OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CHAPTER FOUR

CILLIAN

“I think I like her”

The door to my study slid open and Declan walked in with a stupid drunk grin on his face.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain what he meant.

“I know I said I did not want to get married but after this morning and that girl talking back at you, I think I am going to enjoy her” He grinned, his eyes flashing with mischief.

I did not like the fact that I understood his meaning and I wasn’t comfortable with him wanting to explore Scarlet. She looked far too innocent and did not seem like she was cut out for our world.

I shook my head, reminding myself that it was none of my business and she was merely a means to the end.

“So suddenly you want to be a devoted husband?” I asked him, my eyebrow arched.

“Not devoted” He shrugged. “But a husband”

“Do not fuck it up” I warned him sternly

“What does it matter to you?” Declan shot back. “She is ours already and so is her father’s seaport. That is the reason for all of these, remember?”

I sighed, nodding at his explanation.

It would seem I was forgetting the reason for this marriage and because of her?

“Do not tell me you have taken a liking to my wife, dear brother” He winked.

“It is nothing of that sort, Declan. I prefer my women well versed in the art of sex and she does not look like she can take me… Now if you would excuse me, I have a lot of work to do” I muttered.

“Then you would not mind me meeting up with Ana tonight. I do not think I am quite ready to bed my new wife. Like you said, I do not think she can take me either but she will learn”

“Do whatever you want but be back and ready” I dismissed him, wondering how he would not want to fuck Scarlet.

She was a walking wet dream and my mouth watered by mere thought of her.

“Yes father” Declan taunted.

He turned around and left.

I was his brother but had taken care of them as much as I could since we were children and since the passing of both our parents.

My mother who had run into the road while my father beat her and accused her of selling her body to everyone in the neighbourhood. She had run out with tears blinding her eyes and had seen the truck too late. Or my father whom I had hit over the head with a bat repeatedly when I caught him exercising his strength on Declan as a child.

I had taken care of both my brothers and done everything to keep them safe and away from trouble.

The wedding had held quite well after what had happened at dinner and the way she had spoken to me.

It was weird that I thought it intriguing for a girl who looked as scared and tiny as she did.

Kieran on the other hand thought it funny and had made a joke about it all day long while Declan snickered and added his own fun to it.

I did not consider it funny but I let them talk.

I heard the soft platter of feet and knew immediately who it was before I even saw her.

“I saw Declan leave just now” She began while I remained mute, watching her.

bothered me so much.

“When will he be back?” She asked, twirling her fingers.

“Why is that a concern for you, Scarlet?” I drawled, raising an eyebrow.

I watched her blush at this and wondered if my brother had won her heart.

Again, I reminded myself that I should not care about their marriage; It was none of my business

“I just thought to know” she squeaked

“You are to only know what we are willing to tell you and my brother’s location is not one of it. You seem to forget the reason you are here and that is to be a dutiful and quiet wife” I stressed on the quiet so she would get the drift and I watched the hurt enter her eyes.

“Of course” She muttered, turning around and exited the room.

I sighed, rubbing tired eyes.

I should not have spoken to her that way. I just did not understand the sudden interest and spark I was feeling for the girl.

The last thing I wanted to feel was pity for some girl whom I had saved from worse fates than marriage. With a father like hers and a gambling debt like his, she could have been sold into slavery or to the highest bidder willing to pay for virgin pussy.

Yes, I had saved her and she should be glad. In fact, she should be on her knees worshiping me because if it was left to her father, she might as well be an orphan.