Chapter 21: Crossroads

Declan

I watch as Hunter leads Santana and Connor out the door feeling a weight on my chest. They both look beat down and tired, and I want to kill Perroni for making them feel that way. It also kills me that she and Connor think they’re an inconvenience to me.

Once they’re out of sight, I turn to Priest. He’s leaning back in his chair with his arms folded across his chest. “So, what happened to you needing to stay away?” I let out an exasperated breath and shift in my seat. But Priest is not easily deterred. What do I tell him? Anything I say would make me sound like an infatuated idiot. Placing my elbows on my knees, I clench my teeth and respond. “I know I said I’d stay away, but something told me that I needed to check on them─ and I was right. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn’t gotten there on time.”

Priest straightens up on his chair and gives me a direct look. “Are you sure you’