Page 53 of Illicit Heir

Paddy argues, "Surely ya didn't approve. Why would ya change perfectly good rules?"

"Perfectly good rules! Ya think destroying our pub and having no consequences is a good rule?" I shriek.

"Easy," Caleb warns.

I gape at him, still confused about what his motives are and if he's really going to enforce the new rules or not.

He refocuses on Paddy, adding, "And I approved them because I can."

Paddy's face hardens.

"Ya got a problem, Paddy?" Caleb questions.

Paddy starts to speak, then shuts his mouth when Caleb arches his eyebrows even higher. He replies, "No, Caleb, we're good."

"Tell ya what, Paddy," Caleb says, slinging his arm over his shoulder. "I'm going to put you in charge of something."

Paddy's body stiffens. "Oh? What's that?"

"You're going to be in charge of ensuring no fights happen here. So do ya know what that responsibility entails?"

Paddy's face drains of color. He clears his throat. "No."

"No, who?"

Paddy swallows hard. "No, boss. Please explain."

Caleb's lips twist. "It means that I'm holding you accountable if anybody fights here. And I won't only ban ya from the pub. I'll have to unleash real consequences on ya. Do ya understand?"

Paddy's hand holding his Guinness shakes, and liquid splashes onto the floor.

Caleb glances down. "Looks like ya made a mess, Paddy. Why don't ya go get a bar towel and clean it up?"

More shock fills Paddy's face.

As much as I enjoy seeing Paddy squirm, I don't understand why Caleb is acting like he has my back. The only time he ever had was to trick me into thinking he cared about me. I'm not about to be gullible and think he's changed.

"Why are ya standing here, Paddy? Are your legs broken?" Caleb questions.

Paddy recovers. "No, boss." He lunges toward the bar, grabs the towel, and steps near the puddle.

Caleb points to it. "What are ya waiting for? Clean it up."

Paddy's bald head and cheeks turn fire-engine red. He crouches, cleans it up, and rises.

Caleb points to the floor. "It's shiny, so it's still wet. Wouldn't want someone to slip. That would put Lauren and her mum in a bad position. Get another towel."

Mum puts her hand on my arm.

I quickly glance at her and roll my eyes.

She's got admiration in her expression and is giving me her You need to marry Caleb look.

My stomach churns. Of course she's buying into Caleb's game...whatever it is that he's playing.

What does he want from me?

Me.

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