Page 28 of Royal Baby Maker

Igniting with rage, I waved my shoe around in the air as I spoke. “I didn't trick anyone!”

Her shoulders shifted up lazily; she wasn't scared of me. “That's how it will look, especially when you marry him. People will think he had no choice. I mean, they've seen you, they know you're pregnant. What's the term, shotgun wedding?”

Heat spread over my face. “You don't know anything about us.”

“I know this.” Leaning closer in the tight space, she dropped her voice. “He's royalty. You're no one. The best thing you can do for both of you is to get rid of that baby. If it's too late to do it the quick way, put it up for adoption. Just make it go away. This isn't your world, dog walker.”

“My world is wherever Bishop is.”

“God, you're naive. I—” she didn't finish her thought. Both of us heard the rustling, creaky noise nearby. Twisting, she looked over and spotted Jaws chewing on the strap of her purse. “What the hell?” she gasped, jumping to her feet. “That bag is worth two thousand dollars!”

It was hard to hide my smile, so I didn't try. “Too bad.”

Abruptly, Iris shot her foot out, kicking the Pomeranian. “Dumb dog!”

He yelped; I jumped up, made light and fast by my need to protect the small animal. “Hey! What the heck is wrong with you?” Pushing Iris aside, I scooped the dog up into my arms.

She turned just enough to give me a side-eye. “That dog is nothing, just like you're nothing. You don't deserve this family's money any more than Bishop does.”

My cheek was pressed to Jaws, but he seemed fine, just shaken up. Registering her comment, I blinked. “Wait, what?”

I'd never seen Iris flush before. “Nothing, forget it.”

Still holding the dog, I blocked Iris up against the wall of coats. “No. What do you mean Bishop doesn't deserve the money? If he doesn't, who does?”

She had her chin held high. “It doesn't matter.”

“I think it does.” In my arms, Jaws growled. He wasn't exactly terrifying, but the sight of his tiny teeth pushed Iris from silent pride to frantic nerves.

Her eyes darted around, and when Jaws growled again, she fixated on him. “Alright, fine! It's not like it matters anyway. You and your dumb baby-mama stuff messed everything up. Bishop was never supposed to have a kid with anyone.”

Startled, I tried to fit the puzzle together. “Not even you?”

“Of course not.” Wide-eyed, she stared down at me. “His half-brother hired me. I was supposed to marry Bishop, but never give him an heir. That way...”

“His brother would get everything.” I inhaled sharply. “Why would you help him?”

“Because money, duh.” Iris rolled her eyes. “Even you can understand that.”

“I don't want his money!” She winced at my outburst. “I never did. I told him that multiple times, I'm not looking for some sugar daddy!” My laughter sounded manic. I felt it, too, like parts of me were sliding apart. Had money really led to such a huge scheme between Iris and Bishop's brother? Could people be so desperate?Of course they can.Why had I been so naive?

She shook her head in disbelief. “But the baby... if you didn't do it to trap him, then why?”

“Because Ilovehim, Iris. I love him with everything I am.”

There was shock in her eyes. Then I noticed she was looking just over my shoulder. Hugging Jaws, I turned, spotting Miss Callehurst watching us from the hall. Her arms were wrapped around her chest, mouth so tight it was almost invisible.

“Cathleen,” Iris whispered.

“It's Miss Callehurst,” she said flatly. “Get out of my house. Never set foot here again.”

Without a single argument, Iris grabbed her chewed-on purse and dodged around us both, vanishing into the house. I didn't see where she went, but I believed she was leaving like she'd been told. I'd have—Bishop's mom was terrifying.

Her attention shot to me and I went cold. “How much did you hear?” I asked.

“Enough.” She took two steps forward, her poise grand...comfortable. But when she got close to me, I saw her pebble-hard glare looked wet on the edges. “I see why the dogs like you so much. Not everyone can champion for such small things when they cause expensive damage.”

“It was just a purse.” Setting Jaws down, I watched as he ran up to his owner, bouncing at her ankles.

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