“It sounds like a bleak existence,” Flint says, sounding like he’s feeling sorry for her.
“Maybe that’s why they got the kid,” Blaise offers. “Give her something to focus on. Keep her minimally happy.”
But that brings me another thought. “Why didn’t they marry her off?”
Ash gives me a pointed look. “Maybe because she wasn’t a virgin anymore.”
“So this is all my fault?” It’s not the first time I’ve heard that my parents’ deaths were the result of being with Keira and my father’s disapproval, but fucking hell, would Hampton really burn everything just because my father didn’t support a match? That seems over the top even for Hampton. No, he wanted to take what my father had.
“No it’s Hampton’s fault. And I'm not saying we shouldn't be cautious. We absolutely should. But Keira planning your murder? That seems far-fetched,” Blaise says. I suppose he’d know better than anyone since he spent a great deal of time infiltrating the Kean family.
Even so, the suspicion has taken root. "Then what is she hiding? Why the secrecy?"
“There are a thousand possibilities between 'innocent secret' and 'assassination plot’.” Blaise smirks at me.
“We could bring the wives in,” Flint says suddenly, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.
I look up, confused. "What?"
"Lucy, Jenna, and Hannah," he clarifies. "They are going to be sisters-in-law with Keira. They could help us figure out what Keira's hiding. Lucy’s real good at ferreting out information."
"Hannah's still recovering," Ash objects immediately, protective as always.
"I'm not suggesting we put her in danger," Flint counters. "But think about it. Women notice things about other women that we don't.”
I consider this, seeing the logic. "You think they could get Keira to open up?"
"Maybe." Flint shrugs. "At the very least, they could keep an eye on her, see if anything seems off. Lucy's got journalist instincts. She can spot a lie from a mile away. And Jenna's sounassuming that people tend to let their guard down around her. Plus, she knew Keira."
"It's not a bad idea," Blaise admits reluctantly. "Jenna's been asking about Keira anyway. Says it must be hard for her, being surrounded by enemies with no allies."
Of course Jenna would take Keira’s side. I like her, but she’s got too soft a heart for this life. Still, the idea isn’t a bad one. "We could make them bridesmaids."
My brothers look at me with varying degrees of surprise.
"It makes perfect sense," I continue, warming to the idea. "It shows unity between our families. Makes the marriage look more legitimate to the other families. And it gives your wives a reason to be around Keira constantly in the days leading up to the wedding.”
“Will Lucy be alright with spying on Keira?” Blaise asks.
“If she’s concerned about our safety, yes.” Flint looks at me. “Although, she wasn’t happy with that display at dinner the other night. I think her words were something like, ‘I didn’t realize Phoenix was such a misogynistic pig.’”
I grind my teeth while Blaise snickers. Even Ash’s lips twitch up.
“You do seem a little full of yourself, Phoenix. We stand behind you, but remember what they say about power. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I arch a brow. “You think I’m corrupt?”
“Hell yeah,” Blaise says. “We all are. It’s the nature of the business, but Ash is right. Don’t let it go to your head. Or maybe it’s not power. Maybe it’s your dick, but you have to keep whatever has you like a rabid dog around Keira.”
I don’t like any of these analogies. “I’m not any of those things.”
Ash shrugs as he stands. “Good. I’ve got to take Hannah to the doctor and then I’m working at home.”
“She’ll want to be in on the bridesmaid thing,” Flint says, rising from his chair. “We’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“How do you know what Hannah wants?” Ash asks, peeved.
Flint laughs. “Lucy knows everything about everyone.”
