The Rise of Declan: Brother's Keeper Security, #2

By Stephanie St. Klaire

The O'Reilly Brothers are your next binge read series - they're unputdownable...

Brother's Keeper I: Declan (part 2) -

The only thing that could taint money, privilege, and endless access to the finer things in life may have been murder…but now it's revenge. Lives are on the line once again in the gripping second part to this epic 5-star fan favorite.

 

Lydia exchanged her luxurious lifestyle for the security of modest, small town living where she could raise her son. But her reprieve is short, because she's no longer safe. Not by a long shot.

 

Taking down the head of a cartel left Declan with more enemies than he could count. He put his career and life on the line in order to save the woman who changed everything for him - then he left her. But now he's back, because there's a new threat on the horizon and Lydia is in the crosshairs.

 

Fate offers another maniacal twist that reaches beyond the grave when the mastermind behind it all isn't who they think, and the line between good and evil is blurred.

Criminal empires may fall and legacies die hard, but Declan fights harder as he returns to neutralize the final threat preventing a future with Lydia.

 

Can Declan prevail, or has he been a step too many behind all along?

 

One thing is for sure, nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to Brother's Keeper.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie St. Klaire
• Release date: Aug 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781393294566

Book preview

The Rise of Declan

THE RISE OF DECLAN

BROTHER’S KEEPER SECURITY

STEPHANIE ST. KLAIRE

The SSK Group

CONTENTS

Books By Stephanie St. Klaire

Also Read

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

About Stephanie St. Klaire

What to Read Next by SSK

Reclaiming Liam Chapter 1 - Free Sample

Reclaiming Liam Chapter 2 - Free Sample

Reclaiming Liam Chapter 3 - Free Sample

Reclaiming Liam Chapter 4 - Free Sample

Reclaiming Liam Chapter 5 - Free Sample

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COPYRIGHT © 2017

Stephanie St. Klaire

The Rise of Declan

Brother’s Keeper Security

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, or other status is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever known, not known or hereafter invented, or stored in any storage or retrieval system, is forbidden and punishable by the fullest extent of the law without written permission of the author.

EDITOR: Jenny Simms

COVER ARTIST: The SSK Group

FORMATTING: The SSK Group

Formally published as Declan, Part 2, Brother’s Keeper Series

BOOKS BY STEPHANIE ST. KLAIRE

McKenzie Ridge Series

Rescued

Hidden

Forgotten

Fearless

Redemption

Brother’s Keeper Series

The Fall of Declan

The Rise of Declan

Reclaiming Liam

Redeeming Luke

Pursuing Dace

Hunting Wylie

Love, Cass (a series companion novel)

The Keeper’s Series

Final Deception

Familiar Threat

Deadly Pursuit

Fatal Diversion

Royal Reckoning

Forced Enemy

Trivial Deceit

Lethal Jeopardy

Dangerous Chaos

Corrupt Justice

Stand Alone

Chameleon Effect

ALSO READ

Don’t forget to check out Stephanie St. Klaire’s alter ego, USA Today Bestselling Romantic Comedy and Contemporary Author of Clean & Wholesome Romance, Stephie Klaire.

Get started FREE…

CLICK HERE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my family for your endless support and love beyond measure. You inspire me, you drive me, and most importantly, you laugh at my bad jokes. This is all because of you and for you.

To my readers…my wonderful, lovely, amazing readers. Thank you for believing in this nutty indie girl and putting me, and my stories, on top of the world.

Without you, there is no me…

Thank you Lord for removing all obstacles so I can stand firmly in faith above all fear…

For turning trials to triumphs…

I’m stronger in the storm…

1

The happily ever afters were falling into place in McKenzie Ridge for all but one. Lydia. She had a good life in McKenzie. After two years there, it felt like home. Lydia had built a family of friends who she adored and even opened a business. She had only one regret, and it was loving a man who couldn’t love her enough to fight for her. It seemed to be a pattern with her, so she wrote off men altogether and focused on building her business and raising her son, Jax.

Lydia had put Jax to bed for the night after celebrating engagements, weddings, and good health with her friends. It had been an amazing day full of love and joy, albeit exhausting, and as tired as she was, Lydia couldn’t go to sleep herself. She was really good at putting on a happy face during the day when she was around other people. Nighttime was a different story – she felt safe in McKenzie – most of the time.

After the ordeal she went through with her now deceased husband, living on the run and in fear for her life and the life of her son…Lydia struggled with feeling safe at night when she was alone. When it was dark and quiet, she was left with her haunting thoughts. Every sound, every shadow, it all spooked her. Her routine now was to stay up late until she couldn’t fight sleep, and Lydia would finally succumb to dreams over nightmares out of sheer exhaustion, albeit with the lights and TV still on.

