Page 31 of The Lies That Shatter
He believed in her, and was determined to see her succeed. Liam says he’s just an easy, likeable guy, and I can see why. His loyalty and dedication to this family goes a long way with me.
“Thank you,” I say, trying to show him how genuinely grateful I am for his words. He nods, then gives me that smirk I’m so used to seeing.
“Now we just need a plan for how to get the cameras and bugs into the Whitlock house,” Shane states, bringing everyone’s attention back to the plan. I’m grateful for him trying to pull us out of the heaviness of the emotions that were permeating the air.
“Kellan and I already have a plan for that,” I say, throwing my brother a wink as I say his name.
Normally, Kel is well known for boasting when a plan of his comes together, or he has a good idea. So, when he turns away with a grimace, I’m worried.
“Actually…” Kellan’s words trail off, and he turns from looking at me to face Bree instead. Then the words rush out of his mouth so quickly, I can barely understand him. “Sorry, butmacneedstodoit.”
“What?” Bree asks.
“Speak slower, you idiot,” Kian snaps.
Kellan lets out a huff, still refusing to look me in the eye, which I know is not a good sign. “I know the plan was for Finnto plant the cameras during a sleepover with Mel, but I think that’s too dangerous. With Mel having her own wing in the house, there’s no explanation for Finn to be wandering around the areas where we really need bugs to be set up. If he’s caught, it’s all over for us.
“I know not everyone will agree—again—but I think McKenna needs to do it. She’s the only one who can safely move around the building with a good excuse. She can put the old man in a wheelchair and say she’s taking him for a walk around the estate, planting the bugs as she goes.”
“No!” I snap. I hate the idea of her being involved in this mess at all, but this would throw her too far in the fucking deep end. If they catch her planting the bugs, she’s dead. “McKenna wouldn’t know how to do it safely. I’m doing it, and that’s not up for debate.”
“If we do it your way, you will have to sleep with Melanie,” Liam states bluntly, though he does have the good sense to look a little sorry he voiced that obvious fact aloud.
“In case you hadn’t noticed, Lee, that’s sort of what you put me undercover to do anyway,” I grind out through gritted teeth, my stomach contents rolling at the thought.
Liam looks like he wants to say something, but Bree places her hand on top of his arm, silencing him. She looks over at me, a softness to her face that, just for a moment, reminds me of Mac. Bree looks far too young to be carrying the weight of our whole family on her shoulders. Not that something like that would ever bother her.
“Finn, you know I don’t agree with Desmond for putting you in this job. I don’t think you should ever have to seduce people so we can get what we want. We all know the lengths you’ve had to go to in the past for this family, but now it’s different. We know how you feel about McKenna, and now she’s back in your life, none of us expect you to sleep with Melanie. Obviously, we needyou to keep dating her, get as much information as you can, and get her out of the house at certain times, but that’s it. You don’t have to do more… We can’t ask that of you.”
The sadness I’ve been trying to keep at bay for the last couple of days spreads, and it feels like something heavy is sitting on my chest. “I want nothing more than to be with Mac, and she knows that. But she also knows I won’t—can’t—be with her until this is all over. I can’t date Mel while I’m thinking of Mac.
“She deserves my whole heart, and when this is over, I won’t do any more of these assignments. She will get all of me. But until then, I’ll do what’s needed to get this over with quickly. If that means crossing a line I’ve crossed far too many times before, then so be it. I will do whatever it takes to keep McKenna safe.”
Both Bree and Liam look like they want to say something, but neither of them can find the right words. In fact, it’s quite comical watching their mouths open and close as they continue to change their minds over what to say. Kellan and Kian are back to looking at their feet, not wanting to get involved in this discussion.
I’m shocked that it’s Shane who breaks the silence first. “I know how hard it is to be apart from the person you love. No matter how much it hurts, you’re doing the right thing by not starting anything until you can be with her properly.
“I don’t regret a moment of my time with Ryleigh, and I stand by the decisions I’ve made, but I’m not going to lie…it breaks my heart every time we have to say goodbye. We never know how long it will be until we see each other again. Each stray tear that slips down her cheek as she tells me she’ll miss me is like a dagger to my heart. It might be killing you to keep her at arm’s length, but until you can give her all of you, I think you’re doing both of you a big favour.”
Shane doesn’t wait for me to reply, he stands up and walks into the kitchen, blinking away the misty eyes I could see filling with each word he spoke. A heavy silence fills the air, as we all contemplate how much such a young guy has had to give up to help keep us all safe.
“We need to find out what Whitlock is up to, and bring this to a close, now. I’m sick of seeing my family suffer,” Bree states, her voice thick with the emotion we’re all feeling.
Everyone mutters their agreement, and as we all break off into little groups to discuss the next phase of our plans, I’m distracted when my phone buzzes in my pocket.
As soon as I see McKenna’s name on my screen, my eyes light up and my heart stutters. I feel like a love-sick teenager getting a text from my high school crush. I guess, in a weird way, that’s exactly what this is.
MAC
I miss you. I know we agreed to be just friends—for now—but I want to hear your voice. I want to tell you all the things I’m thinking about. Can you call me tonight?
Everything in me is screaming that this is a bad fucking idea. That I need to keep her at arm’s length until this is all over. That my desire to keep her safe should be greater than the needs of my fucking cock. But, as per usual, she wins. I can never deny her.
FINN
It will have to be late.
MAC
