Fractured Truth: The Fated Series, #7

By HL Packer

Niamh

They say the truth will set you free, don't they?

So why does it feel like we're in a bigger mess now than when we started?

Him and I. Me and him.

The Lies may be behind us, but is the truth any easier to unravel?

Tino

When you're being pulled in two different directions, and your loyalty is being questioned, something's got to give.

But it won't be me.

I know who I am and what I want, and I'm not afraid to stand up and fight for it.

But can we make it through? Or will the fractured truth break us too?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HL Packer
• Release date: Sep 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201450915

HL Packer

H.L. Packer is, quite frankly, a busy bee. An avid reader as a child, her love for all things written waned into adulthood, the excitement of real life things taking over. But when her life slowed down as she finished her office job for maternity leave, her husband purchased her an e-reader, and that obsession was rekindled. Quickly she went from reader to reviewer, and then from reviewer to blogger; street teams and promo tours galore. When she began collating her own book boxes over at Romance Readers Book Box UK and had the opportunity to include her own words and worlds, the characters began talking. Those cheeky characters quickly found themselves written down on the page, and her first series was in progress. When she is not coordinating her worlds, you can find her running around after her free-spirited three children, and husband, or tending to the dogs, bearded dragons, and snakes that also reside with them. A break can be found soaking in a bubble bath or enjoying a glass of wine, often still with a book in her hand. H.L. Packer is, quite frankly, a busy bee. An avid reader as a child, her love for all things written waned into adulthood, the excitement of real life things taking over. But when her life slowed down as she finished her office job for maternity leave, her husband purchased her an e-reader, and that obsession was rekindled. Quickly she went from reader to reviewer, and then from reviewer to blogger; street teams and promo tours galore. When she began collating her own book boxes over at Romance Readers Book Box UK and had the opportunity to include her own words and worlds, the characters began talking. Those cheeky characters quickly found themselves written down on the page, and her first series was in progress. When she is not coordinating her worlds, you can find her running around after her free-spirited three children, and husband, or tending to the dogs, bearded dragons, and snakes that also reside with them. A break can be found soaking in a bubble bath or enjoying a glass of wine, often still with a book in her hand.

Book preview

1

T ino, Marco just… Cian says, the sound of the door reverberating back against the wood panelling echoing around the room as he yells, What the fuck?

We stay together, eyes locked and hearts pounding, for the barest of seconds and the entirety of a lifetime. There are a million words passed in that moment before his legs loosen around my hips, his feet coming to the floor as he taps my hip twice.

I swear to fucking God, if one of you doesn’t start speaking in the next three seconds… Cian huffs loudly behind me, but I’m not going to be rushed.

We might have to stop this, or pause it, but I’m not going to be treated like a naughty child. I’m an adult, goddammit. And I’ve been through more shit than he has any idea about.

Slowly, I rest back on my heels, rising to stand when Cian decides he won’t wait anymore. His steps thunder around the room, his hand banding around my arm as he attempts to lift me off Tino.

Hey, I call out.

Get your hands off her, Tino grits out from the floor, his anger rippling through the room like a tidal wave as he leaps to my defence.

Explain, Cian grits out towards Tino, one hand already clenched in a fist, the other wrapped around my arm.

You don’t have to explain anything, I intervene, stuck between the two of them as the testosterone cascades over and around me. "This is nothing to do with you," I glower.

His gaze snaps from Tino to mine, the shock and confusion clear as Tino hovers at my back.

Nothing to do with me? I’m your fucking brother, he seethes. And him… well, he’s just some Italian Casanova in here working his way into your pants. And if that was anything to go by, it looks like it’s working.

You don’t know shit, I clip, shirking my arm from his hold. And you have no right to come in here shouting and throwing your weight around. Who the hell do you think you are?

Cian’s eyes widen, his breath puffing out in anger as he takes a step back from me.

Me? he asks.

Yeah, you. What on earth gives you the right to come in here and give anyone shit about this?

