Page 46 of Illicit Heir

Mum shakes her head. "But Caleb is the only one who can make rules."

"Screw Caleb!"

"Shh! Ya can't say that," she says, looking around as if other people are in the alley with us.

"I can and I will," I state through gritted teeth, brushing past her to return inside.

I work the rest of the evening, ignoring the unhappy comments and whines of men who should know how to act in public. A few attempt to argue with me, but I stand firm. They can either learn to live with the rules I've set or they don't need to be here.

Somehow, I will enforce it.

Even if Caleb isn't on board with what I'm insisting is the path forward.

8

Devin

I've almost nodded off when my phone rings. I glance at the screen and groan, answering, "What do ya want?"

Brody's voice is harsh when he orders, "My place, now." He hangs up without another word.

"Shit," I grumble.

I lie in bed for another minute. Then I force myself out, toss on my clothes, and go to his house with my gut diving.

He must know.

Of course he knows. He always finds out.

Still, how did they find out?

Maybe it's something else, I tell myself, but it's wishful thinking.

The minute I step inside, I lock eyes with Tynan, and he gives me a knowing look. Cathal and Brogan are next to him, and it's clear we've been caught.

Brody and Alaina step into his office.

She puts her hand on her pregnant stomach and snaps, "Want to tell us what ya were doing at The Confessional?"

"How did ya know?" Tynan asks, which is a stupid question. Alaina never tells us her secrets. She has her thumb on everyone's moves, and no one understands how she does it. I suspect even Brody can't figure out how she does what she does.

Alaina answers, "We know everything, and ya shouldn't ever underestimate us. I thought all of ya were smarter than that."

I don't respond and cross my arms, sniffing hard. I'm tired of living my life according to Alaina's rules.

Brody barks, "What were ya thinking? I want answers now. Ya had no right to be in a pub in O'Leary territory."

"Territory we should have taken by now," I mutter.

Brody slams his hand on the desk. "Goddammit! That's not your decision to make."

I meet his scowl. "It's prime for the taking, and ya know it."

He repeats, "Not your decision! Now, what were ya doing there?"

"It seems like ya know everything. So why are ya asking me?"

Alaina seethes, "Did any of ya sleep with any O'Leary women?"

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