Page 103 of Illicit Heir

My stomach growls. I curse myself for not eating more than the Irish soda bread this morning.

I put my head against the window and close my eyes, trying to sleep, but I can't. I never stop worrying. I almost text Devin several times but stop myself.

What if my mum's telling the truth? What if the O'Connors take the baby from me? Or what if Devin gets mad that I'm pregnant?

I expect Caleb would enjoy it because he would know he had me and I was his to control.

And Devin doesn't seem like the settling-down type. I'm sure he wouldn't like it if I showed up and told him I was pregnant. Maybe Alaina would insist they keep the baby.

I debate over and over what the O'Connors would do until the train finally stops.

I glance out the window at the station. It looks a lot like the one in Coolock. I take a deep breath and follow the crowd, exiting the train. I walk through the station, then step outside.

It's drizzling. I stare down the street, unable to move.

"Ya need directions, lass?" someone says next to me.

I glance at an older man with wrinkles all over his face.

His shamrock-green beret is tattered and worn. He removes it and adds, "Ya look like you're lost."

I stare straight ahead, unsure what to do or where to go.

He offers, "Ma'am, where are ya going? I can help direct ya if ya need help."

"I'm fine," I lie, walking away from him, unsure where I'm going or what my options are.

18

Devin

Two Weeks Later

Tynan and I pull out of the warehouse. He claims, "It's time to take over the territory to the border of Donnycarney."

"Brody said not yet," I remind him.

He grunts. "Brody's being too cautious."

I open my mouth to reply, but my phone vibrates.

Alaina: Get over here now.

Me: Don't be so snippy.

Alaina: It's an emergency.

Goose bumps pop out on my skin. I glance at my brother. "It's Alaina."

"What does she want?"

"She says it's an emergency," I inform him, veering to the other side of the road and making a U-turn.

Tynan glances at his cell. "I didn't get a text."

Alaina rarely says there's an emergency, and normally if there is, all of my brothers get notified.

"She must have found Caleb," I state.

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