Page 160 of Illicit Heir

"Agreed."

I glance back at the closed door. "She's not coming near Lauren. How far away is she?"

Brody glances at his watch. "Few minutes."

I don't say anything, processing the information, trying to figure out what to do.

"You've got a decision to make," Brody states, giving me a knowing look.

I sigh, scrubbing my hands over my face. I don't like that my son's not here yet either, but I have to trust Maeve. It's not her fault that she got separated. The smoke was too much, and our guys didn't get to her fast enough.

Still, the more time that passes, the harder it gets to reassure Lauren that everything is okay.

Brody asks, "Well? Are ya killing her? It's your call."

I don't want any more grief in Lauren's life. I'd happily take out Kathleen for all she's put Lauren and my son through. But I know it has to be Lauren's decision. So, I begrudgingly go back into the room.

"Is it Maeve?" she questions with a mix of hope and fear in her voice.

"No. But I need to talk to you regarding another issue," I inform her.

"About our son?" Her voice cracks.

I hold my hands up. "No, our baby's fine."

"How do ya know?"

I sit next to her and tug her closer to me. "Lauren, please. A decision has to be made, and ya need to be part of it."

Her eyes turn to slits. "What's so important if it doesn't concern our son?"

"I need ya to stay calm."

She takes a deep breath and nods. "Okay."

I debate for a moment and decide the cold hard facts are the best direction to go. "Your mum's met with Caleb."

A mix of disgust, hatred, sadness, and betrayal overtakes her features. "About what?"

I don't take my gaze off her, stating, "She made a deal with him to come here."

Lauren glares at me. "Why?"

Brody interjects, "She told him she has access to Alaina and can get in here to take the baby."

Lauren's eyes widen. "She wouldn't."

"She has," Brody insists.

"But..." Lauren turns away, her lip trembling.

My brother adds, "Caleb made a new pledge to her."

Lauren stares at me in horror. "What did he promise?"

Brody answers, "If you return, she'll have full access to you and the baby again. She'll be back in his good graces, and he'll take care of her."

"No, she wouldn't do that," Lauren denies.

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