Page 94 of Coerced Queen

She puts away the probe and hands me a few paper towels.“Then why are you still with him?”

Accepting the stash, I wipe my stomach clean.“Because his actions say otherwise.”

“That’s good then.Actions are what matter.If he doesn’t treat you right, I’ll be the first to tell you to dump his grumpy, sexy ass.But I’ve known him for five years now, and I’ve seen how he was before.”

She takes a deep breath.“When I first met you, I questioned his motives for being with you.I knew how badly he wanted a child, and let’s just say I thought his agenda for dating you weren’t all that clearcut.”

“You’re right.”Admitting it hurts, but I try not to show it.“Saverio has always been with me for the wrong reasons.”

“Look, Anya, I’m going to say this straight out because I don’t like to mince my words.He’s never obsessed about anything like he’s obsessing over you.The way he behaves with you is about more than simply getting Claire in the package deal.He’s sweet with you, and that man doesn’t do sweet.He’s much more agreeable in general.He actually makes an effort to get along with people, and that says a lot because Sav never makes an effort for anyone unless it serves his own agenda.”

“That’s exactly what he told me.He said he only takes care of me and Claire for selfish reasons.”

“The way he takes care of you goes beyond selfish.Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sacrificed his life to save you.”

“Yeah.”I pull down the hospital gown, discard the sheet covering my legs, and sit up.“That was my argument too.”

She pats my shoulder.“Give it time.Both of you have just been through a rough patch, and that’s putting it lightly.”

My smile is half-hearted.“Thanks.”

She turns serious.“Don’t give up on him.Sav is loyal to the people he cares about, and there aren’t many.I thought he’d lose his mind when Rachele left him, but I’m afraid it’ll truly be the end of him if you walk away.”

My shoulders heave with the sigh I blow out.“I’m not going anywhere.No matter what he says, I’m staying.”

“You won’t be sorry.Sav will do his best to make you happy.That’s just who he is.”

I nod even though a bruise settles in my chest.He may never tell me the words I want to hear, but he doesn’t need to say that he loves me to make me happy.A part of him still belongs to Rachele.I understand that.I can live with that.I can love enough for both of us.Ihaveto.We’re in this now, and the only way I’ll survive—both physically and emotionally—is if we stick together.

Nicole puts up a bright smile.“As far as your exam goes, you’re as good as new.Your period is right on time too, twelve weeks after the birth to be exact, which is around the earlier date for moms who breastfeed exclusively.It may be a bit irregular at first, but your cycle should settle into your normal pattern soon.Are you considering a contraceptive yet?”

“You know Saverio’s diagnosis.If we don’t need one, I don’t see the point.”

She removes her surgical gloves and discards them in the trash can.“Unless anything develops before, I don’t need to see you until your annual checkup.”

I get off the chair and go to the changing room.“Let me know when you’re available for that barbecue.”While dressing, I call through the door, “We’ll surprise Saverio.”

“Oh dear.Saverio hates surprises.”When I step out, dressed, she adds with an evil smile, “I can’t wait to see his face.”

I follow her outside.“He’ll probably never forgive me.”

“His bad.”She pauses in the reception area.“But let’s do lunch before then.Wednesday afternoon?And bring Livy and that gorgeous baby of yours.I’ll find us a baby friendly restaurant.”

“Sounds good.I’m already looking forward to it.”

The patients waiting in the reception area shoot me dirty looks that I presume are for chatting to Nicole and making them wait longer than they already have.Nicole and I say our goodbyes, and then I settle the bill at the counter before driving to After Dark.

Livy is at the bar, doing a stock take.She seems to be cut out for the job.I find Saverio behind his desk in the office, bouncing Claire on his knee.She can already hold up her head, which makes me ridiculously proud.She sits with her back against his stomach, sucking on her thumb.He has his big arm wrapped around her front to keep her steady while he reads something on his laptop.

The sight is so sweet my heart melts on the spot.

He looks up when I enter, something like caution and concern coming over his features.

“Hi.”I go over to kiss the top of Claire’s head before pressing a kiss on my husband’s lips.“How did it go?”

“Good.”His smile is reserved.“What did Nicole say?”

“Everything looks fine.”

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