Page 70 of Twisted Games of Revenge

Taking a step back, I run a hand down to my flat belly, cupping it. The realization that a small human is growing inside of me sends warmth over me. I’m going to be a mom. And I’m not entirely sure why after my terrifying dream this morning, but I’m happy about it.

I pick up the test, wandering back into my room, not sure how I broach this with the boys. It’s all so complicated. Like who is even the father? There would be no way to tell until we do a paternity test. I have had sex with all of them multiple times over the last couple of months. There is also the question of how far along I am. When I haven’t had a period in a couple of years.

I snatch up my phone and do a quick Google search.How far along in my pregnancy would I be if I have morning sickness?

The reply that I receive is:For most women, morning sickness begins around the fourth week of pregnancy and resolves by weeks twelve or fourteen.

A hesitant knock at the door sends a jolt through me, and I fumble to hide the test before whichever one of them it is can see. “Yeah,” I say softy.

The door opens and Ricky comes into the room. “Lunch is ready if you’re hungry? I know you skipped breakfast, so you should probably have something for lunch.” He’s worried about me. It would be cute if I wasn’t freaking out.

I quirk a brow, trying to be snarky. “You really do notice everything, don’t you. Okay, I will be right out.” I try faking a smile, hoping I can hide my panic from him. I’m not ready to have this chat yet. Not until I know more about what I’m up against.

His eyes narrow, a glint of suspicion in their depths, as he focuses on me. “Are you feeling any better? It’s been three days.”

I run a hand through my long auburn hair. I haven’t bothered with the wig in days; what’s the point when I’m just lazing around the apartment. “Yeah, just didn’t sleep all that well last night. I’m fine, though, I’ll be out soon.”

“Bad dreams again?” He takes a tentative step closer, his eyes searching mine for answers. “I call bullshit, baby doll.”

“Ricky,” I warn him, not liking the knowing look in his eyes and the predatory gleam like he’s about to attack me for answers. Why does he have to read me so damn well?

I take a step back, but it’s too late, his weight crashes down on me as he pounces, the air whooshing from my lungs as he pins me on my bed beneath his body. With a swift move, he forces my arm up and over my head before I have time to react, the rough fabric of his sleeve brushing against my skin in our scuffle. With a startled yelp from me, he yanks the flimsy plastic stick from my hand proudly. His eyes widen with disbelief as he studies it more closely.

He pulls back from me, his breath catching. “What the fuck is this?” he asks in disbelief, knowing exactly what it is.

I purse my lips together as I stand up. “It’s what you think it is, Doc,” I whisper, freaking the fuck out. Tears prickle in my eyes. I’m not sure what to do. I have no idea how they will all react tothis. It’s too soon. I’m too young and we’re trapped in a fucking mafia war. Nothing about this is ideal.

His hand comes to my belly. “You have a Moretti baby inside of you,” he says, way too excited about it. He’s forgetting what we’re all up against with his papa.

“Maybe?” I stare back at him, feeling faint all of a sudden. “Stop looking at me like all your dreams have come true at once. I’m fucking freaking out here, Ricky. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not now, not like this.” Warm tears spill down my face, resisting my desperate attempts to hold them back.

He pulls me into his strong body, stroking my hair tenderly, and for a second, I let him offer me whatever comfort he can. There is something about him that just calms my crazy, and it’s exactly what I need right now. “Baby, this is the best news I have ever heard. You’re having our baby. You shouldn’t be freaking out about it. You should be happy.”

I pull back from him, staring into his striking blue eyes. “I’m not having a panic attack because I’m pregnant, I’m terrified because this has never been in the cards for me. Unlike you weirdos, I never wanted to bring a baby into this fucked-up world. But as soon as I saw those two blue lines, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this is right. I’m happy about this. I’m just so scared that my bliss will be taken away from me.”

He pulls back, his thumbs gently caressing my cheeks, his eyes locking with mine intensely. “We won’t let it. You’re safe with us, and the baby as well.” A wide grin stretches across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. He’s so happy about this.

I swallow the lump in my throat, fear trickling down my spine. “Ricky, we both know you can’t protect me from Enzo. If he works out who I really am and what I have done, I will be dead just like my mother.”

He stares back at me, and I know he knows I’m right. “We add some new security measures. You can stay in more.”

“In other words, lock me up till the baby is born. We both know I won’t live like that. We’re so close, I want to finish what I started.” My eyes plead with him to understand, but he’s not even the one I’m worried about. When Alex finds out, he’s going to lock me up and throw away the key, probably both Maddox and Geovani as well.

He doesn’t say anything back. Instead, he kisses me, clinging on to me tightly. His head resting against mine, he takes both sides of my cheeks in his hands, staring at me lovingly. “Alex is going to lose his mind,” he says when he finally pulls away from our embrace.

“What will I lose my mind over?” Alex asks, entering my bedroom without an invitation.

His voice makes me jump. Should have known one of them would be lurking around. This place isn’t big enough to hide secrets like this.

His smug expression changes immediately when he sees my pale, tear-stained face. “What’s wrong, princess?”

Ricky hands him the pregnancy test he stole from me.

Alessandro studies it, realization dawning on him immediately as his brow rises. “Is this real?”

“No, it’s a fucking April fool’s joke,” I sass, not able to help it. He just ticks me off so easily.

“Harley,” Ricky chastises me.

---