Page 166 of Merciless Desires

“I’m Lucy.” The cheery mom smiles.

“Ana. I’m helping Darragh out.” I take a breath. “And he’s helping me.”

The more upfront I am, the fewer people will speculate and gossip.

“When are you due?”

“A couple of days.” I absorb the frown because every pregnant woman I’ve come across knows the exact date and harps on it like a holiday.

“I’m guessing it’s a boy in there! You look amazing.”

“Yeah, it’s a boy. Thank you. Unfortunately, I don’t feel amazing.”

“Oh, I haven’t met one woman late in her pregnancy who does. First baby?”

I nod.

“That’s always the hardest. Say, my daughter, Avery’s, been wanting Sophie over for a playdate.”

This mom doesn’t look suspicious, but my guard is up. “I have to ask her dad. I just started working for him.” Playing this game doesn’t sit well with me. People think I’m hired help and not the center of his world.

“I have his number. I can call him.”

I cock my head, wondering how she has Darragh’s number. “No thanks. I’ll do it.” But I don’t have a phone. “When I get back to the house. I…lost my phone.”

“Oh, you need a new one right away. If the bus is running late, you get a notification.” She shows me her home screen. “See, they’re running five minutes late.”

“That’s handy. I’ll be getting a new one soon.” I take a breath. “It’s kind of freeing, you know. No phone.”

“You are so right about that. Let me call Darragh. Avery doesn’t have any activities this afternoon. I’m sure you’d love to curl up and take a nap on a day like today.”

Are women really this nice? I grew up with murderers.

“Dr. O’Rourke. Lucy Smith. Avery’s mom. Hi!” She pours it on. “I’m with your new nanny at the bus stop. And we wanted to ask you if Sophie can come home with Avery for a few hours.”

Dr. O’Rourke. Everyone in Vegas called Cormac that.

I watch the woman’s face, sure Darragh is making some kind of excuse why Sophie can’t go. He’s been even more protective of us after what happened.

But Darragh wants his daughter to have a normal childhood, too. Something we were both deprived of.

“Great. Here she is.” Lucy hands me the phone. “He wants to speak to you.”

I smile. “Hi.”

“You, okay?”

“Um, yeah.”

“You got ambushed, huh?” His tone relaxes me.

“That and I don’t have a phone so I couldn’t call you.” Emotion makes my voice squeak.

“Fuck, we’ll get you a phone this weekend.” He clears his throat over the muffled sounds of a crowd in the background. “I know Lucy. Sophie’s been to Avery’s house for parties. If you’re okay with it, I’m okay with it.”

I want to say I’m afraid to stay in the house alone, especially if Sophie isn’t there. Thinking Cormac is nearby and waiting for another chance to kill me. Or abduct me again.

I can’t live being afraid all the time, though. Darragh knows better. He’s thinking more clearly right now. I have to trust him. “I’m okay with it, only if you are. Oh, the bus is coming now. I’ll call you from the house phone when I get home.”

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