The Assassin's Blood: The Confradia Assassins 3

Chapter 10: Pride

Santana

Oh, my God, it's him. I can't believe he's here and that he's Connor's brother. When I saw him standing next to Connor, looking so imposing and masculine, I thought I was going to faint. I think fate is laughing at me. How is it possible that the only man that I haven't been able to forget is related to my brother? I catalog his features, trying to figure out how I missed the similarities. Unlike Connor, Declan is rugged and masculine. He hasn't changed much. His muscles strain against his perfectly fitted suit jacket, and his jaw is firm with fashionable stubble. He has high cheekbones, arched eyebrows, and a patrician nose. His eyes are perfect with long dark lashes, and his skin is a golden hue. I can't take my eyes off him.

"Look, I can see that you're a good kid, Connor. But like I told you before, I don't have time for this. I'm pretty busy. However, I can see that both of you are struggling. Maybe I can give you some money and help you out?"

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and Connor's fists tighten. "Wow, you really are a piece of work," Connor mutters harshly. Declan narrows his eyes and evenly replies. "I'm just trying to help you." Angry, Connor rises from his chair and ushers me away from him. "Well, we don't want your money. We've been fine on our own for years. We might not be rich with a million-dollar car, but we take care of each other. I just wanted to know who you were. And now that I've met you, I can honestly say that I wasted my time. You're just as big a disappointment as Alistair was. Now, if you don't mind, it's late, and my sister and I want to go to bed."

Declan licks his lower lip, tightens his jaw, and withdraws a card from his pocket. "Here, take my card. I know that right now you're pissed at me, but I want you to know that if you ever need anything you can call me." Without another word, Connor gives him a disappointed look and walks away. Undaunted, Declan hands me that card and whispers quietly, "Do you remember me?" He asks as he steps closer and looks into my eyes. His smolder makes my knees go weak. All I can do is stand there and stare into his hypnotizing eyes. After a moment, I blink my eyes and clear my hazy thoughts. "I…I remember you," I say in a low tone so that Connor won't hear me.

He stands there looking into my eyes for a moment, then moves back, trying to create some space. Holding a hand up, I whisper, "You're an idiot. Connor is a great brother." He nods his head with a repentant scowl and mutters. "I meant what I said. Call me." I don't give him a response. It's pointless.

Before he leaves, he gives Connor a final nod, but Connor ignores him and continues to watch the television. All I can do is stand there and watch him walk out the door. Perturbed, I place the card in my pocket and go to my room. That night, I dream of a good-looking man with cobalt eyes, dark hair, and a penetrating stare. In the dream, we're naked in bed making love. I wake up the next morning feeling a little depressed. I can't believe that Declan is Connor's brother. What are the odds that the man of my dreams is my stepbrother's brother? It's mind-boggling. Reaching over to my dresser, I pull out his card, look at it, and place it inside my jewelry box. Maybe one day I'll see him again.