Page 52 of Primal God

I nod numbly before rushing out of his living room. I don’t stop until I get into the SUV, where I promptly lock the door.

There’s no way he knows why I took off a year. I grip the steering wheel.

But if he does…

If he does and he lets Dimitri know, then I’m screwed. It’s not even a question. Luckily, most people don’t notice the gap in my employment history. But if Uncle Wolfe knows…

My breath hitches.

There’s only one solution. I’ll just have to play along with Uncle Wolfe and hope whoever he introduces me to won’t wantto actually get married. My hand shakes as I start the SUV and get the hell out of Uncle Wolfe’s driveway.

By the time I get to my apartment, I’ve calmed down a bit, but not much. Cecely is waiting with Raquel when I enter and I scoop my baby into my arms, kissing the top of her head.

“Momma has missed you so much.”

Raquel coos, snuggling into me.

Cecely asks, “You okay?”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Sit and tell me what’s going on.”

I tell her everything Uncle Wolfe said, and she shakes her head the entire time.

“That man is nuts.”

“I know, but what if he’s not lying? What if he knows about Raquel?”

Cecely is silent for a moment. Finally, she says, “You’re not going to like what I have to say.”

“Say it.”

“Maybe you should tell Dimitri-the-dick.”

I shake my head. “No.”

“Lili, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“Oh, I don’t know? Let’s think about it.” I snap my fingers. “That’s right. He’ll use his money to take my child from me and I’ll never see her again!”

“Do you really think that’s what he’ll do?”

“I don’t know!” The words come out in a rush of emotion. “I have no idea what he’ll do because it’s clear that he doesn’t remember hooking up!”

“Which is why you should tell him.”

“No.”

She sighs. “It’s your life, friend, so I’m not going to push you.”

“But?”

“But what are you going to do if your uncle is serious?”

I shake my head in denial. “He’s bluffing. And there’s no way I’m going to let him force me into marrying someone.”

At six on the dot, I walk into the library wearing my black dress. I’m feeling better after spending time with Raquel. I mean, there’s nothing better than baby snuggles to make all your problems fade away.

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