I’m your brother, he grits out between clenched teeth, seething.

Brother? I scoff. Call yourself my fucking brother? Where the hell have you been? What on earth have you been doing? Hanging around with the rest of your team and looking for a new place, I ramble. And with your help, as well, I add, throwing it over my shoulder to Tino.

I’m still pissed about that too.

But now that I’ve started, it’s like the flood gates have opened and I can’t stop, the words spewing forth from me with no control.

You fuck off with Jonathan McCarthy in the first place, then drag me into it. You have no idea what I’ve been through, what I’ve done for you. No idea at all. And now I’m in yet another country, and you’re nowhere to be found. I can barely hold a conversation with our own mother because I don’t know what’s safe to tell her and what isn’t, and you don’t even have the decency to have a full conversation with me. Never mind the fact that you’re moving out and didn’t tell me, despite you being the only reason I’m here at all.

Nee, he attempts to placate with the tilt of his head.

Don’t fucking ‘Nee’ me, Cian. Don’t treat me like a child when it suits and then a complete stranger ten minutes later.

Really? he huffs out, his irritation front and centre. You have no idea, do you? No idea what you going to that place has done to me. The things I’ve had to do to get you out and safe, the things I’m still doing and will be for the rest of my life.

Don’t you dare, I hiss, Tino’s hand landing comfortingly on my hip. His support is silent and yet invaluable, and he’s the only person I could tolerate touching me whilst my emotions are so raw. "You chose to go there. You chose to be a big man and take part in whatever it was Jonathan McCarthy wanted to do with you. Make you a star."

Yeah, I did, he replies, his eyes narrowing where Tino’s hand sits. But I never expected you to turn up looking for me. For you to throw yourself in the middle of things. If you’d have just stayed home, safe and away, then I would never have ended up in that shit storm.

Turned up looking for you? I screech. Are you out of your damn mind? I never turned up looking for you.

Well, how the hell did you end up with McCarthy then? he asks, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyebrows raised like he knows he’s won this argument. Like I’m a liar.

Aiden Dakin turned up in The Dogs. I spit the words out, ready to be rid of the venom and all the power they hold over me as Tino’s grip tightens on my hip. "Thought he could seduce me out of there, or drug me, I suppose. He wanted to talk to me, buy me a drink. When that didn’t work, he left, waited for me on the way home to our house and told me if I didn’t want him to send pieces of you home to our mother that I best get in the car quietly."

What? he asks, his confusion clear.

I can’t believe you seriously thought I would turn up there looking for you. Do you really think I’m that much of an idiot? Do you think I brought this all on myself? That I went looking for it?

Of course not, he clips. "But none of that has anything to do with what’s going on here. He’s taking advantage of you."

He attempts to change the direction of the conversation but he doesn’t realise that the two things are irrevocably linked.

Oh, it has everything to do with it, Cian. If I hadn’t ended up there, Tino wouldn’t have had to cut me out of a metal cage with an oxy-whatever-it’s-called thing.

Oxyacetylene, Tino confirms quietly as Cian paces.

Yeah, that. And if he hadn’t have saved me and taken me to Tia, then who knows what else would have happened.

By the time I get to the end, I’m shaking, adrenaline coursing through my system as we both finally say the things that we should have said to each other months ago.

And what the fuck do you think I was doing, huh? he asks, throwing his arms out. Just sitting here drinking wine and hoping everything turned out rosy? Come on, Niamh. I’ve been through hell and back hoping you were okay and working out how to get you out of there. Why do you think I ended up working with Carlos and Anton in the first place? Do you think Mario just happened to turn up there one evening or do you think someone might have tipped him off?

I have no idea, Cian, I yell. You won’t fucking speak to me about anything.

His pacing stops, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as he looks from me to where Tino’s hand grips my hip. I’m suddenly hyper aware that Tia is stood silently in the doorway. That I just poured half my soul out in front of them all.

