Page 26 of Monster: King of Nevada

“He was…abusive.” She doesn’t pose it as a question, and with a tight throat, I nod again. “Do you want to keep the baby, Ella?” Her question is blunt and no-nonsense, but she delivers it with compassion.

Swallowing past the discomfort, my eyes flick up to catch Theias watching me with encouragement in his eyes. “I don’t want an abortion,” I reply. I sat for days with the idea of that before deciding it wasn’t for me.

“What about adoption?” I open my mouth to speak, but the doctor continues. “I’m not pressing you to choose anything. I want you to be aware of your options. I want you to think long-term regarding your mental well-being.” She pauses for me to absorb that, and I’m not sure I understand entirely what she means. “Babies created from toxic relationships, whether there’s mental or physical abuse, or rape…raising them can be harmful to the mother and the child.”

“How–uh, how did you know?” My grip on Theias is painful now.

“Theias explained you were leaving a toxic relationship. Unfortunately, most of my patients are in similar circumstances. I see a lot of things I wish I could change. Until I figure out how, it’s my job to make sure you understand your options at this moment and how there can be effects down the line. I want what is best for you and your child. Whatever your decision is, I will support you the best I can.”

Tears burn down my cheeks. I hadn’t thought about the future. Only the now.

Theias turns my head to face him, lifting it with his finger. He presses his lips to my forehead gently before resting his against mine. “Whatever you want,” he whispers.

“I want to keep it.” The words flow with so much strength and certainty that I’m sure it’s what’s right and what I truly desire.

16

THEIAS

For a brief moment, I had doubted if Ella would keep the baby after the revelations of the day. I would have supported her, no matter her choice. Her strength and resilience have been inspiring after everything she’s been through in her short life.

We spent over an hour with Dr. Edwards, and I think I witnessed Ella fall even more in love with the life growing inside her once we heard the heartbeat. I can’t lie, even I was moved to an emotional state. I never imagined I would experience such a moment. I hadn’t even thought about it in the past.

Upon leaving, Ella was quiet as she read through a few pamphlets, writing down names of baby books she wanted to purchase and reading up on the prenatal vitamins. She was given a wealth of information and began to absorb it like a sponge.

“Could we go to a bookstore tomorrow?” Her eagerness, it’s exhilarating. The brilliant smile I’m gifted with when I agree makes me want to lay the world at her dainty little feet.

“I would also like to introduce you to the designer and foreman for the restaurant remodeling.” I twirl one of her redlocks around my finger and tug lightly until she scoots closer to me. “I have meetings in the morning that I can’t miss, but I’ll meet you after the bookstore in the afternoon. Owen and Lucas will bring you to me. Caleb will stick around with Oliver, make sure he’s settled in, and get him acquainted with the gym.”

She pouts, still not liking the idea of her little brother learning to defend himself. “Are you certain that’s necessary?” Her hand drops to my thigh, draining the blood from north to south, and I must clear my throat before I can answer.

“Yeah, doll, it’s necessary. Even if not for Blake, I would suggest it. The boy should know how to defend himself from anything and anyone.”

Brushing my fingers along the fluttering pulse in her throat, I circle my hand around the elegant column and caress up and down. I tilt her chin with my thumb so I can see into her eyes. They are glazed over and filled with need, and I pull her into me for a gentle kiss. A teasing touch of our mouths. Licking the seam of her lips, I tickle her tongue with my own, letting her follow me as I pull away.

“There’s another fight soon; I’d like you to escort me again.” Licking her taste off my lips makes me crave the treat between her thighs.

“Could I choose my own dress this time?” There’s a gleam in her eyes that tells me I’ll regret allowing her to.

“If it matches your eyes.” She nods eagerly, cuddling into my chest for the remainder of the drive home.

Closing my eyes, I wonder how a week ago, I went from a constant state of anger, ready to take on anyone who looked at me sideways, to a doting boyfriend, willing to accept the role of father to another man's child. If someone had suggested this was how my week would go, I’d have laughed in their faces and slit their throats.

My request to Nick and Rue Gambino over a year ago had turned into a pipe dream after long months of failed attempts. I’d given up on finding someone to share my life with, destined for solitude among the men I surround myself with.

“Boss.” Caleb’s voice draws me out of my head. “We have a situation at the arena.”

“What kind?”

“The kind she shouldn’t be present for.” I understand his implication.

“Take her home, then we’ll deal with it.” He nods and continues, speaking quietly into his phone for a moment before hanging up. He’s clearly frustrated as he tosses it onto the seat beside him.

As soon as we arrive at the estate, I have Caleb bring around the car; I don’t want to waste time with the bigger limo.

“You sure you have to leave?” Ella asks as I get her settled in the kitchen with Lucas, who has been cooking an enormous meal. He’s going to kick my ass for leaving without eating.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” Kissing her briefly, I head out to find Caleb standing next to the Maserati’s passenger door. “Have you heard from Owen yet?” He should be arriving with the boy soon.

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