Page 37 of Arranged Control

“Seriously. Either tell me what’s up or I’m calling Seamus.”

He squirms slightly, looking uncomfortable. “I thought he told you.”

“Told mewhat?” I ask, exasperated.

“He means well, okay? If it were me, I would’ve just told you by now. You know, healthy communication is the bedrock of every marriage?”

“Why are you parroting relationship clichés at me?”

“Seamus sent me here. He told me to keep an eye on you.”

That settles in my stomach like a lead ball. I stare at him, heart racing. Seamus needs his own brother to watch me? During my work hours?

Anger flares, and I struggle to keep it contained.

“Why would he do that?” I ask, jaw flexing.

“Oh, man. You’re pissed.”

“I’m not angry. I’m just trying to understand.”

He points at my face. “There’s a vein.” He squints, leaning in. “Right there on your forehead. It’s pulsing. You’re livid.”

“Stop that.” I swat at his finger, and he pulls it back like I’m a venomous snake. “Why did he send you to stare at me and flirt with my friend?”

“The flirting was my idea. She’s really cute. What’s her deal?”

“Stop avoiding the question.”

“He’s just worried, that’s all. Seamus has been the captain of our family’s street operations for years now, and that’s made him even more paranoid than the rest of us. I think the murders sent his worry into overdrive.”

That surprises me. I look away, frowning to myself. “I didn’t know Seamus was capable of worry.”

“He comes off like nothing matters, but it’s all a defense mechanism.”

“Okay, so you’re, what, my personal guard?”

“For today.”

“And you don’t have anything better to do?”

“Apparently not. I’m doing him a favor.”

“Well, cut it out. Go somewhere else.”

He shakes his head. “Can’t do that.”

“I’m not asking.”

“You’re going to learn this eventually, so I might as well spell it out.” He crosses his arms, his maddening smile getting bigger. “You married into a family of the most honest criminals known to man.”

“There’s no such thing as an honest criminal,” I say sharply and look away at the floor. “Trust me. I’d know.”

“You’re wrong there.” He puts on a stern-sounding voice. “Remember, boys, you are nothing without your word. Whelans do what they say they’ll do.Dad was really annoying about it, but the lesson stuck.”

“You’re going to stand around and scare away all my customers because you promised my husband to keep an eye on me? For some insane reason?”

He spreads his hands apologetically. “That about sums it up.”