Page 129 of The Devil’s Lair

Her eyes narrow, nostrils flaring slightly. “What kind of rules?”

“Supervised visits only. Once a month to start with, in a neutral location.”

“Twice a month. Please, Rebecca. At Isla’s age, a month is like a year to most people. We’ll never build our relationship if I have to start from scratch every time.”

I side-eye Tobias. He shrugs, a silent “it’s up to you, and I’ll support you with whatever you decide.”

“Once a month for three months. Then we’ll reassess.”

Her chin lifts a fraction. “I don’t suppose I have much of a choice, do I?”

She’s clearly pissed. I don’t care. “No.”

God, it feels good to say that. Maybe the joy I’m taking in having power when for so long I had none makes me a bitch, but so be it. I’ve earned the right.

“Then, I accept.”

Lunch is a polite affair with each of us circling the other. Isla seems comfortable enough, even at one point sliding off Tobias’s lap to sit with her grandmother. After ordering dessert at Isla’s insistence, I step away to use the bathroom. When I return, Tobias is standing a couple of feet away, talking on the phone. Isla’s perched on Felicity’s lap, the remains of chocolate ice-cream smudged up one side of her face.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Felicity says, unaware I’m behind her. “One day soon, we’re going to be together all the time. That’s what Daddy would have wanted.”

My blood runs cold. It’s a ruse. All of Felicity’s supposed understanding and begging to see Isla is bullshit. She hasn’t given up getting custody of Isla, and she never will. I should have known. I’m so fucking gullible.

“Isla, it’s time to go.”

Felicity startles, hand flying to her chest. She peers up at me, her bony cheeks tinged with pink. “Rebecca. I didn’t see you there.”

“That’s obvious.” I hold out my hand. “Isla.” Isla slides off Felicity’s lap and tucks her hand in mine. “I heard what you said, Felicity.”

Tobias locks gazes with me, then immediately ends his call. “What’s going on?”

I jab a finger at my former mother-in-law. “She’s played me for a fool, and like the idiot I am, I fell for it.”

Felicity stands. “You misunderstood what I said.”

“I don’t think so.” I tighten my grip on Isla’s hand. “You never had any intention of giving up trying to take her from me, did you?”

“You’re wrong.”

Tobias lifts his finger, indicating to Benton that we’re leaving.

"Wait." Felicity's voice cracks, and when I glance back, tears glisten in her eyes. "Please. I know I said the wrong thing, but... can't I at least say goodbye properly? Will you let me give her the gift I brought?"

She reaches into her handbag and pulls out a small, pink gift bag with tissue paper spilling from the top.

"Please, Rebecca," Felicity whispers. "It’s some sweets I made for her. Better than all that preservative loaded stuff you get in the shops. Let me give them to her, then you can leave and never see me again if that's what you want."

Oh, I’ll never see this woman again, and neither will Isla.

I nod curtly. "Fine. Make it quick."

Felicity crouches down to Isla's level, her smile trembling. "I got you something special, darling. These were your daddy's favorite sweets when he was your age. I used to make them for him all the time." Felicity holds the bag out. "Go on, have one now. For Grandma."

Great. More sugar. I’ll have no chance of settling her down for a nap now. Isla peers inside, but before she can take one, Tobias snatches the bag out of Felicity’s hands.

“She’s just eaten lunch and had dessert. She can have one later.”

Isla bursts into tears. Surprised at his harsh outburst, I squint up at my husband. He gives the slightest shake of his head. I don’t know what it means, but I trust his judgment. I scoop Isla into my arms and kiss her cheek.