CHAPTER SIX
DECLAN
Meridea keeps her arm threaded through mine as we move gracefully through the grand masquerade ball.
A silver mask covers half my face, and I’m dressed in a sharp, single-breasted, one-button black tuxedo.
A silver bow tie completes the look. By my side, Meridea is breathtaking in a red long sleeve sparkling gown that clings to her curves and flows elegantly with each step.
The daring thigh-high slit and the open back of the dress are enough to make my jaw clench with possessiveness.
I chose this dress for her, and while I love how stunning she looks, I hate the thought of anyone else feasting their eyes on my woman’s body.
My woman. Did those words flow through my mind?
Strange how natural they feel.
Meridea’s face is partially hidden by a black mask adorned with feathers, adding to her allure. Her lips, painted in a deep red, draw my attention, and the urge to claim them is almost unbearable.
The ballroom is exquisite, with gigantic crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the space.
Vibrant paintings adorn the walls, sparking conversation among the elegantly dressed guests.
A server passes by, expertly balancing a tray of champagne flutes.
I grab two glasses and hand one to Meridea.
“This place is beautiful,” she says, her eyes sparkling behind her mask. “Your mother attends these often?”
“When she can,” I reply, taking a sip of champagne. “Sometimes my sister fills in for her, representing the family.”
“What else don’t I know about your family?” she teases. “Other than the fact that they’re total sweethearts.”
“Blue Haven, our town, has been in my family for generations. My father’s ancestors built it.”
Her smile deepens as she sips her champagne. “It’s a lovely town. You’re lucky to have that history.”
My gaze sweeps over her, taking in the way the gown hugs her curves. “You’re fucking stunning,” I murmur, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “Later tonight, I’ll be so deep in your pussy you’ll be screaming my name.”
“Oh, yes,” she purrs. “I can’t wait.”
I have to keep Meridea from attempting to leave town for three more weeks. Tampering with her birth control was a calculated move—I need that time to see if my plan works. A devilish grin lifts my lips.
“Come on, dance with me.” I take her glass from her hand and place our glasses on a server tray before threading our fingers and leading her onto the dance floor.
“Declan, I always wanted to attend masquerade balls. My dad used to take my mom to these events. She looked stunning in her gown, and he was so dashing in his tux.” Her smile falters, a shadow passing over her expression.
“Hey,” I say, pulling her closer. “You and I can come to the next one.”
She grins up at me like I just told her she won the lottery. Fuck, she’s one of a kind.
As the music fades, she stops abruptly and pulls the burner phone from her small clutch. Her face hardens as she looks at the screen. “Declan, he’s here.”
I tap the discreet earpiece in my ear. “Glenn’s here,” I inform my brothers.
“We’re in position,” each of them replies in turn.
At the bar, I spot Hassle flirting with a dark-haired woman, his notorious weakness.
“Hassle,” I growl into the mic.
“I’m focused, brother,” he grits out.
Meridea turns to me, her voice calm but firm. “Declan, you have to let Glenn think I’m alone, or we won’t be able to capture the rest of his crew.”
My jaw tightens at her words. The thought of her being anywhere near that monster makes my blood boil.
“Okay, I’ll blend into the crowd,” I tell her.
Meridea confidently walks through the throng of people to meet King Shit Head. I keep a close eye on her.
I grab another glass of champagne from a server’s tray.
“Hassle, I don’t like this. I can’t let anything happen to her,” I mutter against the rim of the glass.
“Look who cares about a woman,” Hassle chuckles.
“You mean loves a woman,” Vaughn adds in.
“That’s enough. I don’t love her,” I snap back.
Vaughn laughs through the earpiece.
But what do I really feel for her? I can’t let her go. I growl at any man who approaches her. I find myself constantly staring at her. And worst of all, I’m desperately trying to get her pregnant. Do I... no, no way. I refuse to admit it.
A man in a sleek black mask approaches Meridea, his voice low but clear as it comes through her earpiece. “Did you follow my orders and come alone?” Glenn’s tone is laced with suspicion.
“Who would I come with?” Meridea replies smoothly, her voice steady.
He chuckles darkly. “You still know people from that bougie world you used to belong to. Maybe one of them decided to play hero.”
Her tone sharpens. “What happened to the nice guy I used to know?”
“That was all an act,” Glenn sneers. “I needed a pretty, polished woman who could charm the wealthy. You had one job—to be a good girl, sit back, and let me handle business. I would’ve paid off your student loans, you know.”
“Glenn, you were doing illegal things. I didn’t want anything to do with your shady world,” Meridea states firmly.
His patience snaps. “Let’s cut the bullshit, shall we?” His voice hardens. “I saw you with a man tonight. Who the fuck is he?”
“Just someone I met here,” Meridea lies effortlessly.
“Did you tell him you have a man?” Glenn growls, stepping closer.
“No, Glenn,” she says firmly. “Why would I? We’re over.”
He snarls, his voice dripping with menace. “No, we aren’t.”
My fists clench at my sides and I take a step forward.
“Don’t do it, Declan. Hassle specifically asked me to keep you from screwing this up,” Vaughn whispers in my ear from my right side.
I know he’s right.
So instead, I keep my eyes locked on Meridea.
“You need to come home,” Glenn says, his voice low and commanding.
Meridea’s response is quick and calculated. “I have your flash drive in the back hallway. I’ll give it to you, then you’ll walk out of my life and never contact me again.”
Glenn steps closer, invading her space.
“What are you doing?” Her voice wavers, a tremor of terror slipping through.
“You’re coming with me. That’s fucking final,” Glenn growls, his intentions clear.
What the fuck is the asshole up to? I keep my distance and follow them. The second we’re not in front of all these people; I’ll pounce on that bastard. He’s not taking my woman anywhere.