Chapter 3 #4
Fuck. My back went rod straight, a creeping sensation slicing down the knobs of my spine.
Lorcan Lee’s voice was a horrible thing to hear, the deep edge of his tone nothing more than a sharp knife.
Technically, he was Sloan’s advisor, but he was never around, and Sloan never listened to him.
The only reason Sloan gave him that position was because his father asked him to on his deathbed.
Lorcan’s presence wasn’t a good omen.
I turned my head, fingers curled around the edge of the stone bench. “Lorcan, why are you here?”
Lorcan was the father of Lor, one of the men I did trust, which was a confusing predicament.
Lor had more loyalty in one bone than his father had in his entire body.
They also looked nothing alike, which made things so much easier when I stared at Lorcan.
Over the years his dark hair had thinned, leaving him with a bald spot at the front of his head.
He had a permanent sneer on his face and his eyes were the same shade as Sloan’s, but lacked warmth.
His were as cold as ice, while Sloan’s reminded me of a tropical ocean.
“I came to check on the boss’s . . . pet.”
I had a feeling he would have preferred to call me Sloan’s whore. It wasn’t the first time I’d been called that and it wouldn’t be last. I wouldn’t give Lorcan the satisfaction of a reaction.
I smiled. “I’m good, thank you for asking. That was really nice of you. Wow. I didn’t know you had a civil bone in your stiff cold corpse.”
Lorcan’s mouth twitched as he came closer, arms crossed. Slimy bastard. “I don’t think you’re fit to be in charge, sir. You’re better at spreading your legs for the boss. And the boy? Well, he might be a Killough by blood, but he doesn’t have what it takes. Neither did his father.”
I hissed through my teeth quietly and stood, a prickling sensation working its way down my back.
He could call me what he liked, but I wouldn’t let him talk negatively about Fionn.
“Careful, Lorcan. Sloan’s been easy on you because of his father’s wishes, but there’s a line and you don’t want to cross it. ”
“Where’s Sloan right now?” Lorcan dropped his arms, stepping closer. “He’s getting messy, making mistakes.”
“Don’t let his power blind you. He’s still human, though not always the most forgiving.
When he gets out, he’ll remember who was loyal and who spoke ill of his choices.
” I met his advance with my own until we were face to face.
“Which side do you want to be on? Or do you really have a death wish?” I seized his cheeks between my fingers, squeezing until his lips resembled a fish’s.
Rage throbbed at my temple. “Because if you think I’m going to let anyone, even a general, question the boss’s decisions, then rethink yourself.
Fionn and I will bury you before Sloan gets the chance. ”
Fear sparked in his eyes, and pleasure simmered in the base of my stomach. Good. This was the first time I’d ever seen him afraid of me and I liked the look on him.
I released my hold on his face. “Now, you were saying?”
Lorcan chuckled awkwardly. “Nothing, sir. I wish our boss only the best.”
I doubted that, but Sloan could deal with him when he finally left the hellscape of Rikers.
He stared at me, gaze thoughtful. “I heard Lor’s being considered Fionn’s heir. My boy’s not good with that kind of thing.”
“You might be an advisor, and a poor one at that, but you don’t get to make decisions.
What Sloan does for the business is none of your concern.
” I smiled sweetly again, ignoring the throbbing in my head.
This wasn’t anger anymore, but an ache that beat right behind my eyes.
I rubbed my temple to relieve the pressure.
“Lor’s weak. It’s why I never officially claimed him as my son, you know.
” Lorcan rubbed his scruffy cheek. He was far from put together, the complete opposite of Sloan in so many ways.
“But I have the blood. My legal father was an enforcer to Niall, Sloan’s father.
But there are rumors.” He eyed me carefully.
Intently. Like he was watching for a reaction.
“That Niall fucked my mother and I’m his son. ”
I ground my teeth. Of course, they were more than rumors.
Sloan had told me that Lorcan was his half brother.
He’d taken a piece of hair from his father all those years ago, on his deathbed, and kept it for a time when he was ready to test it.
He’d done it with stolen DNA from Lorcan, and the result came back positive.
Sloan had no intentions of anyone finding out, especially not Lorcan fucking Lee.
“Careful, Lorcan. Rumors are just that. Rumors. Don’t start something you can’t finish.” I pressed a finger into his chest. “You’re no Killough and never will be. Get the fuck out.”
Lorcan didn’t hesitate. My voice left no room for argument. He escaped out of the greenhouse, but not before I called for O’Nunan.
“Make sure Mr. Lee leaves the premises. All the way out.”
O’Nunan bowed his head. “Yes, sir.”
I was left in silence again and as I took my seat at the bench, the world tilted for a short, few seconds. I closed my eyes, cursed, and rubbed my forehead again. Fucking headache. Time for some meds and more sulking, at least until Sloan called and made his excuses.