Page 98 of My Damaged Protector

Sheila.

The teasing in her tone tells me she heard us.

Damn it. This is her house. I shouldn't have been disrespecting her like that or been so loud while at it.

I sigh in frustration and pour myself another glass before I place the jar inside the fridge.

“You heard us,” I say as I take a sip of my drink.

“I think everyone in the vicinity heard you guys.”

Great.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper remorsefully, my face down as I place my glass on the counter and let my palms rest on the edge.

“You’re not a child,” she says. I see her walking inside from the side of my eyes.

When she's by my side, she speaks. “I didn't hear you telling him about the baby.”

“Auntie,” I protest.

“Or that you're moving.” She continues like I didn’t anything.

“Auntie, please.”

“Sarah, you really think he wouldn't want to know that he's going to be a father?”

I don't know.

And I can't take any chances.

“Just let it go, please. If I do decide to tell him, I want it to be my choice.”

She nods. “So, you're still leaving.”

“I have no choice.”

I can tell she wants to protest, but she doesn't.

“Well you better get to bed then because something tells me that agent of yours is going to have a new house ready for you when the day breaks.”

I know.

Tim is that effective.

I smile at her and move close to her long enough to kiss her cheek before I walk out of the kitchen and head to my room, where I climb into the bed, and fall asleep a few minutes later, then spend the rest of the night in a dream where I’ve told Ian about the pregnancy and he was very happy.

Deep in my subconscious, I know it's a dream, though. And even while I celebrate in my sleep, my heart still aches.

Ian will never accept my child.

29

IAN

As she walks away,I can read her clear as day.

She thinks I don't care and that I don't deserve her.

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