Page 92 of Wasted

“Sydney’s mother finally evicted her.” Victoria glanced at her family. “The pregnant teen I’ve been helping. Her mother was threatening to banish her from their home for some time. I’d hoped she wouldn’t go through with it.” Victoria landed her focus on Cillian as she lifted her purse. “But she did, and Sydney needs to stay at my house. She has to move her belongings right now.”

Cillian got to his feet. “I’ll help.”

Victoria gave him a quick nod.

He had to hold back a pleased smile. She wanted him to come.

If things kept coming along this well, it was looking like she would want him to be by her side for more than helping Sydney move.

Looked like he might not need to use the leverage against her father after all. The future he dreamed of with Victoria might soon be theirs. Now all Cillian needed to do was keep her alive and out of jail.

Chapter

Twenty-Six

“He’s the biggest, most beautiful dog I’ve ever seen.” Sydney smiled up at Victoria from the floor in the living room where the very expectant teen sat next to Max. “I love him.”

Victoria smiled in return. “It seems the feeling is mutual.”

The Leonberger swished his tail as he stood by the girl, his giant head inches from her face as he soaked up the petting she gave him. Thank the Lord, Max wasn’t showing his usual fear of strangers with Sydney. He’d been cautious when she’d initially entered Victoria’s home, but once Sydney had set down her purse and suitcase, he’d followed her around as she toured the house. Within about fifteen minutes, he had warmed up to her completely, abandoning his wariness to even let her pet him.

What an extra blessing from the Lord. Now Victoria wouldn’t have to worry about Max while Sydney was their houseguest. But even so, Sydney living with her couldn’t be a permanent solution. At least not the best one for the teen and her child.

Victoria sat on the edge of the armchair near where Sydney relaxed on the floor. “I’m so glad you can stay with me for a while.”

“Oh, me, too. This is going to be so much fun.” The girl grinned as she continued to pet Max.

“I hope so.” Victoria hesitated. It wouldn’t be good to bring down Sydney’s spirits or add stress, especially when she was so close to giving birth. But at the same time, she knew Sydney. The teen didn’t like to look ahead or plan for the future. She needed to be nudged and encouraged to do so. And whether anyone liked it or not, she was going to need to grow up quickly because of her situation.

“The last time we spoke, you said the father of your little girl wasn’t answering your texts. Have you heard from him since then?”

Sydney slowed her strokes on Max, her mouth pulling into a frown. “No. It’s weird. He used to text a lot.” Apprehension colored her tone.

“I’m sorry to hear that. This is such a hard time for him to leave you to handle things alone.”

“He hasn’t left me.” Sydney lowered her hands to her lap as she turned her head toward Victoria. “I mean, we’ve never really lived together or anything anyway, but I know he still loves me. He’s probably just busy. He’s like a super successful guy.”

“Do you know what he does for a living?”

Sydney shook her head. “No. We never really talked about stuff like that.”

“What did you talk about?”

She lifted one small shoulder under her cotton sweater. “How pretty he thinks I am. How much he loves me. That he’s gonna marry me as long as I…”

“As long as you what, Sydney?”

“If I’d keep…you know.” Her gaze slid away from Victoria. “Keep being his girlfriend. Not tell anybody.”

A slow burn of righteous anger simmered in Victoria’s torso. The man had no right to use and manipulate this child that way. And then to leave her alone to have their baby without support or taking responsibility. What a despicable human being.

Victoria moistened her lips. “Sydney, what he did was very wrong. He should never have asked you to be intimate with him. No man should without first marrying you.”

The teen’s focus dropped to her hands, resting on the legs stretched out in front of her.

Max slid down to the floor and lay beside her.

A small smile tilted her mouth as she put her hand on his massive head.