Page 82 of Illicit Heir

I can never see her again.

She needs to be mine.

I need sleep. I'm not being rational now.

More time passes, and Brody's phone rings. He listens, then hangs up. He orders Aidan, "Send our officers in."

Aidan picks up his phone and walks out of the room.

My stomach flips. All I want to do is see Lauren with my own eyes, yet my hands are tied. And while it's confirmed that the O'Learys are no longer in charge in Coolock, nothing is guaranteed. I don't trust all of our men not to hold it over Lauren's head that she has an allegiance to the O'Learys.

Plus, Caleb escaped. He's going to try and come back for her.

That thought creates an intense gnawing in my gut.

It's early morning when everything is finally settled. Brody receives another call to assure him no more O'Leary men are roaming the streets of Coolock.

Our authorities have taken over their garda and their headquarters in the town. Our men are now in place, and pictures arrive of the pub.

Bodies lay scattered. The tables and chairs are broken. The mirror behind the bar is shattered. Pools of blood mix with Guinness on the floor.

The gnawing in my stomach doesn't go away. I get in my car, and as soon as I get several blocks away, I pull over and call Lauren.

Her voice shakes as she answers, "D-Devin."

"Are ya okay?"

She admits, "We're still in the bathroom."

I ask, "No one's gone up there to come get ya?"

"Not yet."

"Okay. Stay there until we talk again." I hang up.

Rage fills me. I return to Brody's. I step through the door and shout, "Brody!"

Alaina comes down the stairs, announcing, "He went to bed. What are ya doing back here?"

I don't want to hate Alaina, but I'm starting to. She put Lauren in danger tonight. And while I shouldn't feel anything for Lauren, I can no longer deny that there is something between us.

I size Alaina up and decide I no longer care what she thinks or knows about my feelings toward Lauren. I tell her, "Lauren and Emily are in her bathroom in the flat. Someone needs to go up there and tell them it's okay to come out."

Alaina's eyes widen. "How do ya know that?"

I just stare silently at her.

She sighs. "Jesus Christ. If Caleb finds out you communicate with Lauren, he'll kill you. And she'll pay the price too."

"What are you going to do about Lauren?" I say, ignoring her warning. I'm so tired of hearing about Caleb killing me. He will never kill me, but I will take him out. Now more than ever, I'm committed to it.

Alaina puts her hand through her hair and her other hand on her stomach. She closes her eyes for a minute, shaking her head.

I demand, "What are ya going to do to keep them safe?"

She opens her eyes, pinning them on me. "I'll take care of it."

"Will ya?" I question.

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