She was nearing that time of night, ready to head to her room, when there was a knock on her door. It was well after midnight, and Lydia wasn’t expecting anyone. None of her friends would ever think to come by so late, knowing she had a little one in the house. It just wasn’t like them in general.

Paranoia rolled in, and adrenaline had taken over. Going to the hall closet, Lydia reached for the gun she had hidden on the highest shelf out of Jax’s reach. Turning off the safety, she slowly went to the door, jumping when another knock came harder and louder.

She stood there a good minute, recalling what she had been taught about handling and firing a weapon. Lydia was taught how to shoot by the very man who protected her on the run and then ran from her when their journey came to an end. Declan O’Reilly was easy on the eyes, delicious in bed, but bad for the heart.

With her hand on the doorknob, Lydia waited for a third knock before throwing the door open, startling the person on the other side of the door, banking on the element of surprise.

A sharp gasp escaped her when Lydia saw who was standing at the other end of a potential bullet. Declan O’Reilly. He was back and standing on her front step with his hands up in surrender.

We have a problem…

Lydia knew he was in town, had been for weeks, meddling in his sister’s relationship, along with his brothers. It wasn’t entirely a family reunion. Declan and his brothers were instrumental in a local rescue when her dear friend, Everly Shaw, had gone missing and was held by a psychopath. For that, she was grateful, but seeing him standing on her doorstep in the middle of the night just plain pissed her off.

We do have a problem. You…knocking on my door in the middle of the night. Lydia started to close the door, but he put a hand up and stopped her.

Lydee, I’m serious. I’ve been in town for weeks. We need to talk.

"Oh, got bored with the family and decided, hmmm, I think I’ll drop in on Lydia and see what she’s been up to the past few years? Yeah, no thanks. Goodbye, Declan."

Dammit, Lydia. I was only here with them as a cover. I’ve been staking out the place and following leads. Leads that brought me to your doorstep in the middle of the night, he said.

Right, middle of the night, Lydia waved her hands around and spoke in a quiet spooky voice, "all stealth-like to hide from bad guys."

With her hand on her hip and a death glare locked on him, she said, "News flash, big guy…Esteban is dead. The bad guys are gone. You saw to that. Remember? We were safe here because you were off fighting them."

No, Everly’s case was just an unforeseen distraction. I’m glad we were here to help, but it isn’t why any of us were here, Declan confided.

Convenient. So…what’s the big threat then? It’s late, and I’m tired. Speak, Lydia said with as much sass as she could muster.

Declan knew it would be anything but easy to talk to her again and that she would be angry, to say the least, but this was a side of Lydia he’d never encountered. He broke her heart and dragged his ass getting back to town, but it was all for them. It was apparent that convincing her of that would be anything but easy.

It’s complicated. Can you put that gun away and let me inside? Declan said, looking around with a concerned scowl. Jesus, Lydee. Just let me in.

That had her attention. He didn’t scare easily, and something had Declan stressed. Knowing he was probably the only real threat – as he still held pieces of her heart – Lydia reluctantly let him in. The truth be told, seeing him made her heart skip. It was one thing seeing Declan from afar, but up close and personal was trying her willpower.

Fine. Lydia held the door open wide and let him pass through before closing it behind him. She engaged the safety on the gun and followed him into the living area. So what’s the big threat? If it’s Everly’s stalker, I’m already fully informed. That guy’s dead too and wasn’t into me to begin with. Sounds like you can go home now. It’s late. I’m going to bed, she said. This will have to wait until tomorrow.

You’re going to bed with a gun? Why do you have that anyway? Has something happened? Has he been here? Declan became more concerned.

Giving him a side-eye, trying to decide what he was really asking, Lydia fired back, He? Oh, so that’s what this is about! You think someone – a guy – is staying here? Well, there is – my son – now leave.

I’m not leaving you alone. It isn’t safe, Declan declared before nodding at the gun she was still holding. Especially with that thing around. You couldn’t shoot anyone. It’s not your thing.

"Well, Captain Asshat, a lot has changed since you left. I could and would shoot this thing. Lydia aimed the gun at his knees, safety engaged. She wasn’t that stupid. Would you like me to demonstrate?"

"Dammit, Lydee, I get you’re pissed at me, but we really do have a problem. You and Jax are not safe – not alone anyway, not until we figure this all out."

Keep it down! Jax is sleeping. Go stay with your sister. We’ll talk tomorrow, she grumped.

Can’t. She’s a newlywed. Declan shrugged with a smug grin. Two could play this game.

She rolled her eyes at his excuse. It was going to be one of those nights, apparently. Okay, go stay with Blake.

