Page 12 of Devious Truth

“At Obsidian? If you want to book one, just ask at the club. You don’t need me for that.”

“It is for a high roller game.”

“And you think I can get you invited to one?”

“I know you can.” He nods.

“I can’t. How’d you get into the club anyway? Did you have a sponsor?” It’s an invite-only membership; unless he has a connection…someone who would vouch for him. But as far as I know, while Declan’s reach was short, Kieran’s would be even shorter.

“I have friends all over.”

“Good. Then one of them can get you in a game.” It’s impossible to keep the snark out of my voice when his smugness is stinking up my apartment. “I don’t know the members, Kieran. How would I get you into a game?”

“Well, that’s your problem, not mine. I’m sure your new man can help.”

“Stop calling him that,” I snap, which only makes his grin widen.

“Yeah, I think you’ll be able to get me in one of them games no problem.” He winks and moves to his feet.

“And if I can’t?”

“Well, then I suppose I’ll have to let Declan know I’ve run into you.” He sighs and shakes his head, like it would be a real shame to turn me over to his boss.

Kieran would be rewarded for handing me over to Declan, if Declan is still holding onto the idea that I have something of his.

“If I can get you into a game, you’ll forget you saw me?” It’s a risk, but there aren’t many avenues open at the moment.

He raises his brow. “Saw who?”

“It’s going to take some time.” I haven’t the faintest idea of how to get him on one of those lists.

Obsidian doesn’t host games. Members use the private rooms on their own as far as I know. How the hell am I supposed to get him into a high roller game?

“Not too much time.” He grabs my phone again and starts typing.

“What are you doing?” I try to snatch it form him.

“Just putting my number in and getting yours.” He finishes and offers me the phone. “When you get it set up, you let me know.”

“I’m not sure I can do it, but I’ll try.”

“I have faith in you.” He heads to the door. “I’m sure it goes without saying, but don’t get your new man involved. It will just make things messy, and then Declan’s going to come down here and it will just get even messier. No one wants all that. Not over a little ring, right?”

“Since he’s just my boss and not anything else, I don’t see any reason to involve him.” Especially since telling him any of this would only solidify his insane belief that he’s my protector.

“Good.” He smiles. “You know, it’s too bad about Derek. I know I didn’t say it at the time, having to do all that stuff Declan wanted done, but it was sad…him leaving you like that.”

My stomach rolls, and the heavy hand of grief grips my heart.

“He didn’tgoanywhere. He died, Kieran.”

He sighs with another shake of his head. “I meant how he left things for you. All that mess for you to clean up.”

My hands fist, and I wonder if I could get at least one good punch into his smug face before he pulled out the gun from his holster.

“Derek was a better man than you’ll ever be,” I say with a shaky voice.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply anything. I only know how things got hard after. And then the ring business. I’m on your side, kid.” He makes a point of staring at the empty bottle of wine sitting on the coffee table. “Best get some rest before you head into work. You’re looking a little tired.”

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