Page 9 of Be My Traitor

“But I thought we used protection?”

“We did.” I shrugged. “We were unlucky.”

“A daughter…” Lucas gazed off into the distance. “I had no idea.”

“Yeah, well, I tried to tell you, but you disappeared. I guess falling into bed with me was a mistake, but you didn’t have to run like that. I’m a grown up. I could have coped if you’d just told me you weren’t interested in seeing me again.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Lucas said.

“So, what was it like?”

He pursed his lips and shook his head. “It’s not important. What’s done is done.”

Chapter 5

Lucas

It had been tough enough coming back here knowing that I’d have to face Milly after all these years. Archer had been very clear. I wasn’t to tell her he’d warned me off and I’d respected that. After what I’d done to Ivy and the way I’d supported Solomon, I figured it was the least I could do.

But knowing I had a daughter? That changed everything.

“Do you have a photo of her?” I asked.

“Of course.” Milly took her phone out and opened up the photos folder. Selecting one, she handed the phone over. The little girl in the picture was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. She looked a lot like Milly, but she had my grey eyes and the way she was holding herself reminded me a lot of photos of myself at that age.

“She’s beautiful,” I said, passing back the phone. “But then I guess any daughter of yours would be. Jeez, Milly, I wish I’d known. I’d have been there for you. For both of you, no matter what anyone else said.”

Milly frowned. “Why would anyone else want to get involved?”

Damn.I’d almost put my foot in it. “You and I both know I was public enemy number one after what happened with Solomon,” I said, smoothly covering. “Do you really think your family would be happy to see you play happy families with me?” A thought struck me. “Do they know I’m Amber’s father?”

“Archer may have done the maths.” I shrugged. “I mean, he knew we’d spent the night. But if he suspected you’re Amber’s father, he’s never said anything. And I never told anyone else, not even Ivy. I was too ashamed.”

“Of being with me?” I laughed bitterly. “That figures.”

“No!” Ivy protested. “I don’t mean it like that. It’s just that I’m supposed to be the heir to House Knight. I’m here to set an example and getting pregnant after a one-night stand isn’t exactly in the business plan. But everyone was so supportive, after a while, I became used to the idea of bringing up my daughter by myself, even though my parents try to marry me off every now and then. They’re starting to get the message that I prefer to be on my own.”

So, Milly was single. That was good to know. I wasn’t in the mood to square up to another alpha male to fight for my daughter. And if Archer tried to interfere again, this time I was going to let him know he couldn’t push me around. I left because he was right – it wasn’t fair to start something with Milly if I couldn’t see it through. But knowing I had a daughter changed everything. I’d come back to find my sister. Now it turned out I had even more family here than I realised. I wasn’t going anywhere, no matter how much Archer Knight tried to push me around.

I cut straight to the chase. “So, when can I see my daughter?”

Milly bit her lip, nervously shuffling around. “Do you really think that’s such a good idea, Lucas? Amber’s settled. Do you really want to disrupt her life? Is that fair on her?”

“Is it fair on her to deny her a relationship with her father?” I countered. “You’ve had it your way for the past few years, but it takes two to make a child and a whole village to raise one. I’m part of Amber’s family, whether you like it or not. But if you want to try to stop me seeing her, that’s fine. I happen to have an excellent team of lawyers who I’m sure would be more than happy to take you on. And given that you’ve hidden my child’s existence from me for so long, I think it would be only fair for me to go for full custody.”

Milly paled.

“I’d rather not go that route,” I continued. “Whether you believe it or not, I’ll always act in Amber’s best interests and I don’t think it would be good for her to see her parents fighting it out in court. I know all too well what that sort of experience can do to a child’s mental health. But make no mistake. If you keep me away from my daughter any longer, I’ll bring the full force of my legal team down on you and we won’t stop until Amber’s living with me.”

“You wouldn’t,” Milly whispered. “You can’t possibly think you’d win. You’re not the only one with good lawyers.”

“Maybe I’ll win, maybe I won’t.” I shrugged. “But at the very least, I’ll get access to my child, so what good will it do to delay the inevitable?”

“You’re right.” Milly sighed. “Fine. You can see Amber. Why don’t you come round to my place this weekend? I think it would be easiest for her to see you at home. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything about being her father before then. Give me a chance to prepare her. I know her better than anyone. I’ll explain who you are when the time is right.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “I can do that.”

“Fair warning, I’m not the girl you left in that bed. I’m her mother and I will fight to the death for Amber. So hurt her, Lucas, and you will be dealing with a storm,” she warns, fire burning her in eyes. I like that fire.

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