Page 41 of Hidden Heir

“And?” I sip slowly, watching her intently. “What is your answer?”

“My answer is yes,” she replies. “But I have some terms.”

I take another drink. “What are your terms?”

“I want Tiffany to be safe. Not just now when she’s little, but when she gets older, too. I want her protected for her entire life. And I want her to be free to make her own choices and to be able to do her own thing.”

“You think I would stop her?”

Brooke’s eyes narrow. “I want to ensure that no one can. Ever. She deserves the freedom to live her life.”

“Am I not offering you freedom?”

Brooke’s mouth twists. “I’m not against staying here with you, trust me. I just want to ensure my daughter has everything she needs in case something happens in the future.”

“Like what?” I prompt with another sip, hoping she’ll me the truth.

“You like me now,” Brooke says, “But who knows how you will feel in a year? Five years? Ten?”

A fair assessment. “And your brother?”

Her eyes narrow again and a flicker of distaste moves across her face. “He’s his own person but I’m hoping our deal will mean you will keep him safe as well.”

I nod. “I will.”

“Thank you. I would like all of this in writing.”

Something about how earnestly she says that makes me laugh loudly, causing a small, uncertain smile to creep along her lips.

“Did I say something funny?”

“Not intentionally. It’s just… you said you know about me from the news, about me and my father, and I would assume my family as a whole. They tend to paint a very specific picture of us because we let them, but shouldn’t that be enough to scare you away?”

Brooke hesitates then she shakes her head. “No.” The intensity in her voice suggests the Irish scare her a lot more.

“Then do you really think that legal documents of any kind hold any real weight here? If I were to draw up a proper contract, and sign it with all of your terms, how well do you think that would hold up inmycourt?”

“Well enough,” Brooke replies. “Like I said, I watch the news. Your family name holds more power than the cops do, so in a legal court of law I know that document would win. And just so you know, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure my daughter’s safety.”

That’s her motivation, clear as day.

If it is the Irish they owe the money to, I know she’s acting to protect her child and I value that. However, a few weeks ago, I was what she needed to keep her daughter safe but now things are shifting. She wants a guarantee that her daughter will be protected from everything, including me.

“Alright.” I take a drink. “I will get you your contract.”

“And you’ll sign it?”

I nod, tilting the glass back and forth. “Now come here.”

A glint of confusion shines in her eyes as she walks toward me, stopping a foot away.

“Get down on your knees.”

She complies immediately, and in that moment, I know she is mine.

18

BROOKE

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