Page 38 of Guarded from Treachery

ISLA

There’s no reason to be nervous.

It’s just a trip to the doctor. No big deal. I’ve done this plenty of times before.

Ha.

And if I believe that, there’s a bridge in Brooklyn that has my name on it.

“Isla, are you sure you’re alright?”

I’m so tense I actually let out a little yelp as Matt’s voice breaks the silence in the car, and I startle badly enough to whack my funny bone on the inside of the car door. Clapping my hand to my sore elbow, I try to hide my wince as I reply, “Oh, yes. Totally fine.”

Matt glances over at me, his brow creased with concern. Voice tinged with skepticism, he asks, “Are you sure?” His gaze moves to my elbow, which I’m still rubbing to ease the pain. “Shit, Isla. Did you hurt yourself?”

He reaches across the backseat and gently cups my elbow, leaning his head close to inspect it. As his thumb brushes across my skin, a little tingle follows in its wake. And just like that, the pain is gone, along with the worries about this impending appointment.

It’s amazing how he does that. Without even trying, Matt has this magical ability to make all the bad stuff fade away. Not gone entirely, I’m not sure any sort of magic could do that, but when he touches me, or even looks at me, really, I feel ten times better than I did before.

Another thing that’s amazing? How my skin feels electrified every time he touches it.

I’ve never felt that before. Not that I haven’t dated or had boyfriends—I’ve had some, although not a lot—but there’s never been this sort ofzing. Like I’m filled with static electricity and Matt’s the spark.

Not that we’re dating. Even if I wanted to, there’s no way he’d want to be involved in my screwed up life. Branded a liar by the police and my parents, hiding from at least one person, if not more, andpregnant.

Yeah. I’m a real prize right now.

“Isla?” Worry turns Matt’s voice rough. “Do you need Rhi to look at it? If you’re hurt…”

From the passenger seat, Rhiannon turns to look at us, her eyes darkening to a deep, inky blue. “Are you okay, Isla? What happened?”

As we come to a stoplight, Erik glances in the rearview mirror, his face creased with concern. Goofy Erik is gone, replaced by the serious one I’ve gotten to know during our yoga and meditation sessions. “Are you alright, Isla?”

“She hurt her elbow,” Matt interjects before I have a chance to speak. “I think she hit it on the car door.” Guilt shadows his features. “I startled her. It’s my fault.”

Looking at the trio of worried faces, my throat closes for a second.

They’re all concerned aboutme. And I know it’s their job, but it feels like more than that. Like they actually care about me as a friend and not just a client.

“Isles?” It’s Matt’s new nickname for me, which I pretend to hate but actually love. “Can you talk to me? Tell me what’s wrong?”

“Sorry.” I force a smile. “My elbow’s fine. Just hit my funny bone is all. Nothing to worry about.”

Rhiannon gives me an appraising look. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Definitely.” I show her my reddened but clearly undamaged elbow. “See? It’s fine. But thank you. Really.”

As Rhiannon turns back around, she scans the road again, easily the twentieth time she’s done it since we got into the car fifteen minutes ago. They didn’t come right out and tell me, but it’s clear each of them has a specific role in getting me to the doctor and back. Erik’s the driver, obviously, Rhiannon’s the lookout, and Matt’s the protector, sitting beside me in the backseat ready to fling himself over me at the first sign of danger.

Not that Ireallythink anything’s going to happen. It’s Saturday morning, with the usual glut of Dallas traffic all around us, we’re in the special Blade and Arrow SUV with bulletproof windows and reinforced exterior, and I have three highly-trained former Green Berets guarding me.

Right. So there’s no reason to be nervous.

Except that I’m about to have my first appointment with my new OB/GYN. To have an ultrasound and see the little being that’s growing inside me.

In normal circumstances, I’d be excited. But in all the times I thought about having a baby, this wasnothow I imagined it.

“Hey.” His voice pitched low, Matt touches my arm to draw my attention. “Are you nervous?” A beat later, he grimaces. “Of course you are. That’s a stupid question. Is there anything I can do to help?”

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