, but it feels wrong to think it now that he’s dead.

Still, I’m grateful for the distraction from Finn’s condition and Malik’s extraction. I’m trying to take Lorcan’s strategy to heart. The outcome won’t change for either man with my worry alone.

When I glance up from the board, Lorcan is watching me.

“Want some help?” He smirks, the familiar glint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

“I think I can manage.”

“’Cause you have options.”

“I see them.” I tip my head at the board, fingering a card in my hand.

“I wouldn’t want you to lose again.”

“Don’t worry. It won’t become a habit. I like winning.”

His face is lit with mischief. “As do I.”