Page 136 of A Convenient Secret

He flinches. “But you asked for ten thousand.”

“I can return the money,” I say, annoyed because this is the last issue we need to discuss. Why is this so important to him?

“That’s not the point. If you wanted to just help, why did you put a price on it?”

“I didn’t put a price on it. I offered to help you, but you asked for a reason, and I blurted it out without thinking. You wouldn’t have accepted the help otherwise.”

“Why did you want to help me?”

“Why are you pushing this, Declan? I wanted to help… just because.”

He flinches again, and stares at me for what feels like several lifetimes. “That asshole claimed to be your fiancé. Who even is he?”

Jesus. I didn’t hear that. That’s why he’s so upset. He has no clue whom he punched.

“Timothy Spinelli,” I say, and Declan frowns. “My cousin.”

His jaw tenses, and he pushes the intercom. “Turn the car around. We’re going back.”

“What? Why? What are you doing?” I scoot closer to grip his biceps like that can stop the car from turning.

“I’m going to finish him.” He looks at my hand on his arm. “Fuck, I almost left you there with him,” he murmurs.

He did? Shit.

“Declan, please, let’s just go home. Don’t give him a reason to come after you.”

He looks at me, and it’s like he sees me for the first time since the fight. His eyes search my face for something. I hope he finds affection, and a plea.

“You don’t believe I can protect you.” His words are like a splash of cold water, my skin erupting with goose bumps.

It’s a statement. Not a question. He says it with finality. Incredulity. Hurt.

“I told you already that I feel safe with you.”

“But you didn’t tell me about the real threat. You didn’t trust me with that information.”

“For the first time in my life, I was living on myown terms, and a part of me wanted to protect that. I worried you would dig into it deeper, and my family would discover me. Tell me I was wrong.”

“That man almost killed you. He should be in jail, not causing more trouble for you.” He grabs my shoulders as if he wants to shake me. But he just holds onto me, his hands trembling, his jaw ticking.

I need to divert him from this rage. It’s blinding him to what’s important here.

“You got a ring for me?” I divert.

He glowers at me and drops his hands. Not the best diversion, I guess.

“It doesn’t matter. Apparently you’re already engaged. To your cousin.”

“I’m not engaged.” I want to slap him out of this unproductive ire. “But I’m married. Toyou.”

“To help me with my kids,” he scoffs, turning away from me.

I clutch his shoulder, stopping his retreat. “Why are you really upset, Declan?”

“You didn’t trust me with your secret. You don’t trust me now with your safety.” His control finally snaps. That’s progress.

“I wanted to protect you—”