Page 35 of False Heir

As Sean turned to slip back inside, I caught Kieran watching me, his gaze intense.

“What?” I asked roughly, my patience thinning.

Kieran just shrugged, the hint of a frown creasing his forehead. “I don’t know, lad. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Yeah, Kieran,” I replied. “Me too.”

Chapter Fourteen: Adriana

I found myself at one of my favorite parks, waiting for my sister. I would make my way back to the safehouse before it got dark. If I needed to explain, I would just tell Tristan I needed some fresh air.

It was true. It just wasn’t the whole truth.

But The Fens had a chill that night, the kind that seeped into your bones and made you question your choices. I leaned against an ancient oak, my arms crossed over my chest as I tried to steady my racing heart. The tunic dress I wore offered little warmth against the biting air and the lining of my coat felt too thin, but then again, comfort wasn't the priority tonight. Meeting Carmen here, away from Tristan's protective gaze, felt like a betrayal of sorts—yet it was one I convinced myself was necessary.

A rustle in the underbrush signaled her arrival before she stepped into view. Carmen, ever the image of reckless poise, approached with her signature confident stride. Her attire for the night was stylishly understated, a blazer hugging her shoulders, the fabric whispering power and secrets with every move.

"Adriana," she greeted, her voice low and controlled, betraying nothing of the urgency that must have driven her here.

I had called her to tell her we needed to sort things out…and she had agreed, but told me we couldn’t do that over the phone.

“Where is he?” she asked, looking around. “Should you be out by yourself?”

“Yeah, I think I can deal with going for a walk,” I said, sounding a little more annoyed than I wanted to.

“Does he think so?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes. “Hi, Carm.”

We didn't hug. Instead, we stood there for a heartbeat too long, our eyes locking in silent conversation. The shadows of The Fens seemed to lean in, eavesdropping on the tension that knotted between us. We were sisters, bound by blood and secrets, yet the space that separated us was filled with unasked questions and ungiven answers.

"Let's walk," I suggested, my voice barely above the whisper of the leaves around us.

Side by side, we started down the path, the gravel crunching beneath our shoes the only evidence of our clandestine rendezvous. Our arms brushed occasionally, a fleeting touch in the night that served as a reminder of the bond we shared—a bond that tonight, would be tested once again.

“So what did you want to talk about?”

“So many things. How did you get out of the Callahan estate?”

“Kieran gave me a ride,” she said, looking away from me. “He’s nice.”

I looked at her for a long second. “You didn’t…”

“Sleep with him? No. We talked. That’s all,” Carmen cut me off, her fiery red hair catching the moonlight as she turned her head to look at me. Her eyes were serious, and I felt a small wave of relief wash over me.

"You know we can't afford any more complications," I said, my words coming out more like a plea than a rebuke, my hand on my bump.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” she said. “He’s hot, but I definitely don’t want to get involved with a Callahan.”

"Good," I replied, my voice coming out more hushed than I'd intended. The conversation sank into an uncomfortable silence, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. We used to share everything. Now, we barely shared words that weren't laced with bitterness or uncertainty.

Our silhouettes, swallowed by the gloom, disappeared and reappeared intermittently under the wan light of the streetlamps lining the path. The night was eerily quiet, save for the distant car horns and the occasional whisperings of the wind.

“I’m sorry I just left you there when Dad was acting unhinged. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Are you joking?” Carmen asked. “Ade, you’re pregnant. You have to look after yourself. Dad is being totally crazy, and he was being crazy then. I was fine. The danger had passed. Also, it was really funny that you stole the Mustang. Are you going to give it back?”

“Yeah,” I said with a smile. “I’ll drive it when I go home for brunch next time.”

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