Bound Lies by Kira Cole

RILEY

He’s not ready to be a father.

How do I tell him I’m pregnant after overhearing him say that?

I keep putting it off because he’s too distracted with the mafia,

or it’s not the right time.

I tell myself that I’ll tell him eventually,

but the more time that passes,

the harder it is to get the words out.

But then it’s too late.

I’ve been lying to him for weeks.

He makes it very clear he’ll never forgive me.

Have I lost the only man I’ve ever truly loved?

KIERAN

My brother betrayed our family.

The mafia, my family’s legacy, is at risk of being torn apart.

The woman I thought I could trust hid her pregnancy from me.

My world is falling apart and it feels like there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

I’m going to be a father.

It’s the one thing I’m not sure I’ll be good at.

What if I mess this kid up?

I know I’m taking my insecurities out on Riley,

but I need to direct my anger somewhere.

If I keep pushing her away,

I might end up losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me.