Page 73 of The Bargain

As I watched Timmy leave with the nurses, I started to shake. My rush of adrenaline was being replaced by the strongest pain and fear I’d ever experienced.

Standing in front of me, Jeremy rested his hands on my shoulders. He moved his head, trying to lock his eyes with mine.

“You did well, Opal,” he reassured me, squeezing my shoulders, trying to bring me back to the here and now.

“I-” I met his concerned eyes. “I thought he was dying.”

Jeremy shook his head. “He is not dying. It’s going to be fine. We knew this might happen, remember?”

I nodded, somehow numb.

He gave me a quick hug before nudging me inside and toward the elevators.

“Where’s Dean?” Jeremy asked.

“In Philly, but now on his way here, I presume.” I didn't want to think about Dean. I was feeling enough right now. I didn't need to add anger and betrayal to my fear.

“I’m going to get prepped now. Come with me. I’ll have one of the nurses take your blood and plasma."

We stepped inside the elevator. “It’s always better if it’s one of the parents who-”

I jerked, grabbing his hand.

He looked down at my hand with a frown.

“I’m not -” I let out in a panic.Has my lie hurt Timmy?

“You’re not what?”

I shook my head. “His mother. I'm not his mother. Dean came and I panicked. Opal died, and-” I took a deep, shaky breath. “I’m her sister and she gave me custody legally. I just -” I let out a sob. “If he dies because of me, I-”

“Hey, it’s fine!” he hurried as the door opened onto the lower floor. “You’re still related. Your blood is fine; just go with the nurse. I’ll come to find you in the waiting room when it’s done.”

I nodded gratefully. “You don’t seem that surprised,” I added.

“I’m not. Things actually make so much sense now.” He took a deep breath and gave me a sad smile. “But you know I can’t keep this a secret, right?”

“I gave Dean full access to the medical files. He’ll know anyway.” I shook my head “Can you just wait until I know Timmy is okay before telling him. Please?”

Jeremy sighed and nodded. “Of course. I’ll see you later.”

I went through the motions, too worried about what was happening in the operating room to worry about anything else. I could only imagine Timmy's little body on the operating table, his tiny heart being worked on.

Sitting in the waiting room, I closed my eyes. The image of Timmy’s blue face stared back at me. I believed it would be ingrained in my brain for an entire lifetime.

The door opened and Dean walked in, breathless and a little disheveled. It was strange to see the great Dean Beaumont in any type of disarray. He was always so cool and composed. Well, except when he was fucking me.

“How is he?” he asked immediately.

I blinked back tears. “We got here on time. Jere- Dr. Hunt is quite optimistic. He said he’d be fine.”

Dean let out a sigh of relief. I saw the tension leave his body at once.

He really cares, but is that just because Timmy is his heir? I now know how calculating Dean could be.

“Jeremy is the best there is,” he said. “Timmy is in good hands.”

What did he want by calling him ‘Timmy?' Was he trying to butter me up for another booty call?

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