Are you okay here? Tino whispers to me, clearly picking up on my unease as the silence stretches out. It might be better if we leave you two to this conversation alone.

You’re not going anywhere, Cian roars, side stepping in front of the doors, his gaze still locked with Tino’s. If you think you’re walking out of here you’re fucking mistaken.

I’m more than aware you have something to say about this, Cian, he replies tersely. But there’s a process for that and it sounds like there’s a more important conversation to be had with your sister, don’t you think?

This isn’t over, Cian growls.

I’m fine, babe, I reply to Tino, cutting off the pissing match that’s happening all around me. I’ll see you in a bit.

It looks like Cian’s eyes are about to blow out of his head and steam is about to bellow from his ears as Tino presses a kiss to my temple before stepping away.

A warning, Don’t, falls from Tia at the doorway and he falls silent, the wind whipped from his sails. Once you’re finished talking with Niamh, I want a word too. Come on, Tino. Let’s go get some coffee.

He didn’t realise she was stood there, that much is evident by the crestfallen look on his face as he watches Tia and Tino walk out, the doors swinging closed behind them.

You could have warned me, he grumbles, throwing his fist into the punching bag that lays at the side of the room.

Warned you that your girlfriend was watching you have a temper tantrum? I don’t think so. I scoff. Aren’t you supposed to be resting or something? Not hitting inanimate objects and threatening people, I retort, heading to the side of the room and pulling one of the chairs out to sit down.

Don’t give me reason to, he clips, continuing to pace.

What the hell is going on, Cian? I ask on a sigh, the fight leaving me––much as it has him now that it’s just the two of us and an empty room.

I should probably ask you the same thing, he replies, throwing another punch.

My sex life is nothing to do with you.

Your what? he seethes, turning to glare at the closed doors. I’m going to break every bone in his fucking body.

But there’s no malice in it. Well, not much. I don’t doubt he’d try, at some point, but most of the fight behind his eyes disappeared when he heard Tia chastise him with nothing more than one word. I need to learn how to do that.

You’re not going to do anything, I reply with a roll of my eyes. Get your head out of your ass and sit down.

God, you sound just like Mum. He chuckles with a shake of his head, crossing the room and landing heavily in the chair beside me. It’s been forever since I spoke to her.

I called her the other week, I admit with a shrug. It was nice.

Yeah?

Yeah. She was just getting ready to go and meet aunt Laoise for coffee, or drinks, or drinks and coffee… I can’t remember.

I’ve been avoiding calling them, he admits. Wasn’t sure what you’d told them and didn’t want to drop anyone in it.

Least of all yourself.

That’s not fair, Niamh. He sighs, his irritation giving way to the clear frustration I haven’t seen thus far. I didn’t ask you to get involved in this. I was trying to keep you safe.

I didn’t ask to get involved either, I clip out, my temper rising once again.

No, I get that, he replies, attempting to find a middle ground between us. Look, seeing you strapped to that chair next to Tia was something else… something I never in a million years wanted to see. You’re my little sister and I was supposed to protect you, and I’ve done nothing but fail, time and time again.

You haven’t failed, I reply quietly, laying my hand over his. "I chose to go with Aiden. I chose to make sure you were safe and our family didn’t have to find out what was going on. Okay, so I didn’t choose to come back with Tia and get roped into whatever the hell that was with Anton and what’s-his-name, but I’m dealing with it. I’m okay."

You’re not okay. What the hell was that? he asks, gesturing to the mats where he found us.

That was me and Tino fooling around, I reply with a roll of my eyes as I sit back in the chair. I’m sure you’ve got some experience in that department.

You’re just a kid.

"I haven’t been just a kid for a long time, Cian, I counter. And certainly not after everything that’s happened in the last year."

Evidently, he grumbles. Wait, are you... did he… Shit, we can’t have this conversation, he says frustratedly, running his hands through his hair. You’re not. He’s not. You’re not doing anything, with anyone. Ever.

I laugh, knowing he can’t control me and never has been able to. He’s never even tried.