Shaking his head, he crossed his arms. Blake likes his privacy…

Oh, gee, imagine that. Lydia’s surprised look turned to an irritated frown. "So do I. Surely there’s somewhere else. We can talk about your new bad guy tomorrow."

There is somewhere – right here, in this house. It’s safer this way, and you are just going to have to wrap your pretty little head around that. Declan didn’t tend to be condescending, but she was starting to push his buttons, so he pushed hers right back. I’m not messing around here, and I’m not leaving.

She tossed her hands in the air in defeat and frustration. "Fine! You aren’t sleeping in my bed, and I don’t want to confuse my son. Couch. Lock the door behind you. Apparently, there are bad guys in town."

As frustrated as she was, Lydia was glad he was there. Nights were the worst, and lately, she had that odd inkling that made the hair on her arms tingle. Lydia was being watched.

She stormed off to her room, leaving Declan standing in the middle of the living room. No blanket, no pillow, just stormed off. He’d slept in far worse conditions with a pillow and blanket, so he wasn’t going to complain.

Dec laid on the couch, trying to shift his pants in such a way as to relieve the hard ache she left him with. Lydia was just as feisty as he remembered – tough, strong, and confident. Gorgeous with curves that gave guys hard-ons for days.

He fell asleep at some point, his thoughts of Lydee leading to memories that played like erotic teenage wet dreams. Declan was dreaming about their last time together, and the perfect O Lydia’s mouth made just before she fell over into pure ecstasy, which shook him awake just in time before he finished that teenage boy-like accident. His timing was spot-on since Declan woke to the quickest cold shower ever in the form of a four-year-old little boy standing over him. Staring. Jax.

2

Hey, Jax, Declan greeted while rubbing his eyes and stretching on the couch.

You know my name, the little boy responded as a statement, not a question.

Declan grinned at the sound of his little raspy voice, shocked at how big the kid had gotten. I’ve known you a very long time, kid. I’m your mommy’s friend.

"Mommy doesn’t have any boy friends," the boy replied in confusion.

Raising his eyebrows, Declan filed that little bit of info away and winked at the tot. Good to know.

Jax tilted his little head sideways in confusion. Are you a giant? Is our couch brokened? Why are you so big?

Before Declan could answer, the little guy looked Dec over, trying to see under and around. Your feets don’t fit.

The kid was cute. Declan couldn’t help but smile at him. I’m just sorta tall, I guess?

Your shoes are on the couch. We aren’t s’pose to have our shoes on da couch.

"Technically, my feet hang over, so my feet aren’t really on the couch."

Jax’s eyes went big, shaking his head, and his voice went to a whisper, Don’t say dat to my mom.

Why? Declan sat up, dropping his own voice to a whisper, Is she bossy?

No, ’cause she’ll tell you no sassin’, and you can’t wear shoes in da house either, Jax said, pointing at Declan’s shoes, which were no longer hanging over the couch but were firmly on the floor.

Declan was amused. The kid was cute, so he obliged, following the rules, and kicked his shoes off. Oh, well you could’ve started with that, bud.

Jax slapped his hand to his forehead in obvious frustration. Dat’s not where da shoes go.

He picked up Dec’s shoes and quickly ran to the closet, watching for his mom as he went, and put the shoes away, grunting the whole time, These are heavy!

Lydia leaned against the wall at the walkway between the hallway and living room, amused by Jax. She knew Jax didn’t remember Declan, but he was certainly taken by him already. He wasn’t a shy child, but to be so bold and confront Declan as he did was impressive. There was a giant, strange man on her couch, and Jax was as comfortable with him as anyone.

"Hey Mama, there’s a man on da couch. I put his shoes away. They weren’t on da couch. They didn’t fit, but they were onnn in da house, so I told him da rule because he didn’t know," Jax said with pride.

Well, what was this. Jax was already defending Declan and helping him out of trouble? Interesting.

Jax, that man is…someone Mommy used to know, she said, sending a cold stare Declan’s way. His name is Mr. O’Reilly. He’s Auntie Cari’s big brother.

Declan took the shot like a pro. Someone Lydia used to know? If that didn’t send a message, he didn’t know what did. At the mention of his sister, it dawned on him that Carigan was probably closer to Lydia and Jax than he was, and that truth stung.

Oh! I want a brover, Jax said in excitement as he looked at Dec, impressed with his connection to Carigan. What’s for breakfast, Mama?

Lydia wanted to be up-front with her son and not confuse him. It wasn’t a typical thing to wake up to a giant on your couch. We’ll have breakfast soon. Mr. O’Reilly stayed here because Aunt Cari was…busy.

Kissing a lot? Jax asked, referencing what kept Carigan so busy.

Lydia bobbed her head, considering his response