Page 58 of Ruthless King

My heart plummets to my feet. “What are you talking about?”

“I know your father wasn’t really John Keller.”

“He was.”

“No. I looked into it. It’s a fake. Your past is fake. But the question is … who are you really? I haven’t found that out yet, but I will.”

“Is that a threat? Nico will hurt you for this.”

“No. Nico will hurt you when he finds out you’ve been lying to him this entire time.”

I gulp. “Are you going to accuse me of lying to him?”

“Not yet. Not until I have undeniable proof. But know I’m watching you, Aurora. You’re not getting out of this unscathed.”

Nico comes back into the room with the towel. “What are you two talking about?”

“Not much,” Andrew says. “I was just wishing Aurora well.” He awkwardly pats my arm. “So, get well. Nico, there’s business to discuss.”

“I’m taking care of my wife right now, Andrew.”

Andrew’s face tightens, giving me some satisfaction. “But?—”

“No buts. My wife is more important right now. You can return later.”

If I weren’t so sick, I’d want to kiss Nico right now. I watch Andrew leave, knowing I only have so much more time before he finds out who I am. Then Nico will know, and all his kind smiles will disappear. I’ll have nothing anymore.

I’ll probably be dead, in reality.

Nico takes me back to the hospital to get a checkup, making sure I’m fully all right.

The doctor—a middle-aged woman named Dr. Williams—comes into the room. “Everything is all clear. You’re not at risk anymore, and you have a clean bill of health.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Suffice to say I won’t be drinking any more tea Beatrice gives me.

“There’s just one more thing,” Dr. Williams says. “We took a lot of tests to make sure you were all right. And I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but you’re pregnant.”

My world falls away, and all I can see is the bright white of Dr. Williams lab coat. I can’t be pregnant. I took the tea. I took Plan B. I …

Nico turns to me with a large smile as he pulls me into a hug. “Pregnant! We’re going to have a baby.”

“Aurora?” Dr. Williams asks. “Are you all right?”

I blink, and everything comes back into place. I take in Nico’s large smile and force a smile in return.

My answer is a complete lie. “I’m all right.”

Chapter

Thirteen

AURORA

Everything feels numb when Nico drives us home. My toes and hands and face—numb.

“I always wanted to be a father,” Nico says. “Now I get the chance.”

I don’t respond as I stare out the window. I barely even recognize my reflection.

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