Page 29 of Broken Lies
Chapter Seven
RILEY
“You?”I stare at Kieran like he’s grown another head.
He, of course, doesn’t even flinch. He just gives me that signature scowl that I’m starting to think might be the only facial expression he’s capable of. “Don’t look so thrilled.”
“Oh, I’m ecstatic.” Apparently, sarcasm is my only defense mechanism now.
Brennan chuckles behind me.
At least someone is amused by all of this.
“I’m not doing this because I want to,” Kieran states.
“Trust me. The feeling’s mutual.”
Ronan takes a step forward, subtly placing himself between me and Kieran. “This is a strategic alliance. It will buy us time as well as give us leverage. But more importantly, it gives you protection from Sean.”
I look between Ronan, Kieran, and Cormac, who purposefully keeps his eyes down, as if hoping that if he remains quiet enough, we’ll forget he’s here. Brennan, on the other hand, continues to laugh behind me as if my life being set on fire is nothing more than entertainment.
A familiar weight presses down on my chest and stops me from taking a full breath as a mixture of panic and fear overwhelms me.
“No.” I choke, shaking my head. “No, I won’t do it.”
“This is your best option,” Ronan says gently, but that only infuriates me more.
“The evidence was meant to be enough. The whole reason I came to you was to getoutof an arranged marriage, not walk right into another one!”
“It will solidify our family’s alliance with yours,” Ronan reiterates.
“But—”
“Unless you have a better plan, I think the next thing you need to say is thank you,” Kieran snaps.
I blink at him. “Actually, I do have a better plan.”
A flicker of surprise flashes across his face, but he quickly composes himself. “Go ahead.”
I look over my shoulder at Brennan, whose smile instantly vanishes from his face. “What about one of your other brothers? You know, one who doesn’t openly hate me?”
Brennan holds up his hands. “Whoa, I didn’t agree to marriage.”
“I don’t hate you,” Kieran says, and I spin back around to glare at him.
I scoff. “Could have fooled me.”
“I think you’re untrustworthy, but I don’t hate you.”
“Oh,well… So long as you don’thateme, that makes marrying you so much better.”
“Both of you,enough!” Ronan’s voice is sharp enough to make me flinch.
I shut my mouth, but my glare remains locked on Kieran, who doesn’t even blink because, of course, he doesn’t. Heprobably sleeps with his eyes open just to keep an eye on whoever he thinks might stab him in the back.
“It’s Kieran or it’s nobody; that’s the deal.”
I open my mouth, but Ronan holds up a hand before I can argue.
