see our wedding day. I said that before, and I meant it.” His hand resumed its movement, soothing her despite her worries. “I have a plan.”
“That sounds detailed and well-thought-out.”
His laugh rumbled against her cheek. “I’m going to find who killed Brendan.”
Her heart stopped beating and her breath stilled in her lungs. Callie opened her eyes, a strange buzzing in her ears as she stared at the off-white wall next to the bed. Teague was looking for Brendan’s killer. Her fingers curled, instinctively withdrawing, but she made herself relax against him again.
“James can’t guarantee anything—naturally—but it’s the best bet to call Victor’s vendetta off. If he’s trying for peace, then my family can’t attack without looking like they made the first move. They lose the moral high ground and potentially their Sheridan support.”
The words finally penetrated the numb feeling threatening to suck her under. “You make it sound like the O’Malleys wanted this war.”
“I’m not so sure they didn’t.”
He sounded so grim, she risked raising her head to meet his eyes. “Surely not.”
“Angel, I say this because we’re going to be running the Sheridan empire before too long, and because I care about you—don’t ever underestimate either my father or Aiden.” He said his brother’s name like a curse. “They’ll do whatever they think necessary to bring more power under our control, and to hell with the potential consequences.”
It was obvious he’d recently been disillusioned on that front, or the bitterness would have faded by now. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
Guilt flared, bringing with it the horrible mix of fear and panic. Teague was looking for Brendan’s killer—for her. What would he do if he realized he’d just made love to the very person he intended to turn over in his attempt to stop this war? Would he drag her from the bedroom and drive straight there?
Oh God, this is my worst nightmare come to life.
“Angel? Callie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” The response was so automatic, it was out before she’d fully registered the question.
And, damn it, he knew it. He frowned, searching her face. “You’re lying.”
She had to put a stop to this conversation, sooner rather than later. Teague wasn’t stupid. The longer they spoke, the greater the chance she’d slip up and say something to help him connect the dots. She couldn’t allow that to happen. Callie moved to kiss him, but his grip tightened in her hair, keeping her scant inches from making contact.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
She could actually see the peaceful oasis they’d created crumbling around them. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Just like the bruises.” His gaze fell to her throat, tracing the pattern that had long since faded away to nothingness.
“Teague, please.”
He seemed to be debating pushing her further. A small treacherous part of her almost welcomed it. The memory of Brendan’s death was like a festering wound inside her, poisoning everything around her. It would feel so good to share the burden.
But she couldn’t risk it.
She cared about Teague, but she wasn’t sure she could trust him—not with this. Because he was right in thinking that there was a good chance the identity of Brendan’s killer would put a stop to this entire mess. If she had a little less self-preservation and responsibility to her people, she might have even considered turning herself in on her own.
“You can trust me, Callie.”
Maybe. She knew he cared about her, but caring about someone he met a few short weeks ago and putting them before the family he so obviously loved, despite his issues with his father and older brother…Those were two very different things. She wanted to tell him. But she couldn’t risk it. “It’s that not simple.” Nothing was simple anymore.
“You’re going to be my wife.” Tension ran through every muscle of his body, though little of it showed up in his voice. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know.” In every way that counted—except this one. She couldn’t expect him to put her before his family, and the fact that she wasn’t sure he would was enough to keep her silent. She lifted her head. “I do feel safe with you, Teague. I haven’t felt safe in a long time. Can’t we just leave it at that?”
He stared, and she held her breath, hoping like hell that he couldn’t read every thought dancing across her face. “One day you will tell me.”
If she did, it would be the end of them. She was sure of it. Callie forced a small smile. “Yes.” She hoped he couldn’t tell