Page 24 of Orlando

Josie rolls her eyes. “They’re not going to do anything,” she tells him, then pivots in my direction. “Call me if you need anything. I can come back.”

“Thank you.” Emotion clogs my throat. I can’t remember the last time someone other than my dad helped me do anything.

Silence falls over the room the moment Dante and Josie leave. Orlando is looking down at Sebastian, who is much more content in his clean diaper. “Tell me about him,” Orlando says quietly.

“He’s a good baby, really good. Except he doesn’t like to sleep through the night just yet. His favorite food is apple puree, and he loves music. Your music…”

“You play my songs for him?” Orlando looks at me.

“Always,” I say. “I didn’t want to keep this secret from you. I just… panicked. We’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Your career is already taking off. I don’t want to interrupt that.”

“He’s my son, Aleeka. Don’t you think that trumps any fucking concert or tour?” He’s angry, and I don’t blame him. I also know he’s doing his best to keep that anger in check.

“I…” I don’t know what to say. Not that it matters. Because the door opens and Orlando’s father walks through with another man. One of Orlando’s uncles, or so I can only assume.

They stop short and stare wide-eyed at Orlando and then at me. Then back at Orlando or maybe Sebastian, who’s curled up against his chest.

“Orlando?” Mr. Valentino approaches us slowly.

“Pops, you remember Aleeka, right?” Orlando says, holding Sebastian so that his face comes into view. “It appears we made this little guy together.”

“I’ll… ah… Wait outside. You got this?” the other man asks while slapping a hand down on Mr. Valentino’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I got this. Thanks, Theo.”

“It was bound to happen eventually. I’m just fucking glad it wasn’t me, Grandpa.” Orlando’s uncle laughs as he exits the room.

“How long have you known about him?” Mr. Valentino asks.

“About two hours,” Orlando replies as he stands to meet his father at eye level.

Chapter Sixteen

The look on my father’s face is one of shock. I expected to see disappointment. He’s always warned me about being safe, not just for myself but for the women I’m with. I was safe with Aleeka though; it just didn’t work. I remember the broken condom. I remember thinking I’d take her to the clinic and get the morning-after pill if she wanted it, but then she disappeared on me.

“You didn’t know?” Pops asks. I shake my head. He then turns to Aleeka. “I’m assuming your father knows about this?”

“He didn’t know about Orlando. I never told anyone,” she says, her voice quiet. She’s scared. I can hear the fear in her tone.

“This isn’t her fault, Pops.” Even if I am fucking pissed at Aleeka myself, I’m not about to let anyone else lay the guilt trip on her.

“I wasn’t going to say it was. Pack some things. You guys can’t stay here. It’s not safe,” Pops says to me before returning his attention to Aleeka. “I’m calling your father. I’ll let him know you’ll be at our house.”

“I can stay here. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I’m feeling better.” She’s lying. She’s not feeling better. Her usually tanned skin is pale.

“It wasn’t a question. Orlando, gather whatever they both need. I’ll wait for you downstairs.” Pops turns and walks out.

When I look back to Aleeka, her face has gone a shade paler. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid of my family. They’re not monsters,” I tell her.

“The rumors would suggest otherwise,” she murmurs.

“Believe what you see, not the stories you hear. Have I ever given you a reason to doubt me?”

Aleeka shakes her head.

“Then don’t start doubting me now. I know they can come across rough around the edges, but their intentions are only to protect you, to protect Sebastian,” I explain. “I’ll stay here with you if you really don’t want to come home with me. But I’m not going to leave you.”

“Why would you do that?” she asks.

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