Have fun in your new place, I huff out, not interested in listening to him attempt to tell me what to do––or more importantly, who not to do. I’m going to find Tia.

This isn’t over, he clips.

You said that to Tino too, I reply, tired and wrung out. This is not how this morning was supposed to go. I don’t wait for anything else from him, instead, crossing the room and throwing out, Didn’t she want a word with you too? before slamming the door closed behind me.

The gardens are quiet as I make my way along the winding path. The long grass sways in the breeze either side of me, a chill creeping over my skin. Hustling my steps, I make it back to the house, blowing on my hands as I close the kitchen doors behind me.

Marco called. Tino had to go, Tia comments from the sofa nook in the corner. He apologised, if that helps.

Not his fault, I reply, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge before changing my mind and putting it back. Too cold. Flicking the kettle on, I grab a mug from the cupboard, throwing a teabag in as I wait for the water to be ready.

Do you want one? I offer, gesturing to the mug.

Nah, I’m good, she replies, raising her coffee. I can’t say I’ve ever understood the thing about tea.

What? There’s nothing wrong with a good cuppa, I reply with a smile.

I’ll stick with this for now. She chuckles, waiting until I’ve got my drink and joined her on the sofa before asking the question she really wants answering. Are you okay?

I want to say yes, but then I’m not sure if I’m just saying that and really I’m not okay. Does that make sense?

Yes.

I think I’m okay, it just got a bit out of hand.

And Tino and Cian didn’t come to blows?

No. I was… I swallow. On top. So, it kind of defused the situation a little bit, maybe? Cian would have had to come through me to get to Tino, so it made him step back at the very least.

On top? she asks with the raise of an eyebrow.

We were dressed and everything. It’s not as bad as it sounds, I add. But it was good to kind of get it out.

Well, it’s about time the two of you talked, but I’m not sure this was the way I expected it to happen.

No, me neither, I reply, blowing over the hot tea.

Is he still down there?

Yeah. Probably hitting something he’s not supposed to be.

I’ll go talk to him.

Thank you for that, by the way. I don’t know what would have happened if they had escalated any further, I say quietly.

Well, they didn’t, so let’s try and not worry about it for now. You realise they’re going to come to blows over this at some point though, don’t you?

I nod and she pats my leg before getting up, pouring another coffee and heading out of the doors silently, in search of Cian.

I guess I never considered what would happen when anyone else found out. Well, when my brother found out. Sophie and Tia have known for a little while now and they’ve been nothing but supportive.

So, it’s not really what other people think so much as what Cian thinks that’s the issue. But it’s not really that. I just never considered that Tino would feel the same way, and then when things started to happen between us, when I understood he did––and does––care about me… well, I’ve just been so swept up in the moment I never stopped to consider anyone else’s thoughts on it.

I guess I should have done.

Because it isn’t just me involved here and La Famiglia is a brotherhood, as much as anything else. A brotherhood that I’ve just got in the middle of.

Maybe I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

2

T hat looked… heated, Tia comments as I hold the kitchen door open for her.

What the hell was he even doing there? I ask, my confusion clear.

I dunno. She shrugs. Coffee?

That would be great, I reply, as she pours two coffees. So much for self-defence.

Huh?

Niamh had other ideas for what we could do this morning and Cian walked in right in the middle of it.

Tell me you were both clothed. She cringes, handing me a mug and heading to the sofa.

Yes, I reply, joining her. We were both clothed but most definitely not in a platonic kind of position.

It’s not a position I had any issue with, until her brother came barging in, and just the thought has me adjusting myself before sitting down.

Guess that means the leggings worked. She smirks.

Why am I not surprised you had a hand in this? I sigh.

Because of course she did. It’s not like form fitting leggings and tops that show off every delectable curve are Niamh’s usual style

Neither of you have been particularly subtle about the whole thing.

You’ve been watching us like a hawk since you clocked it at dinner all those weeks ago. Don’t even lie, I reply with a huff.

