For a split second, a fleeting thought enters my mind. It’s almost too brutal to even consider, yet it’s there. Would he try to convince me to get rid of the pregnancy?

As I stare at his profile, I know he couldn’t. In my heart, I know Judge. He can be cruel—he said so himself—but I don’t believe he’d ever try to hurt me that way. I can’t allow myself to believe it for a second. The problem is, I don’t know how he thinks he’s possibly going to keep this from my brother.

I can shield Judge from The Society. I could live a life separate from them, not attending events. Staying out of the public eye. None of the members would ever have to know these children are his. But I can’t shield that information from my brother. There is no way when Santi knows I’ve been in his care this entire time. It will come out, and it won’t end well for their friendship. That, I do regret. But I can’t change it either.

“Mercedes.” Georgie’s voice pulls me back to the matter at hand. “Are you really okay?”

“Yes.” I force a tearful smile. “I’m okay.”

He gives me a funny look as if he’s trying to tell me something, and it takes me a moment to realize what it is. Georgie has always been protective of Solana and me. When we’d go out together, he came up with a system to keep us safe. I had forgotten about it until now, but it’s clear that’s what he’s asking me. We have code phrases we’d use in any situation we ever felt unsafe, and Georgie would handle it. Mine was somewhat of an inside joke. If only they made a drink that could cure a headache.

Right now, he needs that assurance. If I use the code phrase in a positive context, he’ll know I’m lying about feeling safe here. And I know he won’t leave until he trusts that I am.

“Don’t worry about me,” I tell him softly. “They don’t make drinks strong enough to cure a headache, but I doubt I’ll need one anytime soon.”

His face softens, and Judge turns slightly, shifting his gaze between us, his eyes narrowed. He knows I’m communicating some sort of secret, but he doesn’t know what.

“It’s time for you to leave,” he grits out. “We’re done here.”

“It will be okay.” I mouth the words to them as the guards usher them back, and Judge starts to close the door. “I promise.”

8

Mercedes