25. Declan
I stare out over the city as rain pelts against the conference room glass. Devina should be here any minute. It’s too early to be drinking this scotch. But without sleep, yesterday has bled into today. I swirl the brown liquid in my mouth before letting it burn my throat on the way down.
Darlene knocks at the open door to announce my sister’s arrival. As it turns out, her intelligence surpasses her intoxicating beauty and it was an easy decision to move her to an office position as a replacement for Devina after the wedding. She still manages the house but on a much smaller scale. I’ve asked her to find another house manager, but that process is still in the works.
“Thank you, Darling,” I nod.
Devina steps past her with a smile and turns to me with arched brows. I know what she’s thinking, but no, I’m not screwing my new assistant… or house manager… whatever she is.
She walks into my waiting embrace and I’m reminded of how fragile my little sister is. Despite that, there is a confidence about her that wasn’t present before. As we take a seat at the long table I realize she’s wearing a sleeveless shirt. She notices me staring and clears her throat.
My eyes meet hers and I smile. A version of her that I haven’t seen in years now sits before me.
“You wanted to see me,” she states.
“Yes, I thought it would be more comfortable without the other suits in here with us, ” I spread out the forms in front of me and ready a pen, “By signing these, you receive thirty-five percent of each of the companies. Father set this up when we were little. You were to receive this once you were married. Because Scarlet is gone, I’ve arranged for you to receive the total of both of your shares.”
Her eyes become wide, yet curious. “I don’t know anything about running a company, let alone…” She scans the documents in front of her, “Nine companies?”
“You don’t have to do anything beyond use your signature. If any additional pages require it from time to time, I will have a runner deliver them to you.”
She reaches for the pen I’m holding out but stops. “Who are the other owners?”
“Myself and Ryder. That was the deal we made. If something happens to Ryder, you acquire his shares. If something happens to you, well, you get the picture.”
“Why won’t you receive them if something happens to me?” she asks.
“Because father intended to pick your husband and wanted it this way. He wasn’t able to do that, but that doesn’t change the stipulations in his will.”
“So if I die, Ryder becomes a majority shareholder.”
“That’s right.”
“And our family legacy falls into his hands. His family’s hands.”
“Correct.”
“Does he know about this?” She taps the end of the pen against the desk, distracting me.
“He doesn’t, but even if he did, I don’t think he’d do something stupid to take it from you. He and I will be running these together now regardless of your ownership. But I’d still appreciate it if you would take care of yourself and not die before I have the opportunity to show him we can be a good team together.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh good, I don’t have to worry about him staging my death to take over. Not that I ever did. I think he’s growing fond of having me for a wife.” Her cheeks flush and I look away not wanting to imagine his hands on my baby sister.
“I have no doubt.”
“So I just sign, and then what?”
“And then you are even more rich than when you walked into this office. You’ll always be taken care of. Even if your husband wakes up one morning and decides he isn’t so fond of you.”
Her smile falters. I haven’t been the best brother over the years, but I will always make it a priority to care for her and keep her safe.
She grips the pen and takes her time sifting through the pages to plant her signature.
“All done,” she caps the pen and places it softly on the table before leaning back in her chair.
I don’t want her to go. I want to tell her that I miss her pushing my buttons and being in my space. I want to tell her to stay and have lunch with me. But she has a new life now and I have… well, I have businesses to run and a new assistant I’m still training.
We aren’t the kind of people who share thoughts, hopes, and dreams. We are the people who sweep things under the rug and keep our secrets guarded at all costs.
I stand, causing her to follow my lead.
“I hope he truly is being good to you.”
A soft smile spreads across her lips. She’s known that our lifestyle is dark and dangerous and sickening at times. I’ve done my best to shield her from it and Ryder has given his word that he will do the same. But I still worry.
“He’s not what I expected,” she says, “But in the best way.”
Her eyes sparkle and I am instantly relieved that she seems happy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.
She closes the distance between us and brings her hand up to the side of my face scratching the stubble that’s become prominent after two days of not shaving. She used to do that when she was little. “I’ll leave you to it then.” She pats my face. “I want you to be happy too, Declan. Your Darling might be just what you’ve needed all this time.”
With a wink, she turns on her heel to leave.
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks and hope Darlene didn’t hear the comment.
Little sisters.
They always know which button to push.