I Owe the Tyrant Four Little Heirs novel Chapter 28

“Did any bad guys bother you, Mommy?” Keir asked.

Niamh thought of Jareth and Cormac. Two bad guys, one worse than the other, both pestering her relentlessly.

Her hands were full, so Niamh propped her phone on the ledge and put it on speaker. The rooftop was deserted, so it didn’t matter. Besides, her son was a chatterbox; this wouldn’t be a short call.

“Don’t you worry, sweetie,” she said brightly. “Mommy’s too tough for any bad guys. If they try anything, I’ll use that super-secret-weapon leg sweep you taught me and knock them right on their butts.”

From the doorway, Jareth let out a silent, scornful huff.

“You? With those scrawny arms and legs? A leg sweep? You didn’t seem so tough when I had you pinned on the sofa.”

“Now, you be a good boy and go take your nap,” Niamh said in her firmest mom-voice.

“Mommy, don’t be so mean,” Keir whined. “Grandpa says men like women who are gentle.”

Jareth’s lips twitched into a faint smile. The kid’s voice was adorable, and he was surprisingly perceptive for his age.

Niamh, however, was not impressed.

“Well, Mommy’s not looking for a boyfriend, so I don’t need to be gentle,” she retorted, taking another bite of her sandwich.

Jareth’s brow furrowed. A single mother?

“But Mommy, every woman needs a boyfriend!” Keir protested.

“I have you guys,” she said softly. “That’s all I need.”

You guys? Jareth thought, Twins? Triplets? She’s so small… who would have thought she was so prolific?

Keir fell silent for a moment. “Mommy, did you eat lunch?”

Keir hung up, returned the phone to the little boy in the next bed, and lay down. As he closed his eyes, a tear slipped from the corner and traced a path down his cheek. He had seen his mom pack the leftover sandwiches that morning. He knew that’s what she was eating.

She always ate their leftovers. She took them out, bought them toys and treats, but never once bought so much as an ice cream cone for herself.

It was all his dad’s fault. Why would he have children and then abandon them, leaving their mommy to struggle all alone?

One day, Keir would find him. And when he did, he would make him pay.

...

“Ahem.”

Jareth cleared his throat and rolled his wheelchair out onto the rooftop.

Niamh whipped around. The sight of him made her face pale.