Page 124 of Illicit Heir

He snarls, "Why would ya be looking for her?"

"I don't know who you're looking for."

"Bullshit."

Samuel steps next to Caleb, as does Tynan next to me. Tynan warns, "Let's not have any trouble in here."

"I want to know why you're looking for her," Caleb barks.

I seethe, "My business isn't yours. If ya want, we can take this outside. No need to hurt people who have nothing to do with our business."

"Your business? She's not your business," he snarls, then glances at Samuel.

I take advantage of the brief moment when his focus isn't on me, slamming my fist against his cheek. It knocks him backward, and he falls to the ground. Blood spurts everywhere.

My brother and I dart past him and out of the pub, but not before Tynan gives Samuel a punch to the face since he's not supposed to be on our side. We slide into the car and take off as fast as possible.

Anger fills me. Another false lead. How is this possible? How can she hide so well when so many eyes are out looking for her?

I speed up, and we veer onto a few back mountain roads to ensure Caleb and Samuel aren't on our trail. After a half hour, when we're deep into the woods, I pull over and slam my hand on the steering wheel, shouting, "Goddammit!"

My brother just looks at me.

I stare out the windshield, wondering what my next move is and where Lauren could be.

Tynan quietly states, "Ya got to give this up, bro. It's not worth it."

I bark, "Don't you tell me what's worth it! She's carrying my baby."

Tynan points out, "She could be anywhere. She could have left the country."

More panic hits me. It's not like that thought's never crossed my mind before, but I don't like thinking about it. "Just shut up," I order, and veer back onto the road, making my way down the mountain, more determined than ever to find her.

21

Lauren

Two Months Later

"Lauren, can I talk to ya when you get a minute?"

I don't know why, but the hairs on my arms rise. I spin toward Annie. "Sure. Is everything okay?"

She smiles. "Yea, everything's fine. Please come into the kitchen when ya finish."

"Okay," I agree and pour the remainder of the whiskey into the glass. I open another bottle, finish making the drink, then say to the patron, "Enjoy. I'll be right back."

"Sure," he nods. He's an old guy who arrived at the bed-and-breakfast a day ago. He seems nice enough.

I walk into the kitchen, wondering what Annie wants. When I step inside, Dominick's sitting at the table. I freeze, once again getting nervous. "What's going on?"

They both smile. Dominick points to the chair. "Have a seat, Lauren."

Suddenly I feel like I'm a schoolgirl in trouble. I sit at the table and stare at them as my anxiety builds. I don't speak, waiting for them to tell me what's happening.

Annie takes the seat next to me and puts her hand on mine. "We want to talk to ya about something, dear."

"Am I in trouble?" I blurt out.

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