Page 93 of Illicit Heir

She gapes at me. "Oh. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

"Aye. Mind your own business, lass," I bark. I shut the door, go up the stairs, and enter the flat.

I had our men put Lauren's furniture back in place. In some ways, it feels good to have something familiar. But her scent's no longer here, nor are her clothes or personal items. It's just bare bones.

I shake my head, still pissed that I couldn't protect her from all of this. But I'm also determined to make sure that she and her mum take the pub back.

I go down the stairs and leave, ignoring everyone. I return to my car, once again starting it without checking for bombs. I program Lauren's mum's address into my GPS and drive a few blocks over to their house.

I park on the street, get out, and stare at the front door, my heart beating faster and my chest tightening.

I have to play it cool. I don't want her mum to realize we know each other or have been together. It won't be good for Lauren. But it's going to be hard to resist pulling her into me. I know it is.

All I can do is dream about her lips, hands, and how she looks at me, even when she's pissed off or being defiant.

I climb the three steps. I knock on the door. It's quiet, so I knock again.

The door slowly opens. Her mum glares at me, seething, "What are ya doing here? I already told your boss we're not pledging any allegiance to the O'Connors."

"May I come in?" I question.

Her hatred for me swirls around her. She answers, "No, ya can't. Now go away." She goes to shut the door, but I stick my foot between it and the frame so it can't shut.

"Lauren!" I call out.

Her mum opens the door again. "Go away. This is my home. Or are ya going to take that too?"

I state, "I'm not here to hurt ya, but I need to speak to Lauren."

"Why would ya need to speak to my daughter?" she demands.

I ignore her and call out again, "Lauren!"

"Ya have a lot of nerve."

Lauren exclaims, "Mum! Devin, what are ya doing here?"

I gaze at her, my pulse skyrocketing and butterflies filling my stomach.

"Well?" she asks.

Her mum spins. "How do you two know each other?"

Lauren opens her mouth.

I quickly say, "I came to the pub a while back. Lauren kicked me out."

Her mum glances between us. I can tell she's not buying my lie.

"It's true," I insist.

Her mum refocuses on me. "Why are ya here?"

"I need to talk to your daughter. And you, for that matter."

"Why?" her mum asks again.

I lower my voice and say, "These things are better discussed privately. Ya mind if I come in?"

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