Page 152 of Ruined Wrath
“You sure you know what you’re doing?”
I know he’s talking about Adrian from his tone. “About letting him live?”
I run my fingers over the busted metal.
“You could have ended him right there.”
“Scout sees everything,” I remind him. “And I didn’t think he could handle seeing me take out his grandfather.”
“We had seen worse at his age.”
My temper flares as I get to my feet. “I don’t give a fuck. Just because our father thought we could handle it doesn’t mean it’s right. Besides, Fiona’s suggestion makes sense.”
“What suggestion?”
“That Scout might want a relationship with his grandfather one day, but it has to be on his terms. I might not be able to erase Adrian, but I can control the fallout.”
“Since when does this family prioritize blood? Look at what Lorcan has done to us, for Christ’s sake.”
“I’m trying to do what’s best for Scout.”
Ronan frowns as his eyes scan the half-rebuilt gates. “And letting him walk through the front door is supposed to protect your kid?”
“It’s temporary. Adrian’s out of the way, for now at least.”
“And you really think he’s going to honor that?”
“I know it’s a gamble. But it’s one worth taking. There’s a chance we can get him on our side, or at least keep him from doing further damage.”
I glance at Ronan and find something like respect in his eyes as he watches me with the kind of quiet understanding that only a brother who’s seen the absolute worst side of me can offer.
The sudden crunch of tires on gravel draws our attention, and I look over to see Kieran's car grind to a stop before the half-fixed gates.
“Here we go,” I mutter, bracing myself.
“Seriously? These aren’t fixed yet?” Kieran slams the car door shut and storms toward us, his eyes blazing with rage. “It’s been almost twenty-four hours! Why don’t we just let anyone walk in at this point, because clearly that’s what we do around here.”
“Kieran,” I warn.
“Don’t even get me started with you,” he spits.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Brennan climbs out of the car, pocketing his phone as he sidles up behind Kieran. “You know, I’m pretty sure it’s five o’clock somewhere. Give in and get yourself a drink?—”
Kieran whirls on him. “Seriously, Brennan. I’m seconds away from punching anyone, and if you don’t want it to be you, I suggest you get out of my face.”
Brennan instantly backs up.
“Kieran, calm down,” I state.
“Calm down? You’re kidding, right? All this mess is because of you.”
“You know what? I’m sick of you treating me like your personal punching bag every time something goes wrong.”
“Stop giving me reasons to.”
Ronan steps forward. “Enough. Everyone is safe, and the situation has been handled.”
