Page 46 of The Bargain

Fuck it!I had planned to bring her here to control and destroy her and it left like she was the one doing it to me.

Ms. Collins, what am I going to do with you?

“Mr. Beaumont is on the phone for you,” the butler announced upon entering the small library, where I was creating a few promos for Dee.

“For me?” I pointed at my chest. He hadn’t been so obviously nasty since the incident with his lawyer, but he hadn’t been pleasant either.

“Yes, Miss.” He pointed to the old-looking telephone on the console. “I will connect him now.”

After picking up the phone, I soon heard a click.

“Miss Collins?” His gravelly voice made my stomach twist and my lady parts pulse in ways they shouldn’t be allowed to. Not for him. Anyone but him.

“Yes?”

“I’m stuck in New York with my new attorney. Whilst he is good, it -” He sighed. “Anyway, I won't be on time for Timothy's appointment today. I’ll call Dr. Hunt to reschedule.”

“What? No!” Not that I was not grateful for him firing the lawyer for what he’d done to me, but Timmy’s health was paramount. I looked at the little boy who owned my heart. He was sitting in his seat, playing with his teething plastic keys. “I’ll go by myself. Dean - Mr. Beaumont it’s serious.”

“No, you won’t.”

“I will. He is my son, my responsibility,” I insisted, “I’ll walk there if I have to.”

He growled at the other end of the phone. I was really good at frustrating him, but I would not budge on this. “Plus, we both know Jeremy will tell you everything anyway. So you may not trust me, but you must trust him.”

“Jeremy, is it? How cute.” His voice was acidic. I would normally attribute it to jealousy, but that would be ludicrous with Dean Beaumont.

“Timmy’s health is paramount. We must agree on that point, don’t we?”

“Fine! But you’ll take David with you. He’ll get you there and bring you back. No other stop, do you understand me? Don’t make me regret it.”

I rolled my eyes. What did he think I was going to do? To be honest, I was a bit scared to find out how untrustworthy he really thought I was. “I promise.”

He remained silent for a second before letting out a weary sigh. “Very well. I’ll call David and let him know. I shall be back later tonight.” He hung up before I could say anything.

I looked down at Timmy, who was looking up at me with curious eyes. “He’s a strange man, your uncle, isn’t he?”

Timmy cooed, extending his chubby little fist toward me.

I chuckled, reaching down for him. “I’m glad you agree. Okay, let’s go get ready to see your friend.”

I was a bit nervous to go on my own. Being driven in a fancy car to a fancy hospital felt so different from my normal life.

I walked into the hospital with Timmy secured in his expensive stroller and was directed to the fancy waiting room. Relaxing music played overhead. Leather armchairs, a fridge full of complimentary drinks and snacks, and the most expensive-looking coffee machine decorated the room.

After helping myself to an orange juice and some amazing, luscious-looking Scottish shortbread, I sat down and waited for my turn.

This was so different from the cold, overcrowded waiting room at the free clinic. There weren’t any uncomfortable, broken plastic chairs. No shouts, no blood, no sickly smell… I leaned back in my chair, somehow at peace. Even if I failed the bargain and lost my boy, he would never go back to that life of misery. In the end, that was all that mattered.

“Opal?” I turned startled toward a smiling Jeremy. He had such a nice smile, so bright and friendly. It was such a contrast to Dean’s bitter smile.

I jumped up from my seat. “Sorry, Dr. Hunt. I was just lost in my thoughts.”

“Nice ones I hope,” he replied, gesturing toward his office.

Bittersweet for sure. “Yes, thank you.”

“So I notice Cerberus is not with you today. That’s a nice change.” He chuckled. “I have to admit I enjoy your company much more than his.”

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