Page 60 of Deserter

And I was.

I was selfish, and I played to win. Possessing Celia was like being handed the keys to the city. All that spark just waiting to be harnessed into something that could be controlled.

Viktor came back in with a cart. “Did you talk her into it?”

Celia went rigid in my arms as I nodded. “Yeah, Vik. You’re looking at my Ol’ Lady. Now, get that shit out of my sight.”

“He told me I was a slut—said no man would ever want me if I—” Celia’s soft voice cracked, and I looked to Viktor for answers.

“Grey, if I would’ve known—I mean, there have been other girls, and I just assumed that she was one of the whores—”

I released my hold on her and crossed the room in two strides, cornering Vik near the door. “I don’t give a fuck who comes through that door. You do what we pay you to do and keep your fuckin’ mouth shut. If I wanted commentary, I’d go out and hire a fuckin’ sportscaster. And don’t you ever fuckin’ call her that word again.”

Vik held his palms up toward me. “Yes, Grey. I understand.”

My lips curved up into a smile. “I don’t repeat myself, Vik.”

Celia moved against my side. “Can we go?”

I nodded and pulled her from the room. “We’ve got to see some people first.”

“Who?”

“Your parents,” I replied grimly. I’d been stabbed, beaten, and dealt with everything else life had tried to fuck me with, but I had a feeling that those were nothing compared to the conversation I was about to have.

Celia must’ve read my thoughts because she slipped her hand in mine and squeezed. “We’ll do it together.”

* * *

“There you are. I’ve been worried sick,” Celia’s ma began from the front porch, and I stepped out from behind the tree. When she saw me, she gasped, “You aren’t supposed to be here. You got what you wanted from her—Richard!”

“Mama, calm down.”

Celia’s father appeared at the screen door. “Norma, Celia, get in the house.”

Celia shook her head and reached for my hand, letting the other rest against her stomach. Her posture may have seemed relaxed, even casual to anyone watching, but she had my fingers in a death grip that was turning her knuckles white. “No, Daddy. We’re here to talk to you about something.”

Norma covered her mouth. “No, Celia. You’re not! Please say you didn’t let this trash knock you up!”

“What did you call me?” I stepped up onto the first porch step and she backed herself against the brick of the house.

Richard looked resigned as he stepped in front of her. “Grey, you got your payment.” He looked to Celia and his chin quivered. “Are you pregnant?”

When she nodded, he mashed his lips together and turned back to the porch. “Norma, make some of those sandwiches you do for church stuff.” He turned back to us. “We’ll talk in the den.”

With our hands still linked, we followed him inside. It was too formal for my taste. I’d offered to show up and tell them Celia was mine before snagging her things, but she’d begged to tell them properly. It was comical, her thinking that I had any fucking idea what proper was.

It was just another reminder of how different our worlds were.

In her world, the announcement of a baby meant fancy sandwiches and visits in the den. In mine, it usually meant a visit to Vik and a couple hundred dollars.

If I were a better man, I would’ve convinced her to go through with it. I would’ve told her she meant nothing and sent her on her way. I wouldn’t be standing in her parent’s living room, asking for their fucking permission to take what had always been mine.

I’d never admit it, but I hadn’t touched another woman since her. It was like my cock decided she was the one and shut down on me. I thought I’d fuck her a few more times and get it out of my system, but if anything, she’d gotten in even deeper.

My reaction when I thought we’d lost the baby only solidified that Celia was a weakness. But, even a soulless fuck like me couldn’t stand the thought of losing her.

Richard sank down onto one of the upholstered chairs and ran his hands over his face. “This is my fault. All of it, Celia. If I hadn’t been so selfish, you wouldn’t be in this mess.” He lowered his voice before adding, “You wouldn’t have gotten pregnant from… from rape.”

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