Page 102

Story: Duncan

Duncan chuckled. “Yea, Bellamy is safe for now. We don’t know what Tyran has on her, but we’ll figure it out.”

I looked between Sal and Duncan. “You know I’m not going to sit back and be one of those Mob wives like they show ontelevision, right? Getting her hair and nails done every week, happy to spend her husband’s money and live in ignorance.”

“I have only known you for a day, Freyja, but even I can see that’s fuckin’ obvious,” he snarked.

“Good. Because I think what you need is fresh eyes. I don’t know anyone in your organization, but I am a good judge of character. For instance, Ronan is an asshole.” Duncan chuckled behind me. “But he’s loyal. Same with Liam, but Liam takes the initiative. He didn’t wait for someone to tell him to follow Kelley. He made sure I was safe with Gavin and took off. Gavin is a peacekeeper. He should be used to broker deals and negotiations. He’s a charmer, and when you’re dealing with sharks, you need a shark wrangler. Oscar, that boy needs a therapist. He has a lot of shit to work out before he kills someone. And Rian is not being utilized.”

“Rian is in New Orleans. How would you know if he was being utilized?” Sal asked.

“He’s seen as muscle. It’s why you asked him to wait for Duncan when you left the ball. And why Duncan asked him to watch over me.”

“Actually, Rian offered to make sure you got home safely,” Duncan added.

“See, initiative. Like Liam.”

Sal shook his head. “I’ll probably regret this but what about Mac and Cian?”

I looked at Duncan, and his smile encouraged me to go on.

“Well, Mac is muscle. But more than that. He’s quiet, observant. Not much gets past him. So, he’s the one you want to take anytime you are meeting with someone you don’t fully trust.”

Sal rubbed his chin and watched me. “And Cian?”

“Well, Cian, um... he holds secrets. Not just his own, but yours. He’s a vault. There is no one more trustworthy.”

“Hey,” Duncan swatted my butt.

“You’re very astute, Miss Malpas. Let me ask you. Is there anyone you’ve met that you have reservations about?”

Nice going, Freyja. Should have kept your mouth shut.

“Well...” I bit my lip, not sure how honest I should be. “McCoy.”

Sal stood up straight. “McCoy? Why?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t interacted with him. It’s just a feeling I get when I look at him. It could just be that he’s standoffish.”

“But you don’t think so?” Sal asked.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so. I’m sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious.” Sal walked toward the door. “Why don’t you two take off for the night? It’s been a long day.”

“That’s a great idea.” Duncan grabbed my hand and led me to the elevator.

“Where are we going?”

“Home,” he said. Once the elevator doors closed us in, Duncan pounced. He pushed me against the back wall and kissed me. His hands slid through my hair and he ground his hips against me.

“Home? You think I am just moving in with you?” I asked as he trailed his mouth across my jaw and bit my earlobe before sucking it between his lips.

“Isn’t that why you came to Boston? To be with me?”

“Do you want me?”

Duncan pulled back and looked at my face. “Do you question whether or not I want you?”

“Not physically, no. But you’ve been single for a long time.”