Chapter 20: Hidden Heir: Chapter 20

Nothing washes away concern quite like an intense pressure shower.

It’s been a few days since I told Leon the truth, well, most of the truth. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that the Irish wanted my body to pay off the debt, and that I attacked a man in my bid to escape. I was too ashamed to admit that I’d done something like that, especially after we’d just shared an amazingly sexy moment together. I didn’t want his opinion of me to sour or change that, or risk it altering his decision.

He’s still helping me, and frankly it feels like the best outcome to a terrible situation. Tiffany will be safe, Ant is getting clean, and all I have to do is spend my life with a hot, dangerous, and scary man that fucks me senseless.

There are worse punishments.

As discussed, Leon’s promises about protecting Tiffany have been laid out in writing, and we both signed. While this may seem silly to someone like him, it’s just another way I can protect my daughter’s future. I hope it will never need to be brought up again.

I step out of the shower, slip on a sundress and hat, and it crosses my mind how a different danger lurks around me now. Staying with Leon heightens his chance of discovering Tiffany’s true parentage. I told him that her father passed away but if he’s digging into my past there’s a chance he’ll discover the truth.

I promised him there would be no more lies. Technically, I lied to him before making that promise, so as long as he doesn’t ask me again, I won’t have to break it. The thought of him learning that he is her father still scares me. I have no idea what kind of responsibility would be thrust upon her as his daughter, but if it’s anything like what I’ve glimpsed with Leon and his own father then it’s something I want to avoid at all costs.

Maybe this will be the end of it, though. No more secrets, no more digging into backgrounds, and no more fear.

I head downstairs, escorted by Rik, who flashes me a smile much warmer than his usual one. Before I can ask what’s put him in such a good mood, I pass Selina as she walks in through the patio doors.

“Brooke!” she declares loudly, beaming at me. Don’t you look adorable?”

“Oh, thank you.” I smooth my hands down my dress as warmth flushes my cheeks. Uncertain just how much she knows about me and the Irish, nerves flutter in my stomach. Just because Leon is helping me doesn’t mean everyone else will be so happy to learn of my actions. Selina seems unphased, however. She clasps my shoulder on the way past, then sends a sidelong look to Rik. He escorts me to the patio door then hurries after her.

“You know,” I begin, stepping out onto the patio, “Selina and Rik would make a cute couple. She’s kind of like Catwoman and he turns into this little puppy whenever she’s around.”

“Selina and Rik?” Leon glances over at me. “I don’t see it.”

“Really? Is that because you’re blind to the looks they give each other?” I head toward him then pause when I notice Tiff is sitting on his lap. My heart jolts as the earlier nerves swarm about my stomach.

“Maybe. I tend to be more focused on you.” Leon winks at me as he finishes helping Tiffany with her shoe.

“Thank you!” She slides off his lap and sprints toward me. “Mommy!”

“Hi baby!” I catch her just in time as she jumps, scooping her into my arms with a soft grunt. “Look at you, getting so big now!”

“Soon I’ll be as tall as the sky!”

“Yes, yes you will.” I kiss her temple. “Is it time for tea yet? I got dressed up just for the occasion.

“Yep!” Tiff nods quickly. “Tea time!” She squirms in my arms so I set her down and take her hand, preparing to follow her toward the edge of the patio. “Come to tea,” Tiffany demands, holding her other hand out toward Leon.

“Oh, I’m sure Leon has a lot of important, grown-up stuff to do,” I say, not wanting to disturb him as he glares down at his phone.

His head lifts suddenly and when he looks at Tiff, the frown melts away. “I could do some tea,” he replies, standing and walking over.

“Really?” Tiff beams and jumps to catch his hand.

“Really.”

“Really?” I whisper as she begins dragging us toward the grass. “You know there’s no tea, right?”

“Yes, really,” Leon whispers back. “I think I can manage.”

The thought of Leon sitting down at a tea party is comical. He sits down cross-legged on the blanket, and when Tiff thrusts a pink plastic cup into his hands, he accepts it easily. I can’t help but smile.

“Why, thank you.”

“Drink,” Tiff demands, then she pulls me down to sit across from him. “Okay, the party has started and you can have anything you want, so what do you want?” Her hands settle on her hips and she stares at me.

“I’d like some tea, please,” I respond.

“No more tea,” she sighs. “The last customer drank too much.” Tiff glares briefly at Leon as he pauses his pretend drinking, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Okay,” I chuckle. “Can I have some coffee?”

“No coffee.” Tiff sighs again. She sounds like I’m the most unreasonable guest on the planet.

“Okay then, what do you have?”

“Tea, because it’s a tea party!” She gestures to her playset. “Only no more tea. We have lemons, milk, and water and…” She trails off as she busies herself in her play basket, then straightens up before proudly adding, “And cucumber sandwiches!”

“Lemon, please.” I’m barely able to contain my laughter as she thrusts a cup at me with a plastic toy lemon inside. “Thank you,” I reply.

“Drink,” Tiff instructs, pushing her curls away from her face. “You hungry? You like cucumbers?”

“I am and I do,” Leon replies. “I drank so much tea that I need something solid to eat.”

“Greedy,” Tiff mutters, placing the plastic food items in front of Leon. Then she points at them. “Eat fast, closing soon.”

Watching Leon play the part of a greedy guest is unexpectedly heartwarming. Suddenly, he’s no longer the scary criminal or even the sex god that makes my legs shake. He’s Leon, gentle and happy, and he plays tea parties with his daughter.

It’s another glimpse into my what if worlds but this one is much softer and sweeter than the others.

Maybe now, things will be okay. I finally feel like I have space to breathe, where I can process Hannah’s death and plan for Tiffany’s future, as well as my own.

“No!” Tiffany squeals and giggles as Leon scoops her into his arms and begins tickling her. “No more tea!”

“I demand tea!” He roars softly, laughing as she squirms. Her giggles are infectious, and soon, we’re all laughing as she attempts to serve dessert and then sits down like someone getting home from a twelve-hour shift.

“I’m exhausted!” she claims dramatically. “You can go home now.” She yawns.

“I think it’s nap time for you, sweetheart,” I say, climbing to my feet.

Leon does the same and Tiffany reaches for him. He gathers her in his arms with a smile and then wiggles his eyebrows at me. This might be the first time I’ve seen him genuinely enjoying something, and my heart squeezes like it’s trapped in a fist.

Suddenly, my dreams of the future include the three of us, and as we walk back toward the house, a warm realization grows in my gut.

I’m falling for him.

Or maybe I fell for him that night four years ago, and it’s only now that I feel safe to acknowledge how abruptly those feelings are rushing back. I no longer want to just fuck him. I want to spend time with him, I want to cook together as a family, I want him to make Tiffany laugh as he plays games with her. I want to grow and share with him.

I hold the door open as we reach the house. Tiffany is now fast asleep in his arms which is the strongest proof that she feels safe with him.

Maybe I should take my promise seriously. No more lying.

Leon deserves the truth.