Yeah, well, us girls have got to stick together, she replies as my phone starts ringing in my pocket.

Sorry about this, I say, pulling it out. It’s Marco. Hey, you good? I ask. Yeah… No, he didn’t get chance… What’s up… Right, I’m on my way.

You’ve got to go? she asks.

Afraid so. I sigh. That’s what Cian was coming to tell me. Sorry to leave you in the middle of this.

Don’t worry. I’ll make sure Niamh is okay when she makes it back up here and I’ll attempt to calm Cian down. I guess at the very least they’re talking, so that can only be a good thing. I know it’s been a thorn in both their sides for far too long now.

I guess something positive ought to come out of it. How did you know to come down, anyway? I ask.

I saw Cian head out of the kitchen door whilst I was clearing breakfast up and figured if he was going out there, he would be coming your way. Thought you might need the intervention.

Well, we did. Thank you again for that. Will you let Niamh know that I’m sorry and I’ll see her tomorrow afternoon for another session? She’d better be ready to hit me then.

Sure thing, she replies as I rinse the mug in the sink. I approve, by the way. You’re good for her and she’ll be good for you.

Let’s not count on anything just yet, I reply. Cian’s going to have some choice words, I’m sure.

Worried, Tino? She laughs.

Not in the fucking slightest, I reply. Catch you in a bit.

She waves her fingers in my direction, sipping her coffee as she sinks back into the sofa to wait for Niamh and Cian.

It should be me waiting to deal with whatever the fallout from this is, not her. But when the boss calls, you go. And that’s what Cian should have been telling me, rather than causing a scene. She’s a grown woman after all.

The door closes behind me and I’m around the side of the house and in the SUV heading down the driveway within minutes, music blasting out of the speakers as I go. Well, I guess there’s something to be said for it being out in the open now, at least we won’t have to hide it.

It’s a half hour drive to the warehouse but I’m already late. I make it in twenty, hoping Carlos isn’t in too foul a mood.

We might as well move the main office out here, I comment, loitering in the doorway to the dingy office of the warehouse. But the food is much better at Gusto.

Where the fuck have you been? Carlos snaps.

Sorry. I didn’t get the message. Cian interrupted me and Niamh in a compromising position. I cough. And it sort of fell to the wayside, I reply awkwardly.

Compromising position? Franky scoffs. Don’t tell me you’re fucking his sister…

Well, that explains a lot, Carlos grumbles.

It’s not like that, I start. We just got a bit distracted from the jujitsu we were supposed to be working on.

Oh, yeah. Franky laughs. I bet she was grinding you good when he walked in.

He has no idea how fucking right he is, but he won’t get the satisfaction of knowing that from me.

I’m sure Cian will be glad to fill you all in later, but for now, I’m just going to say she’s off limits. Okay?

Fucking hell. Carlos sighs, rolling his eyes and rubbing his temples. When did this happen? Why am I just finding out about it now?

I’m reasonably sure my sex life doesn’t need to be run past you, I retort.

That’s not what I meant, Carlos says. But we don’t need you and Cian at each other’s throats. A heads up would have been nice.

Hey, I’m not at anyone’s throat, I argue.

No, you’re just in––

Don’t even finish that sentence, I clip out in Franky’s direction. Just don’t even go there.

So, how bad was it? You’re not bleeding, so I’m gonna assume the two of you haven’t had it out yet, Carlos replies.

He wasn’t impressed. I shrug. Tia interrupted and got me the hell out of there. I left him talking with Niamh. They need to clear the air about a few things.

As much as it burned me to do it, I know she’s safe with him––he wouldn’t hurt her. At the end of the day, it’s me he’s pissed at, not her, but it still grated to leave her with him whilst he was so riled up. There’s a time and place for in house disputes, and the back garden isn’t it.

More than just the fact that you–– Franky starts.

Let’s just deal with one problem at a time, shall we? Carlos interrupts, cutting him off and gesturing for me to take