Page 77 of Declan's Dove

“He doesn’t have to touch you to talk to you,” Declan says firmly. “So, speak.”

“Careful,” Matteo warns. Vincenzo puts one hand up, silencing Matteo.

“It’s quite all right, Matteo. It appears Mr. O’Malley has finally laid his claim on Miss Dupree. Congratulations.” He looks past Declan to where I’m standing. “Doctor D’Angelo is resting and doing well.”

“She’s a feisty one,” Santiago says, his shit-eating grin similar to the one Sadie had not long ago. Vincenzo snaps his fingers, shutting him up.

I smile, relaxing a little, knowing Mili is giving Vincenzo a hard time. It means she’s feeling better for sure. “When can I see her?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea just yet.” Vincenzo looks over at the bar where Gabe is standing with his arms crossed over his chest. “Come, Gabriel. Let us go into the sanctuary and speak, shall we?” Vincenzo walks around Declan, past me, and stops in front of Gabe, his hand gesturing to the room the men just came from. “You may lead the way.”

“You looking for a bullet in the fucking head?” Gabe asks, holding Vincenzo’s gaze. In a matter of seconds, guns are drawn all around the room. It’s like a crazy ass scene in an action movie.

Ethan has Skyler pulled behind him. Caleb has Jayde tucked behind him. Sadie is behind Hawk. Declan shoes me behind him. Blake has a shotgun drawn behind the bar. Jake has Avery behind him, crouched on the couch. Jameson is beside Jake. Santiago and Matteo have their guns drawn and pointed directly at Gabe.

I can’t fucking breathe.

After a few seconds of intense silence, Vincenzo laughs. He fucking laughs. Reaching up, he pats Gabe’s shoulder. “I knew I liked you for a reason. You have balls of steel, my friend. Now, can we get down to business? I have a woman at my home who needs attention, and some negotiations need to be made first.” Vincenzo releases Gabe’s shoulder, stepping back and gesturing for Gabe to make the next move.

Gabe signals for his men to put their guns away. Matteo and Santiago follow suit. And I finally gasp for air.

“Jesus, baby,” Declan says, catching me. “Breathe. Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’ve got you.”

Once my breathing returns to normal, the only thing I can say is, “You’re all fucking insane.”

Declan laughs, kissing my forehead. “Welcome to the family, baby.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Declan

I’m going to pay for that later.

Violet was terrified. It’s not unusual for things to get heated between the Pres and Parisi. Just about every time they get around each other, it’s like a giant pissing contest. They take turns disrespecting each other. Guns get drawn. Then, once it’s out of their system, they’re able to talk.

But the look that came over Violet’s face as everyone pulled their weapons, the fear I saw in her eyes, it’s not something I’ll tolerate for her.

As soon as we’re all in the sanctuary, I turn on Vincenzo. Matteo and Santiago are immediately at my sides with weapons drawn. I don’t give not one single shit. I know my brothers have drawn their weapons again too, but it won’t come to that.

“You promised you’d protect her.” I point at the door. “My woman is fucking terrified in a place that is meant to make her feel safe because of you, asshole.”

Parisi frowns. “I didn’t threaten Violet in any way. Her fear is not because of me.”

“Wrong.” I turn, pointing between both him and Gabe. “Every time you show up here, you two piss each other off to the point guns are drawn in the clubhouse.” I wave around the room to all the weapons, which are out in answer to his men pulling theirs on me. Each one is loyal to their own.

“This shit needs to stop. Our women are meant to feel sheltered, guarded, and comfortable here. They don’t feel that way when they have to constantly be thrown behind their men because you two assholes can’t have a respectful conversation. And I, for one, will not have my woman being scared for her life or that of our son. Not here. Not in our home. This clubhouse is a place for family. If you can’t respect that, then call Pres and set up to meet somewhere else. Don’t pull that shit here. Next time, I’ll fucking shoot. Consequences be damned.”

“Declan.” Gabe calling me out is a warning, but I don’t back down.

“No, Pres,” I address him face to face. “With all due respect, your daughter is trembling out there because of this bullshit. You think she’s cool with having guns drawn after she was recently shot?” I sneer. “Jayde, Sadie. Hell, Skyler’s fucking pregnant, for Christ’s sake. We’re all willing to risk their lives. For what? A dick measuring contest. This shit has to stop, or you can take my fucking cut. You asked me to be an enforcer for this club. To protect our interests and our loved ones. How can I do that when you this shit keeps happening inside the goddamn clubhouse? I promised Violet I’d protect them no matter the cost. If that cost means giving up my club, then so fucking be it.”

“Think about what you’re saying, Dec.” Hawk growls from behind me.

“Maybe we should all consider what he’s saying.” Ethan puts his gun away. “He’s right. I have a wife and kid on the way out there. This is fucking ridiculous.”

The gavel slams down several times. “Everyone, shut the fuck up.” Gabe throws his hands out. “Put the fucking guns away and sit the fuck down. Dec,” I nod but don’t take my eyes off the predator in front of me. My brothers may be willing to put their weapons away and find a less threatening solution, but I don’t trust Vincenzo or his men to not take advantage of our weapons being laid down.

“Declan.” Gabe calls again.

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