Page 39 of Merciful Lies

Got into some trouble. See, I thought I was sticking up for your preggo ass and I kinda sorta showed up the other day and threw a glass of beer into some huge man’s face I thought was Nico.

I laugh out loud. So hard, I almost freaking pee. I could just picture my bestie, her green eyes flashing and curly black hair bouncing as she goes toe to toe with Angel fucking Fury.

Anna

Please tell me you didn’t sell yourself to my husband’s cousin.

Giselle

OMG. Get a grip. You’re the only Slutty McSlutterstein around these parts, Girl.

I don’t answer. I know she’s trying to be funny, but something about it just makes me sad.

Giselle

Anna. ANNA! God, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I’m not judging you. anyway, how is it?

Anna

How’s what? Being a slut? I wouldn’t know. I haven’t had sex in six months.

I tell her honestly, and now I’m crying.

Like a moron.

What kind of person gets sad because the man who basically forced her into marriage when he finds out he accidentally knocked her up after their one night stand, which coincidentally, he also instigated because her brother owed him money, won’t have sex with her?

I am so screwed up.

Giselle

Anna, I am sorry. I didn’t mean it. Are you okay? Please answer me.

But I don’t.

Giselle and I have known each other forever. She’s like my sister. So, she knows my moods. And after ten minutes of her trying to call me, she stops.

She knows I’ll call her back when I’m feeling less salty. Which could be an hour or a day or even a week. It all depends.

Sighing, I turn my phone off and tug on the belt to my terrycloth robe. I’m naked beneath it, but it’s not like I have anything to worry about.

Nico isn’t home. I’m all alone. And even though I bought a couple of maternity bathing suits, I don’t like how they feel.

I hate clingy fabric to begin with. But with this baby belly, it’s so much worse.

The water is warm, but cool enough to be refreshing in all the cloying heat. I sigh as I sink down to my shoulders. After a few minutes, I lie back, just allowing my body’s natural buoyancy to carry me.

The sound of water rushes in my ears as I float lazily. No raft or noodle, just me. It’s just something I always liked to do. I watch the clouds floating by and allow my mind to drift. I close them and focus on breathing. My body feels so light, suspended in the water. And I relax.

Something slams, the door maybe, and I startle, opening my eyes to find a pair of brilliant, glowing blue eyes staring back at me.

It’s Nico. And he is fucking furious.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN-NICO

Married for over a week and I have the worst fucking case of blue balls in history.

Every fucking night I stay out late. Going over business deals and just biding my fucking time. I know if I go home, I’ll take her. I’ll be buried inside her sweet heat so fucking fast just cause she’s there and she’s mine.

---