Page 93 of Severed By Vengeance

Sons?

“You’re Ronan Cain,” I said while simultaneously attempting to reclaim my hand, but his hold on it only tightened.

“That’s me.”

Derek and Kai’s adoptive father.

Alexa reached for Ronan’s hand, leaving him no option but to release mine. My cousin’s greeting was curt, the tension radiating from her body palpable. A smile that hadn’t reached her eyes faded when she turned around, tugging me with her.

“I’m sure the two of you have plenty to catch up on. We’ll get out of your hair,” Lex said hurriedly as she walked us toward the staircase.

“If you don’t mind”—his voice dropped two octaves, the smile gone from his face—“I’d love for you to stay.”

I pulled back against Alexa’s grip, my feet rooted in place by the undercurrent of authority lacing his tone.

The older Cain rubbed his beard with one hand while the other rested inside his pant pocket. The man’s stance took me back to the day I’d met Derek. “Promise I won’t keep her long—Miss?”

“Alexa Cruz. Eva’s sister. And ifyoudon’t mind,wehave a lot of catching up to do.”

“Alexa? Like that little device? Cute.”

Lex crossed her arms over her chest. The moment she took in a lungful of air, I knew I had to intervene.

“It’s fine. Just wait for me here.” My hand on her shoulder served to settle her ire momentarily.

She whirled me around. “Eva, you’re really trying to be alone with this guy? He gives me a bad vibe.” Her angry whisper wasn’t as quiet as she thought—or maybe that was the intention.

“Lex, he’s Derek’s father. I’ll be fine.”

What did I have to fear? Derek had hinted their relationship was one of mutual respect, not affection. And if Kai had no reservations about letting the man inside, even after our little spat over Alexa, then I had no reason to be wary. I cared too much about Derek not to attempt a relationship with the man who’d pulled him out of foster care.

“I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.” As if on cue, Diego pranced down the steps. “Take care of Diego for me. His food is in the kitchen pantry.”

Alexa pursed her lips and didn’t say another word, her harsh glare set behind me.

* * *

Ronan and I walked side by side down the hall to an office den just off the front foyer. He motioned me inside with one arm, promptly following and leaning against a thick mahogany desk.

Shelves of books lined the small space. I pulled one out, curious about Derek’s reading preferences.

The Art of War.

“My son, always so serious.”

I slid the book back into its spot and rested my hands on the back of a sleek office chair. “He is,” I said, giving him a small smile. “Was he always that way?”

Ronan chuckled. “Always. But that’s part of what makes him unique. He takes his time. Scrutinizes every little detail. Has a good eye for things—and clearly good taste,” he added with an eyebrow raised and a smirk playing on his lips.

I chose to ignore his compliment and the glint of what looked like lust in his eyes.Averting my gaze, I caught sight of the ring on his finger. It was identical to Derek and Kai’s.

“He left yesterday afternoon. I’m surprised he never mentioned you coming to visit.”

“It was a last-minute decision. Though I’m sure he’s been informed. He and Kai are extremely close.”

I pulled the chair back and sat, crossing my legs, and his eyes flickered down for the briefest of seconds. I didn’t want to read too much into it as it could have been just a natural reaction, but coupled with his previous comment, I suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable.

“You adopted them together. That was very selfless of you and your wife.”