Page 24 of Vengeful Devotion
“Yes,” I answer a little too quickly, but I don’t care. Fresh air and some distance from this place will do me some good.
She smiles at me. There’s a little mischief in her eyes. For a split second, I worry that I’ve just gotten myself into something else entirely. But it’s too late to change my mind. Throwing my bag towards me, Juliette grabs hold of my hand and pulls me out of my room.
“Stay really quiet, okay?”
I slow my steps. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want anyone to know I’m leaving. I’m the youngest and they are overprotective. If they knew I was leaving, we’d have to take, like, three guards and I’d rather not.”
Creeping around Francine’s house feels wrong. But I follow Juliette anyway. I’m not sure if I’m trying to make a friend or if I’m just desperate to get out of this house. A loud laugh comes from the kitchen, making Juliette and I both hurry down the foyer. She grabs a set of keys off the hook by the door, dragging me out of the house the same way her mother has. What is with these McBrides and their overzealous ways?
“Whose car is this?” I ask as we climb into a black, classic muscle car. The light colored leather seats are comfortable and clean. It’s a really nice car for its age.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out. Mmmkay?”
“Oh god. You’re stealing this, aren’t you?”
She starts the car, revving the engine.So much for staying quiet.
“Think of it as I’m teaching someone a lesson.”
“What lesson is that?”
She looks over at me, a threatening smile on her face. “That I’m all grown up now.”
She slams her foot on the gas. The tires howl, leaving tire marks on the pristine driveway. I close my eyes, hoping I’m not dead at the end of this joyride. Juliette squeals, laughing as we race down the road and into the city. She slows when we’re a safe distance from the house.
“Thanks for coming with me, Gem.”
“Oh yeah, of course. I love sneaking around my boss’ house and stealing cars.”
“I’m sorry. But you wouldn’t have come if I’d told you!”
“No sane person would.”
“Sane is boring. Give me insanity any day. At least then I can have some fun.”
I can’t help but laugh at her. If I’m honest, I’m a little envious of Juliette and her sisters. They’re all so free. They speak their minds, even to the men carrying guns. They never shy away from any challenge. I wish I could be like that.
“You know they’re going to find us, right?”
“I hope they do.”
“Can I ask you a question?” I say to her.
“Sure.”
“Do you know what bláth fiáin means?”
She wrinkles her nose. “I’m not the best at decoding the Irish language, but I’m pretty sure that means bitch, or maybe skank? I’m not sure, but I know it’s not good.”
My heart drops. I should’ve known it was something like that. It was foolish of me to hope it was a term of endearment. It’s all the reason I need to stay far away from Declan. I don’t understand the pain crowding my chest. Deep down, I know this is for the best. So why does it hurt so much?
CHAPTERTEN
Declan
I look downat the crowded casino floor from Simone’s office, grateful for the soundproof glass separating us. The dinging slot machines and drunken laughter are an annoyance I can live without. At least Simone keeps good whiskey in here. I swirl the amber liquid; the ice clinking together. The door opens and Vivienne enters.
