Hayden (A Next Generation Carter Brother #4) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,88

just that.”

He runs a hand through his hair, grimacing. “I’m not going to lie, after putting a stop to your story, I felt bad.”

I inwardly flinch at the deceit, glancing away. “But…”

“But, despite what you may think, I’m not always a prick. That night I first met you was the anniversary of my mother’s death. My dad was refusing any further treatment and Leana had just spilled coffee down my shirt and fallen head first in my lap. Then I walked in and was immediately drawn to your arse. When I found out you were Hayden, Dad’s words about not dating staff hit me, and I got angry.”

I force myself not to snort at the memory of what Leana had done. His reaction makes more sense now that I’ve gotten to know him.

“Oh,” I mumble.

“Yes, oh.”

“In my defence, I didn’t know that.”

“I know, and it’s not really an excuse. And it certainly doesn’t mean I won’t be a dickhead in the future.”

“Noted,” I reply, chuckling. “I really want to kiss you right now, but I really do need to go see Beau.”

He smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “Hurry back.”

I roll my eyes, pulling myself up. “You’re insatiable.”

*** *** ***

After rapping my knuckles on the door to Faith and Beau’s cabin, I take a step back, rubbing my hands together and blowing between them.

Faith answers the door, smiling when she spots me. “Hey, Hayden, have you come to watch a movie with us?”

When she pulls the door open a little wider, I notice Mum, my aunts, and half of my cousins. I don’t know of a way I can ask for Beau without raising suspicion.

Unless…

“Is Beau around?” I whisper, ducking my head.

She closes the door a little after stepping outside. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good, but Clayton isn’t. He doesn’t want me to, um, talk about it with any of my relatives. You know how men are. I would talk to Jaxon about it, but he’d piss me off in two seconds.”

“Oh no, what’s happened?”

I point to my crotch. “He’s, um, experiencing something down there and doesn’t feel comfortable asking Beau or Jaxon himself.”

“Ah, I understand.” She winces, her expression scrunching up in pity. “Beau is on the back deck with Dad.”

“Thank you. I’ll head round. Tell the others I was asking what time we were leaving and that I’ll see them in the morning.”

“Okay, I hope Clayton feels better soon.”

I nod, giving her a short wave as I make my way around the side of the cabin, to the back.

Maverick and Beau are chatting about the boxing when I reach the bottom of the deck steps.

Uncle Maverick is the first to spot me. “Hey, short stuff, you looking for your mum? She’s inside.”

I wave him off as I make my way up the steps. “No, I’m actually here to see Beau. I need to talk to him privately.”

I don’t like the scrutinizing gaze he’s sending my way. “Why?” I cross my fingers behind my back, my lips parting as I inhale, ready to answer. “And before you think you can fool me, I know that look. It’s the same look your father gets before he makes up some wild bullshit story or tries to con his way out of shit.”

I slump down into the deck chair, pouting. “What I’m saying is confidential, Uncle Maverick. I can’t let you jeopardize what’s happening because you can’t keep it to yourself. People’s lives are at stake.”

He sits up straighter at the seriousness in my voice. I don’t have time to mess around. This is my last chance to talk to Beau before we get back.

“What’s going on, Hayden?” Beau asks, also leaning forward in his seat, his forearms resting on his thighs.

I arch my eyebrow at Uncle Maverick, waiting for him to agree not to repeat anything. “I won’t tell anyone anything. I can call it even with your dad for getting Mark arrested. If you’re at risk, though, I will intervene.”

I don’t know how Beau is going to react, and until this very moment, I hadn’t even thought about it, nor remembered that Rob is his friend.

I inhale, preparing myself for the worst but hoping for the best as I launch into everything I know and assume about the gang and break-ins.

When I’m finished, he’s pale, sagging back into his chair.

“And this plan… you’ll be safe at all times?” Maverick asks, concerned.

I nod, forcing a smile. “I might be my father’s daughter, but I’m not stupid enough to put myself in danger, and