Page 60 of Big Red

Cara snorts before saying, “No, really. I have never had morning sickness. I’m just super hungry and horny. That’s it. Well, I am a bit more violent than normal, but that’s about it.”

There’s a long, pregnant pause. “Alice?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m here. Just a little jealous, though. I don’t know exactly how far along I am, but I’m already exhausted.”

“It’ll get better once the first trimester is over.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Aren’t I always.” She laughs. “But I wanted you to come by Sara’s if you can. Don’t worry about running into Red. He’s not home.”

Breathing out a sigh of relief, I agree to come over. I’m a bit antsy because I know why they're calling me over. As soon as Red left my room that day, I got dressed and went to Cara’s.

After I told her everything that happened between Red and me, she wanted to kick his ass for me. But I didn’t want that.

When I told her I wanted her to put me up in a safe house like she promised when I first arrived here, she seemed hesitant. But as my tears flowed, she reluctantly agreed.

I have been through enough already and don’t deserve to go through more.

Ten minutes later, I’m in Sara’s living room with her, Cara, and Doc. When I first see him, I frown in confusion before taking my seat. I figured I was just going to get the rundown on when they would safely move me off the compound, but staring at these manila folders on the coffee table, I have a gut feeling there’s more to this visit.

“Okay, let's get right to it. We found you a safe house twenty minutes from here, but it’s going to take a little time. I need to install a security system and set up booby traps in case something occurs and we can’t get to you fast enough.”

I’m not stupid enough to argue with any of these demands. It won't kill me to stay on the compound a little longer.

“That’s fine. I don’t have a problem with that, but what does that have to do with Doc here?” I ask nervously.

Scratching her head, Cara sits forward. “So, if I overstepped, I’m sorry, but when you told me that Declan’s doctor friend told you that you were infertile, I had to do some digging. I hacked into the hospital database, pulled your and Declan’s medical records, and gave them to Doc.”

“What did they say?”

“I don’t know. I already felt like I was overstepping boundaries, so I told Doc to save the info for you.”

She and Sara make a move to get up. I wave my hand, letting them know they can stay. Turning to Doc, I wait on pins and needles.

“You were never infertile, Alice.”

“B-but why would he lie about something like that? How the hell did I manage not to conceive all these years?”

“Because Declan is sterile.”

I gasp with wide eyes. Although I am a bit shocked, I’m more pissed than anything. This bastard knew he couldn’t have kids, yet he beat me every month when my period came, claiming thatIwas useless.

He really pulled the wool over my eyes with this one. He actually talked about going through IVF a few times. Of course, it never happened, and now I know why. He was blowing smoke up my ass, all the while finding any excuse he could to beat me.

“He found out months before he took you to his friend.”

Sara scoffs, shaking her head. “He is the true definition of a narcissistic. He knew he was the problem and couldn’t accept that. So, he blamed you.”

I stare at the ground, thinking of all those times he verbally and physically abused me for something heknewI had no fault in. I have never hated anyone in my life.

But I truly hate Declan Langley.

My life would be totally different had I taken heed to my father's warnings. I can’t change the past, but I have for sure learned from it.

For the next few years, I just want to focus on this baby and live a life free of stress, pain, and disappointment.

It’s going to be hard leaving this place. I’ve formed a bond with all the ladies and kids, and a few of the brothers. I’ll miss all the teasing from Chains and Diablo at the garage. I’ll miss Cindy and Chloe like crazy. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I’m going to miss falling asleep in Red's arms every night.

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