Page 92 of His Big Bad Stick

22

Colver

I can’t fall asleep.

Not sure how I’m supposed to.

Once Abrielle is completely and comfortably asleep, I sneak out of my own bed and bedroom.

The pregnancy tests - minus the one I took with me - are still in the bathroom.

I assume the next step would be for Abrielle to contact her doctor and go from there.

I stand at a random window and look out at the city.

A baby.

Really?

I’m having a baby with Abrielle Mallory.

What an improbable feat. A twist of fate so fucking hard that fate itself just threw up from getting dizzy.

There’s not much I can do right now about things.

Time machines aren’t real.

Time only moves on and moves forward.

Not the most comforting thought.

I pour myself a shot of whiskey to shut my brain up.

It doesn’t work but the whiskey tastes good.

When I climb back into my bed, Abrielle makes a little purring noise and she rolls to her left side, facing me.

I look at her right arm, which is healing up nicely.

One thing both she and I know is how fast life can move. I guess if something crazy was destined to happen between us it would be like this.

No cute meet, bumping into each other and then sparks fly.

Nope.

It’s Abrielle showing up with a bloody arm and needing me to go after her ex to save her paintings. And then me being me, I finally chase down my ultimate fantasy - Abrielle herself. Just for one night though.

One night and now she’s pregnant…

I’m tempted to reach out and touch her face. Stroke her cheek. Kiss her cheek. Tempted to whisper to her that I won’t do anything to hurt her. She’s carrying my baby.

I feel this powerful need to protect right now.

My asshole side is thick like hot tar.

Meaning I keep my hands to myself and fall asleep.

I also know if I touch Abrielle, something will happen.

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