Page 17 of Revealed

“Doesn’t matter who the father is, this baby is mine now, and you’re going to help me convince our world of that. You like making deals? Here’s your new one. You keep my secret and I’ll let you live. Once Kennedy turns five, she’s mine to start training up for her role as leader,” he says matter-of-factly.

He’s had more time to process this information and plan, but I can’t roll over so easily. Knowing that he is making this deal to save face gives me a little bargaining power.

“Eight. That’s when you can take over her training,” I counter.

Ashton stands, moving back across the room to me.

“What makes you think you’re in any position to negotiate with me? It’s either this deal or death for you both.”

“If we both die, you will have to go through the process of marryingand conceivinganother child.” My head tilts to the side and a smirk curves my lips. “Since it’s actuallyyouwith the problem, I think I’m in the perfect position to negotiate.” I can see his anger building, and I want to snatch Kennedy from his arms, but I won’t give away all my fear, so I lie. “I won’t fight you when she turns eight. My purpose in this marriage has always been clear. I kept my word with the first deal, and I will with this one.”

“Here. Take her back,” he says, stepping forward with urgency, dumping Kennedy into my arms. “Until she’s eight, Francesca. And if this information comes out at any point, I will kill you both, consequences be damned.”

I release a shaky breath, leaning back, relaxing with my baby back in my arms.

“Your secret’s safe with me.”

“Better be. I won’t hesitate to end your life with my bare hands,” he says through clenched teeth.

“Knock, knock. I’m just coming in to check that mama andbaby are doing well.” Our bright-eyed nurse for the evening moves into the room, effectively ending our dangerous conversation.

I plaster on a fake smile. “Everything’s great.”

“We’re getting close to her next feeding time. If you feel comfortable practicing the nursing techniques from earlier, we can try that again,” she says, clicking away on her computer.

“Yes, I’d like to try again,” I say to her, but my eyes are on Ashton watching him take in this interaction.

“Perfect. If you need any help, just give me a buzz, but you were a pro last time, so I have faith in you.”

Being a pro at anything to do with motherhood is amazing to me. The good feelings her compliment gave me evaporate as soon as the door closes behind her. The ultimate test of motherhood begins now. Keeping my baby safe from Ashton Rose, the man who wants me dead.

Chapter Ten

FrancescaRose

Texas, 1998 - One Year Later

“Michael will pick up the cake tomorrow.”

“Okay. I’ll also see about moving the balloon pickup so that he can just make one trip into the city for birthday supplies,” Kathy says from the kitchen counter.

Perfect!” I confirm, scratching off “balloon order” from my to-do list.

Kennedy’s first birthday is in a week and because I have access to Ashton Rose’s pockets, I’ve decided to go all out. Of course, she is only turning one, but the pictures and memories will be for me. I’ve documented her entire first year via a scrapbook, and I plan to continue it as she grows. This birthday is bittersweet, realizing that there will only be seven more before our lives change.

Even a year later, I can’t believe I’ve found myself in another deal with Ashton. Since that day in the hospital room we’ve tread carefully around each other. I realize that I’m holding a secret for him, but nothing will keep me safe if hedecides I’m a liability not worth the trouble. The only time you see that man’s eyes light with emotion is when he is planning to deliver punishment. I’ve made peace, choosing to endure whatever I have to in order to stay alive for Kennedy. Ashton has his heir. My value with him has dropped and will continue to do so the older she gets. Now, I’m fighting for Kennedy to experience normalcy and bask in the innocence of childhood as long as possible.

“How you holding up?” Kathy asks, handing me a cup of tea and breaking into my thoughts.

That simple question has my eyes watering. She’s probably questioning how it feels to watch my baby turn one. My mind only sees the clock ticking down the time I have left with her.

“I’m not okay,” I whisper as a tear slides down my cheek.

“Oh, sweetie, wewantthe baby to grow up. She can’t stay little forever,” Kathy chuckles, coming around the island separating us and wrapping her arms around me.

“He’s going to take her from me,” I say quietly on a sob.

“Nonsense. Will she have to do some training once she’s older? Yes, but you will still be in her life.”