Page 111 of Liberating Lily

“I’m not following your logic, baby. Why would I give you to the man that probably drugged you?”

“Because I’ll be bait. He’s desperate, and he’ll slip up. He’ll talk and I’ll be able to find out what’s going on. You could even monitor me with a camera or a microphone or something.”

“You’re not serious.”

“I’m completely serious. I don’t think confronting my mother would work. She’s not likely to tell me what is going on. And even if I can’t get Dr. Wallace to talk, maybe I’ll see something while I’m there.”

“Baby, that’s not happening.” He cupped her face between his hands. “Pay attention to what I am saying. You will not be used as bait.”

She threw up her hands in exasperation. “Why not?”

“Because you are far too precious to me to ever risk you like that. I won’t hear of it. Don’t say it again.”

“You’re so frustrating. You know that, right? If I want to put myself at risk, I can.” She threw her head back and glared down at him while crossing her arms over her chest.

To her surprise, instead of getting angry, instead of yelling or scolding her, he just gave her a huge smile.

“Why are you smiling?” she asked, confused. “Why aren’t you upset?”

“Did you want me to be upset?” he asked.

“Well, no, but I don’t get it. Why are you smiling?”

“Because you just told me what you want. I just love seeing you grow stronger, baby.”

Wow. What had she done to deserve this man? She had no idea, but she was glad that she had decided to keep him.

“So that means you’ll let me do it? You’ll let me be bait for Dr. Wallace?” she asked.

“Oh, hell no. We’ll figure out what’s going on without you being involved.”

“How, though? We have no idea why they were doing this to me. I just want some answers.” Frustration was building inside her, and she clenched her hands into fists.

“We’re going to get those answers.”

“But how will you figure out what’s going on? No one will tell you anything.”

“They will, once I get them in the right place. After the break-in this morning, Ronan is ready to move in on them, but he doesn’t want any attention brought on the family.”

She didn’t quite understand what he meant. “Attention?”

“From the cops.”

“Is that because I mean . . . are you . . . are you the Mafia?” she blurted out.

He didn’t want to burst into laughter and make her think he was laughing at her, but the way she said that was so adorable. It was said quietly, as though she didn’t want anyone to hear, even though there was no one else in the room.

And she looked so worried as she waited for his answer.

“No, baby. We’re not the Irish Mafia.”

“Are you sure?”

“Fairly sure,” he said.

“Oh.”

“Are you disappointed that we’re not?” he asked, surprised by her reaction.