“Yes.”
“Does he… Does he know?”
My throat tightens as I slowly shake my head.
Oscar runs a hand over his face. “Jesus Christ, Riley. Why the hell are you keeping that from him?”
“It’s not—” I stop, dragging in a shaky breath. “It’s not because I think he’ll be angry. I just don’t think he’s ready for this. And if he’s not, I don’t want him to feel trapped.”
Oscar leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Isanyguy ever really ready? It’s a baby. It’s terrifying for everyone.”
“I know. But I don’t want to force him into something he’s not prepared for.”
Oscar shakes his head. “No. You don’t get to protect him from this. He made this baby just as much as you did, and he deserves to take some responsibility.”
“Iknowhow babies are made.”
“And yet, you didn’t think to protect yourself.”
“I’m not fighting with you about this. What’s done is done.”
“So, what’s your plan, then, Riles? Because at some point you’re going to show. Are you hoping Kieran is too stupid to notice when you pop out the kid?”
“I told you not to shit talk my husband.”
“Yeah, well, that was before I found out he’s going to be the father of the heir to our family, so forgive me for wanting to make sure this baby makes it to the final trimester.”
I glance at the time on my phone. “Can we save the familial politics for a later date? I’m going to miss my appointment if I don’t leave now.”
“All I’m saying is that Kieran deserves to know he’s going to be a father, and you owe it to him to give him the chance to step up.”
Oscar’s right, Iknowhe’s right. But the thought of telling Kieran before I know whether this pregnancy is even viable feels too much like a bad omen.
“I’ll tell him. I swear I will. Just…not yet. Not until I have this scan and I know for sure that everything is okay.”
Oscar exhales slowly, leaning back in his seat. “Fine. I’ll cover for you. But make it quick, yeah?”
Relief floods through me, and I lean forward to press a quick kiss to my brother’s cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. If Kieran finds out, he’s going to kill me. So, go, before I change my mind.”
I excuse myself under the pretense of needing the bathroom. The moment I get to my feet, Jace catches my eye.
“Bathroom,” I mouth at him, and he nods.
I wade through the busy tables, and once I’m out of Jace’s line of sight, I sneak along the service corridor and push open the heavy fire door that leads into the narrow alley behind the café.
The cool air hits my cheeks as I press my back against the brick wall, every nerve in my body on high alert as I try not to imagine Kieran’s fury if he finds out that I purposefully disobeyed him.
From where I’m hiding in the shadows of the alley, I can see the SUV parked by the curb and Leo and Wesley gathered near it, scanning the area like hawks.
Right on cue, Oscar steps out of the café and strolls toward them, waving his hands animatedly as he starts talking as a way to keep them distracted.
This is my chance.
I slip out of the alley, sticking close to the building as I edge along the side toward the OBGYN clinic next door. I keep my gaze fixed on the ground, willing myself to stay invisible.
