Page 152 of Rugger: The Huntress

I removed the robe and laid it on top of the counter. Curiosity forced me to turn sideways. I peered at my reflection, trying to see if there were any noticeable signs of pregnancy. My stomach was still flat against my abs.

I inflated it with nothingness, imagining a bulging belly. The joy I was anticipating never came. The image only brought me despair. Worry lines crinkled my forehead as I exhaled. My stomach flattened and the pajama shirt slid over my head with ease.

Foolish of me, I chastised.

SIXTEEN

Small, fine bumps covered the skin of my arms, legs, back, and chest. The bright white lights and sterile temperatures were the sources of my discomfort. The cushioned chair beneath me kept me rooted and on my butt instead of pacing the floor.

I folded my right leg over the left one and shoved my hands between my thighs. Subtly, from side to side, I began to move my body. Apprehension and anxiousness swelled my chest.

“Ms. Pickman.”

The hour-long wait came to a halt at the sound of the alias I’d given staff members. I was up and on my feet before the medical assistant could get the name out of her mouth completely. I wasthe only patient in the waiting room, so her presence meant it was my turn to visit the back of the small, very private clinic.

“Right this way,” she instructed, waving me toward her.

The light blue scrubs matched the accent walls and office decor. Everyone I’d encountered since walking through the door wore the same color. We cleared a full hallway and turned down another. She stopped just as we approached the second door.

“We’re going to start in this room– right here.”

She stopped in front of the dimly lit room with the door ajar.

“You don’t have to get undressed just yet. We’ll get you out of your clothes on the next stop. But, I do need you to lift your shirt up to your chest and pull your pants down slightly.”

I nodded, making sure she was aware of my understanding. She closed the door after we both made it inside of the room.

“You can climb right up.” She patted the bed. “Someone will be right in.”

More waiting.I groaned.

“Don’t worry, she’s ready. You won’t have to wait.”

Maybe it was my face that said exactly what was on my mind. Maybe it was my posture. I wasn’t sure, but I was satisfied with the response I’d gotten because of it.

“Thank you.”

She exited the room, closing the door behind her. I followed directions and climbed onto the bed. When my back was flat against the disposable sheet covering the cushion, I lifted my shirt, exposing my stomach.

I pushed against the pair of black joggers that I’d retrieved from Sonnie’s closet in the guest bedroom. Slowly, I was transforming the closet in the master suite into mine. The collection was scarce but it was coming along nicely.

“Knock, knock.”

A five-foot beauty walked in the room, strutting her voluptuous hips and thick thighs. Her blessings were abundantand on full display. God hadn’t been stingy with anything but height when it came to the creation ofHarmony. The name on her badge was big and bold, just as she was.

“Good evening, Ms. Pickman. I’m Harmony and I’m going to get your ultrasound started here in a minute. Before I get the machine going, do you have to empty your bladder?”

“No.”

“Are you feeling ill?”

“No.”

“Do you need to vomit?”

“N–” I paused, making sure my guts weren’t trying to escape through my mouth, “No.”

“Okay, then we can get started.”

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