Page 72 of Mister Stark

Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks. Time moved on and my belly grew each day. It expanded and turned into more than just bloat. It grew firmer with my baby inside and created a protective barrier for it.

The doctor’s appointments impeded wedding planning and had to be a priority. My child came over everything else. Wedding plans could wait and if we had to push the big day, we would. This baby wasn’t going to wait and be here in less than nine months.

The blood work came back great, and I was in the best shape to carry a pregnancy to full-term. I booked the first ultrasound for nine weeks along and I couldn’t wait to see my baby. To view what it looked like inside of me and get its first picture. Too bad I had to do it alone.

My clothes grew tighter, and it was harder to conceal the pregnancy. I wore fancy baggy clothes to keep up my image and dresses with more room. My bra size expanded, and I had to hit the store. My hair grew thicker, and I loved the new shape. But my stomach still heaved from the morning sickness and I hated it.

It always showed up whenever it felt like it, and I hated every moment. It made no sense why a woman’s body would be so hungry yet so sick all at the same time. And today I was starving.

I hit up the restaurant across the street from D.S. Industries. It wasn’t far from my penthouse, just in case this meal turned into a disaster. But I felt fine, and it was one of my better days.

Plus, I hadn’t eaten out much and was dying for a meaty cheeseburger. Tomatoes, pickles, onions, lettuce, mustard and ketchup. I needed a good meal and today felt like the day.

When the food arrived, I stuffed my face like there was no tomorrow. My intense hunger took over, and it was all I wanted. My cravings were crazy, and I ordered a milkshake to add to the mix. I was pregnant after all and eating for two. I indulged in whatever food I wanted, and no one could say a damn thing.

The food was delicious, and I savored the taste inside my mouth. I sat back and rubbed my full belly. But it gargled with unease.

Oh, no...

I had overdone it and panic took over. My palm grew sweaty, and I knew I needed to get home. My cry for food was replaced by fear of vomiting all over myself.

I couldn’t wait for the bill and placed a fifty on the table. It would be more than enough to cover my single meal and give a generous tip. The food hit my stomach and didn’t waste any time, but I was queasy as soon as I stood. The floor rocked from side to side as I stumbled for the door and a dreadful burp escaped me. It was loud and obnoxious. I was sure someone at the far side of the restaurant could hear it.

And a jerk joked with a laugh. “It’s a little too early to be drinking there, sweetheart.”

I wanted to blast him with my middle finger, but it was no use and I struggled for the door instead. My foot tripped over a table leg and I fell onto it. Luckily, it was an empty table no one used, and I was thankful for that. I didn’t need this to turn into an even bigger mess than it already was.

But someone touched my arm.

“Celeste?” A deep tone said with concern.

Something blurred my vision as I turned to look and stood from the table. It was no use, and I was far too weak. This morning sickness just didn’t want to give up.

“I got you, princess.” He breathed as his arms scooped me up, and he carried me out of the restaurant.

I knew that voice anywhere. The smooth, deep tone of command and power. But it was his nickname for me that gave him away.

It was Daxon.

“I don’t know what the hell is wrong, but I’m getting you home, Celeste.” He breathed as I laid my head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

He peered down at me with worry in his eyes and back towards his mission. Cars loudly honked from around us as his long strides stepped into the busy traffic and he carried me through the street. He didn’t waste a moment and halted traffic with me in his arms.

It pissed people off, and I could hear their angry threats, but he paid no attention. I was his top priority, and he wanted to get me back home. He protected me in his embrace from all else, and nothing else mattered to him. Just me.

He finally made it across the street and hurried towards the penthouse. I heard him curse as my limp body laid in his arms and wondered if he feared the worst. But I simply had no strength to go on.

My venture turned into a disaster and I felt like utter shit. I should’ve eaten at home, but I figured I was out of the woods for the day. I felt fine and ready to tackle a nice hot meal. But this baby had other plans.

And I was about to throw up.

“I think I’m going to be sick...” I muttered as my hand flew to my mouth and I held it back.

“Christ...” He groaned with displeasure.

Black dots danced before my eyes as he found my keys in my purse and opened the front door. It opened with a thud and he didn’t waste a second. He kept going and headed straight for the bathroom. The bile pushed up into my throat just as he sat me down in front of the toilet and I released the contents of my meal into it.

“It’s okay, sweetie, let it all out.” Daxon breathed as he sat behind me and held my hair back.

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