A Brutal Betrayal(10)

But now, Lucas was leaving, and he wouldn’t be able to protect Declan. So, he spent a few weeks convincing Declan it would be okay. They even took a few trips to the cliffs without anyone so Lucas could walk him through it.

“You are going to be fine,” Lucas said. “Do you trust me?” he asked.

“Of course, but Luc, if I chicken out and everyone is watching, I’ll be screwed,” Declan whined.

“If anyone dares to say anything, they’ll have to answer to me, and whether I’m here or not in a few weeks won’t matter. I’ll make them pay regardless. Besides, you can do this. I know you can. You are going to be great. And you’ll show them all what you are made of.”

Declan nodded even though his mind was screaming no.

“So, you finally decided to let the little bro off the leash?” asked James, one of their friends.

“Yeah, I figured he was going to try this shit once I left anyways, I might as well be here to watch him do it so that if something goes wrong, at least I can be there to help,” Lucas responded.

“Luc, you’re such a dumb shit,” Brad added. “We’ve been doing this for how long? And nothing has ever happened to us. Why you would force your brother to sit on the sidelines and just watch all these years is beyond me.” He walked over to Declan and put his arm around his shoulders. “Don’t worry, Dec. Once Lucas leaves, we won’t hold you to his stupid rules. And I won’t even tell your parents about the Playboy magazines you have hidden…well, as long as you share, of course.” He laughed, and Declan swallowed hard before nodding.

He turned to Lucas. “You sure I can do this Luc?” He made it seem like he was getting permission rather than confirmation that he was brave enough.

“Yeah, my reign is over. It’s your turn, little bro.” Lucas smiled, walking over to Declan and patting him on the back. He got close and whispered in his ear, “Just step off, that’s all you have to do. You don’t even have to look down. It’s a few seconds, and then you’ll feel the water splash, and it’s the best feeling. I promise.”

Declan nodded and walked over to the edge. “Jump, man!” James yelled.

“Nah, if I’m letting him do this, he’s at least got to be cautious his first time,” Lucas retorted. Declan was grateful. He also felt a little bit like a pussy, but what could he do. He knew his fear was stupid, but it was something he was about to overcome.

He looked down, swallowed again, and told himself it was nothing. Then he closed his eyes and stepped off. And moments later, he felt the water surrounding him, cooling his heated skin. It felt great, it felt refreshing. He swam to the surface and looked around, there were no rocks, and there were no dangers. It was just him and the pale blue water. What the hell had been wrong with him? This was amazing! He looked up to see the smiling faces of his friends, clapping as if he’d just performed an incredible feat, but the face he searched for was Lucas’. And he was beaming, smiling from ear to ear like a proud mama bear. It warmed his heart as he swam to the shore.

“So, Dec, how was it?” Lucas called out.

“Can I do it again?” he responded between laughter.

“Sure, now that you’ve done it, I guess there is nothing I can say. You might as well make up for lost time.” And that was exactly what he did. By the end of the day, he was jumping backwards, spinning, and splashing.

When they were on the way home, Declan turned to Lucas. “Thank you.”

“I know.”

He always did. That had been one of his favorite days.





Chapter 6

“So, Megan, I believe I gave you a homework assignment.” Declan smiled as Megan was sitting down opposite him.

“I thought I was past all that once I finished school.” She laughed. It was a nice sound. It didn’t sound forced but instead sounded lyrical. His smile grew a touch without him even noticing.

“Now, that’s nonsense. We never outgrow homework. Sometimes we call it work. And who do you think will help your kids when you have a family?”

He saw her smile falter at the mention of a family. Instinct, or maybe something deeper, had him reaching over and putting his hand lightly on her leg. She drew in a breath, but at least she didn’t flinch. That was already a vast improvement.

“You will have a family. You will date and find the right guy, and he’ll treat you right. You’ll get married and have a great big wedding with a puffy gown and then two screaming kids who you’ll want to kill at first, but then you’ll adore them and teach them everything you know.”

Megan looked up at Declan, her eyes glassy, but he saw determination there and noticed that his hand was still on her leg. He gingerly removed it as she spoke. “You sound like you have some experience there,” she smirked, clearly breaking herself from her own self-pity thoughts.