Page 58 of Malevolent Secrets

“So, you missing work was just an act of irresponsibility? I didn’t take you for that type or person.”

I am immediately pissed.

“I am not irresponsible. I didn’t come to work because I couldn’t. I couldn’t face you and…” shit.

He raises an eyebrow, silently asking me to continue.

“Forget about it.” I turn around and pick up the blanket. It’s a big mistake because I must’ve misjudged the space between us. My ass grazes his front and…oh. His hardness is delicious. I want him to be inside me immediately. I pick up the blanket and turn back around. His face is still blank.

“Sorry. I wasn’t expecting company.” I wrap the blanket around me again. “I’ll be at the club tomorrow, but…”

“Tell me why you’re avoiding me.”

Again, it’s not a question. It’s more like a command. I think of lying, but I know he’ll see right through me.

“That’s not something I’m ready to talk about.”

“Tell me anyway’.” His expression is so neutral, I’m suddenly afraid of what his reaction is going to be when he finds out about the baby. But as if reading my thoughts, his eyes soften. His lips turn down in something that isn’t a frown but is very close and he takes a step toward me again. It is when his fingers brush my cheek and come back wet that I realize I’m crying. Stupid hormones and shit.

“Did someone hurt you?”

I shake my head and more tears come.

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I-I’m pregnant.” I almost whisper it. Again that feeling of vulnerability overwhelms me and it feels like I’m going to burst out crying again.

“You’re sure?” His eyes flick down to my belly and back up to my face, and I nod.

“You’re not happy about it?”

“I don’t know what I feel. This wasn’t the plan. I barely know how to take care of myself and now there’s a whole new person growing inside of me… And you…”

He raises an eyebrow for me to continue.

“I was scared, I’m still scared, of how you’re going to react and what’s going to happen to me.”

He nods and puts his hands into his pockets.

“I’ll schedule a meeting with a doctor for you first. We can talk after that.”

That is so unexpectedly sweet that I feel another wave of tears coming on.

“Okay.”

“Do you think it’s mine?” He sounds angry asking that and then I realize that he doesn’t know for sure if I have been with other men. When I don’t respond, he sighs.

“How far along are you?”

“I…three weeks. Give or take.”

His eyes widen a fraction and his hands come out of his pockets.

“Three weeks?” I nod. His eyes search mine.

“Is it mine?” This time, his voice is the quiet one.

“I haven’t slept with anyone since…yes.”

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