Page 30 of The Bratva's Secret Baby

Laurel was an artist, and she gave Kaity paintings whenever she had time to paint a new one.

“I think she will like it,” I said.

“I think she will too. Are you going to invite me in?”

“Sorry, sure.” My mind was still spinning, and I couldn’t think straight. “Would you like anything?”

Laurel sat down on one of the sofas and placed the framework on the coffee table beside her. “Not today, thanks. I just had lunch, and I have somewhere else I need to be soon.”

“Okay.” I settled into the seat across from her and saw her worried look as she eyed me. “Is something wrong?”

She propped her hands under her chin. “I think I should be the one to ask that question. Is everything okay with you? You look so out of it.”

I looked away and sighed. The weight of seeing Damien again and being ambushed was too heavy, and it was killing me that I couldn’t share it with her. Things were already getting out of hand. I couldn’t take the risk of getting her involved.

“It’s all right,” I lied.

“I don’t believe you,” she said. She leaned forward. “Did you lose a case today?”

I shook my head. “I never lose a case.”

Her grin was fleeting. “You can be cocky sometimes, you know that? Don’t try to talk your way out of it with jokes.”

“I’m sorry, Laurel. I can't talk about it.”

“But you’re not hurt, and Kaity's fine, right?”

I nodded.

“That’s all I need to know.” She got up from her sofa and walked over to mine, then sat down next to me and put her arm around my shoulder. “I won't pry any further, just know that I’m here for you if you ever want to tell me what’s bothering you. Even if you don’t want me to, I’ll come over with booze and pizza and cheer you up if you need me.”

The thought of alcohol and pizza with Laurel brought a smile to my lips. It’s been so long since we've done that. “I’m a mom, I don’t drink these days.”

“Exactly,” she said, shaking her head. “You know what? A few drinks never killed anyone.”

We both laughed before silence fell again.

“Kaity’s dad was outside the courthouse today,” I said quietly.

Her mouth twisted. “He was? What did he want from you?”

Everything.

“I’m not sure. So much has happened, and I don't know what to do now.”

She looked me in the eyes. “Do you still love him?”

My mind went blank, and I couldn’t answer.

“Since you’re so quiet, I assume you still love him.” Her tone was gentle and kind. If there was anyone, I could trust not to judge my actions and decisions, it was Laurel. She didn’t know the whole story about Damien, but I had a feeling she wouldn’t criticize me even if she did.

“What if I do?” I tilted my head in her direction. “I know I shouldn’t, but what if I do?”

“Follow your heart,” she said in an undertone, giving me a reassuring smile. “When you’re torn between your head and your heart, always follow your heart.”

“And if it leads me astray?” I whispered back. “What am I supposed to do then?”

“You’ll be glad you tried.” She took my hands and rubbed them. “It’s better to live life than to regret not giving yourself a chance.”

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