She digs it out of her pocket, and I can’t help but to see who’s calling … Cole.
“Can I?” I ask, holding my hand out.
She nods happily. “Be my guest.”
Anger rolls through me as I take the phone and answer. “Cole.”
A haughty laugh sounds on his end. “Donnelley. Why am I not surprised you’re still following her around like a sad, lost puppy?”
“Shut the fuck up. We need to talk.”
I sit up taller, and Lainey stiffens in my lap, her head whipping back to look at me.
It’s okay,I mouth to her.I got this.
“What could we possibly need to discuss?” He scoffs.
“That Lainey’s pregnant and you’re going to sign over your parental rights to me in court because I’m going to adopt the baby when it’s born.”
Fear strikes Lainey’s eyes, but she has no need to worry. He’s not going to fight us on this once I reveal the proof I gathered on his extracurricular activities, ones that’ll ruin his career.
“Are you serious?” he asks, his tone unreadable.
“Yes.”
A laugh tears through him. “I don’t want anything to do with that slut’s baby. Besides, it’s probably not even mine.”
My jaw tics, and my fist clenches at my side. “Watch your mouth, Wilder.”
“Maybe I should keep my rights. I know damn well it would piss you off for eternity. Ol’ stepdad Donnelley.” Cole’s voice is cruel.
I mimic his tone when I say, “I didn’t want to resort to blackmail, but I have no problem doing it for my family.”
He’s silent, probably wondering how much I know.
“I know more than you can possibly imagine. Photos and videos of you placing bets on your own games in Vegas. I especially like your outfit choice of an oversize hoodie and fedora. It really blends in well.” I pause, giving him a second to process what I just said. “How much do you think you’ve bet on the games you threw? A hundred thousand? Three?” I click my tongue. “No … I think it’s more than that, isn’t it, Cole?”
He sighs, and I can practically see his eyes closing and nostrils flaring. His voice is low and worried. “Look. I’ll sign whatever you want, show up whenever you need, but that can never get out. You need to shred everything.”
“I will,” I retort honestly. “After my name is listed as the father and yours is never known. Forgotten like the deadbeat piece of shit you are.”
“Watch—”
“No, you watch it. If you so much as contact Lainey again without her instigation, these documents will magically find the front page. You are only allowed to speak when we grant you permission. Do you understand?” My body is a thousand degrees as my sweet baby angel stirs in between my legs, watching me with awe. “We’ll be in contact soon.”
He tries to get one last word in, but I cut him off, ending the call. He’s not going to do or say anything anymore. The proof I told him is just the tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t include the dog fighting he’s previously been involved in or the line of prostituteswho have reported him. He’s on our leash now, and that’s right where he’ll stay.
Her lips are hanging open, breath quick, and I wonder if maybe I stepped over a line she wasn’t comfortable with.
“You knew about all of that?” she asks quietly.
I nod. “Far more, but yeah. I’ve been keeping tabs on him with a few old teammates that play with him. You’d be amazed how long the list is of people who despise him.”
She swallows hard and tucks her bottom lip in her mouth in thought. “I think …”
Oh God. My heart jumps into my throat.
She spins around and straddles my lap, and my hands fall to the curves of her hips, right where they belong. She wraps her arms around the back of my neck, wetting her lips.
