Page 85 of Piston

I snort, trying to hide the hurt I feel, realizing that all this time, my father really did believe his wife over an innocent child, allowing her to abuse me any way she saw fit.

I state, “I didn’t ask to be born, Christy, just like I didn’t ask for him to keep me. To be fair, I moved out, I stayed out of touch. It wasyouwho took your anger out on Cooper, an innocent child. It wasyouwho wanted a break from being a mother, then got angry when I told you where to go. And last time I checked, it wasyouwho screwed your stepdaughter's boyfriend,a minor, in your martial bed.” I look her and up and down. “You’ve only got yourself to blame. Now you can think of your actions behind bars, which is where you belong.”

She screeches and tries to run at me, but Cam pulls her back, and I just shake my head.

“Cam, take her outside; the Feds are on their way!” Steal booms from behind us, and I sigh in relief as Eli mumbles, “One down, one to go….”

I nod, then turn in his hold and place my ear over his heart as tears build. I croak, “He really saw me as a burden growing up, huh? He was just using me to gain position at his job….”

Elijah sighs and wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly, and the first tear falls.

Hours later, I lay back, my eyes taking in the rain on the skyline while I gently stroke Bluebell.

This has to be the best room in the house. It’s soothing.

“There you are,” Elijah says as he enters the room. I give him a slight smile, and look back at the darkening sky, lightning flashing, giving me peace.

“I used to love thunder and lightning,” I whisper as Eli sits next to me, pulling my body so I’m leaning against him, causing Bluebell to jump off the couch and go over to his bed near the TV.

“Is that so?” he asks, gently running his fingers along my arms.

I nod. “Yeah. Growing up, I used to think that if I grabbed hold of it when it came down, it would take me away. But it never did….”

I feel Eli kiss my neck. “I’m sorry, Diamond….”

After Cam took my step-monster outside, the police showed up minutes later, and escorted her away in handcuffs. I may have enjoyed watching as she tried pleading her innocence.

The men went back into church to finish discussing how to help Perrie before she took matters into her own hands, and I sat with Meredith and Holly, who looked brighter today than yesterday.

I didn’t speak much, my mind going over everything, including whether I was going to screw this baby up.

God, I picked up a stool and hit someone without even thinking about the risks to the baby….

I turn my head, placing my lips on Eli’s neck.

Before we left the club, one of the clubwhores decided it was a bright idea to proposition him—something about missing him watching her get off—and I flipped.

We were supposed to see Aurora, a friend they grew up with, but instead, I had to be pulled off the bitch.

Again, not thinking about the baby.

“You’re going to be a good mom,” Eli says as he gently caresses my stomach. “Cassidy was right, Nat. This baby will be well-loved and happy. We both come from fucked up pasts, but together, we’re united, and we’re going to give this baby all the love we should have gotten.”

I nod and whisper, “I don’t want a relationship with Henry.”

“I know, baby. I called him and made it clear he’s damaged any relationship you two can have, but you’ll still be cordial with him for Cooper’s sake.” He kisses my head. “I also told him to stop using Cooper to guilt trip you as well.”

I sniffle. “I love you, Elijah Mathews. Always have, always will.”

His lips tilt up, and he whispers, “I love you too, my Diamond. Thank you for being mine.”

I smile back before I slowly turn in his arms and straddle him, his tee I’m wearing lifting around my waist as he grips my hips.

He smiles and leans forward, taking my lips in a slow and sensual kiss.

I feel wetness build down below before he pulls back from the kiss, and slowly lifts my tee, but stops when I raise a brow.

I haven’t gotten the all-clear yet.

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