Page 25 of Claimed By the Alien Warlord

CHAPTER 12

REILY

The phone buzzes on the counter as I’m stirring the grits, Clem’s voice crackling through the speaker.

“You really think Susan’s going to play along?” he grumbles. “She’s got her own agenda, Reily. Always has.”

I glance at the clock. The caregiver’s due any minute, and I haven’t even brushed my hair. “Susan’s agenda is exposing Hoag. So is ours. That’s enough common ground for now.”

“Fine. But if those biker freaks start something, I’m not just gonna stand there and take it.”

“Clem, I’m serious. No weapons. You go in there looking for a fight, and Hoag wins. Just… cool it, alright?”

He sighs, the sound like a tire deflating. “Alright, alright. But if this blows up, it’s on you.”

“Noted.”

I hang up just as the doorbell lets out its tortured screech. Out of habit, I yell, “Mom, don’t get up!” even though I know she’s not moving from that bed today.

A woman in scrubs stands on the porch, her smile as crisp as her uniform. “Hi, I’m Janet. Mr. Irons sent me.”

“Right, come on in.” I wave her inside, trying to ignore the way my stomach flutters at the mention ofhim.

Janet’s eyes sweep the room, taking in the threadbare carpet and the photos of Dad. “Cozy place.”

“Thanks. My mom’s upstairs. She’s having a rough day, so she’s in bed. She’s got her meds, and I just made her some cheesy grits.”

“Got it. I’ll take good care of her.”

I grab the bowl of grits and head upstairs, Janet trailing behind. Mom’s propped up against her pillows, her face pale but her smile bright.

“Hey, Mama,” I say, setting the bowl on her nightstand. “This is Janet. She’s gonna hang out with you for a bit.”

Mom’s eyes twinkle. “Another date with Mr. Billionaire?”

I freeze, the spoon halfway to the bowl. “It’s not a date. It’s… strategy.”

“Uh-huh.” Mom takes the spoon from me, her smirk widening. “You know, your father used to get that same look on his face when he was trying to hide something. Like when he bought me that saddle Ididn’twant for Christmas.”

“Mom.”

“Just saying, sweetie. Be careful with that one. He’s got ‘trouble’ written all over him.”

I kiss her forehead, my face burning. “I’ll be back soon.”

Downstairs, Janet’s already making herself at home, flipping through a magazine like she’s been here a thousand times.

“Call me if you need anything,” I say, grabbing my bag.

“Will do. Have fun on your…strategysession.”

I glare at her, but she’s already engrossed in an article about celebrity diets.

As I head out the door, my phone buzzes. A text fromhim.

Gary:Don’t keep me waiting.

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the grin spreading across my face.

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