Page 5 of A Killer's Heart

"Why are you crying?" Smith wants to know, his finger reaching out to swipe away the tears.”

“I’m already a horrible mother," I cry, unable to contain my sobs now. I don’t even realize he’s stopped until he steps out and comes to my side. He opens the door and unbuckles my seatbelt, then pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head.

“You are not,” he reassures me. “It’s impossible for you to be so.”

"But I am,” I correct him. “I don't care if it's a boy or girl nor do I have any names chosen."

"I bet every mom feels this way at some point." I sniff, accusing him of lying, just telling me that to make me feel better. “I never lie, Poppy. I always mean what I say.” His gray eyes are full of compassion and sincerity as I stare at them. His lips brush against each of my wet cheeks and I take a shuddery breath, trying to get my emotions under control. “How about we go inside and get a look at this little guy?”

"Or girl," I remind him, making both of us smile. As we walk in, a bit of the worry has left me, my steps a bit lighter. Normally, there’d be paperwork to take care of, except Smith doesn’t want to leave a paper trail, so we bypassed that somehow. The only person we come across is a nurse who then shows us to a room. I remove my shoes and Smith assists me as I get on the bed. I lift my shirt enough to expose my belly as he sits in the chair next to me. Not long after that, the doctor enters and introduces herself.

"How are you feeling, Mrs. Smith?" She asks with a smile as she sets up the equipment. A glance at Smith has me seeing that he wants to my play along with the charade, so I do.

"I'm well. Thank you."

"Eager to see your baby?" She asks Smith.

"Very," he answers without hesitation, warming my heart. He grabs my hand as she puts gel on my belly and starts the machine. As soon as the image shows on the screen, it takes my breath away. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen it, but it’s different now. My beautiful, tiny baby. Smith’s eyes are glued to the picture, never leaving them even as she finishes the procedure and I begin cleaning my bump.

"Everything looks great. I have no concerns at this time. Would you like to know the gender?" I honestly don’t know if I do, but Smith tells her yes a second after she asks. My gaze shoots to him, but his is still staring at the screen.

“Yes please Doctor.”

She smiles wide. “It’s a girl.”

My throat clogs with happiness at the news as Smith repeats what she said, his voice filled with the same awe I’m feeling. Knowing he’s happy warms my heart. Suddenly i’m filled with excitement I hoped to have.

Once we’re done with everything, we return to the villa, discussing baby names on the way, laughing as we each try to outdo the other with silly suggestions. It doesn’t stop when we arrive, and the hours fly by as we talk, joke around, and make a list of the items I’ll need. Following dinner, we stand side by side and wash the dishes together.

"Can I ask you something?"

That moment makes him chuckle. “You’ve gotten more out of me than anyone else on the planet.”

I like knowing that. A lot. "Why are you so excited about the baby?” He falls silent for so long I don’t think he’ll answer as he puts the plate he was drying down as turns to face me. However, instead of speaking, he brings me against his chest and kisses me. My arms wrap around him, his strong body perfection as it cradles mine. I moan as his tongue enters my mouth. I’ve never experienced something like this. It consumes me. He scoops me up and sets me on the counter, stepping between my legs without stopping the assault on my mouth. I swear I’ve never been kissed like this before, so full of love and passion. I never wanted it to end. Then Smith’s phone rings, ruining the moment. He starts to pull away, but I cling to him, my legs circling his waist to keep him in place. “Ignore it,” I implore him.

He wants to, I can tell, but he gives me a hard kiss and evades my hold. “If they’re calling this number, it’s important. I have to get it.” My growl of frustration clearly amuses him, but the second he answers, the Smith I’ve come to know disappears and the deadly man he’s known to be clicks in place.

I wait patiently, or try to at least, for him to finish, and when he does, he doesn’t say anything. He helps me down from the counter and I place my hands on his chest once I’m on my feet. “What?” Smith’s expression is grim as he sets his hand on my shoulder and squeezes.

"They not only know you’re aren’t dead, but also that we’re no longer in Cape Town. Fortunately, they don’t know where we actually are."

I sigh, though he’d warned me this would happen, and mutter, "So, it begins."

"You don't need to worry about a thing," he reminds me as he gives me a hug. The weird thing is, I’m not. Not any longer. I know he’ll keep me and my daughter safe.

Chapter 6

Smith

Using binoculars, I scope out every possible vantage point a sniper could use around the property. As it has been for weeks, it’s clear, yet I’m uneasy. When I learned they knew Poppy was still alive, added with me not getting in contact with me, I figured they’d put two and two together. I’m sure they have, especially as their operation could be at stake when this baby grows up. Bastard or not in their eyes, they’d have a rightful claim and could use that against them and their orginization. Not that I’d allow that to happen. I’ll be damned if I let my child have any connection to that darkness.

Mine? When did I start thinking that? Well, we have sort of settled into a routine. And I have been reading the same baby books as Poppy. As well as talking to that little girl and rubbing this cream shit on Poppy’s belly. Enzo really through in providing this haven for us. However, I did help him get to where he is, so some could say he owed me.

The past week, I've been on the phone with the Crime Kings stationed all over the world, making contingency plans and traps for the other assassins the Donalds have surely hired by now. The guys are creating false trails that’ll lead them anywhere else but here. Anywhere but where we are. Of course, they had a great time at my expense after they got over the shock of my feelings where Poppy is concerned. I acted pissed, but it felt good knowing they’re comfortable enough to tease me like that. I’m so used to having people scared of me that it was a pleasant switch.

Regardless of how well things have gone at the villa, we’ve been here too long. Foster agreed to smuggle us into the States, specifically New Orleans, Louisiana, where Boden is located. If it were just me, I could easily remain unnoticed as it’s not me they want. Poppy, at almost six months along, is who they’re looking for. Boden will ensure her safety, even more so than Enzo because of our history.

Boden and I have known each other a long time. Back when I was in my early twenties, I played a part in him forming his empire, doing the dirty work necessary to get him to the top and killing any who stood in his way. It was a huge fucking mess, one that hurt Boden the most. There isn’t anyone I trust more than him, and that’s saying a hell of a lot.

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