Page 36 of Surprise Pregnancy for Villain

I run down the short steps and scan my surroundings. It’s getting dark, but there will be a full moon tonight that will shed some light along the way.

Just follow the path, and you won’t get lost, Nicki.

It’s as simple as that.

***

Half an hour later, I realize it’snot that simple. I must’ve missed the forecast about a thunderstorm.

The rain pours heavily around me, its large drops hitting the ground at a thunderous pace that I wouldn’t hear my own shouts even if I tried. Everything around me is dark, and the moon that once guided me in my escape has sought solace behind the clouds. The trees look like clones of shapeless forms, and I can’t distinguish one from the other. My boots are filled with water, and I feel the bubbles around my feet like an uncomfortable squirm with every step. I stumble on every rock and twig with my hands stretched forward, wandering like a blind person. My coat clings to my body like a wet rag, and my body is starting to ache from the cold.

Just when things couldn’t get worse, my stomach lets out a loud grumble. I haven’t eaten anything since the two slices of pizza from dinner.This was a horrible decision, but what choice do I have? It’s not my fault that the opportunity presented itself, but now as the rain continues to drench me in the cold, I certainly prefer the warm confines of the cabin.

And be stuck with the uncertainty of what will happen to me?I let out a scoff.

“I can handle a little rain,” I say out loud. “This is nothing! I’m a Borelli, for fuck’s sake!”

Lightning strikes as I say the last two words. I scream and scramble for the trees. I quickly lose my balance, and my foot skids along the muddy ground. I fall on my face and roll down the grassy hill. I hold my breath as I stumble into a low ditch. Every part of my body hurts, but at least nothing is broken. I slowly get up, and another lightning strikes. In a short distance, I see a small cave. Maybe I can take refuge there, just until the rain stops, and I can figure out what to do. I hoist myself up, and a sharp pain slices along my left leg. Looking down, I notice a long gash. Fucking hell. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. With a groan, I limp toward the cave and hide under its mossy dome.

Inside the cave, the rain decreases to a dull thud. Removing my coat, I press it against my injured leg to stop the bleeding. Luckily for me, the cut is not that deep, and soon, the blood flow stops. It’s a small relief, but I’m not even close to being out of the woods. Literally. With my body still shaking from the cold and teeth chattering, I raise my uninjured leg, resting my chin on my knee while praying to the heavens for a miracle rescue.

There’s no way I’m going to last one night out here.

Hours pass. At least, it feels like hours. My stomach cramps from hunger. The pain in my injured leg intensifies. It’s warm in the cave, but the wet clothes still cling to my body, leaving a chill that gets worse as the time goes by. I’m half-tempted to keep going. God knows I don’t want to die in this place.

Just as I’m about to lose hope, I see a ball of light zoom past the cave’s entrance.

“Help!” I croak, then clear my throat. “Somebody, help!”

The light reappears at the entrance, then moves toward me.

“Holy shit,” the deep voice exclaims. “Thank fucking heavens.”

It’s Ezio!

I rock to my feet as he dashes toward me while removing his coat. “How do you feel?”

“Like shit,” I mutter. Not only physically. I’m a fool for escaping without a decent plan. I don’t even know the area, for hell’s sake.

“Can you walk?” he asks, wrapping the coat around my shoulders.

I shake my head, pointing to my injured leg. Ezio winces, but without another word, he slips his arm under my legs and gently lifts me.

This is not the time to feel like a blushing bride, Nicki.

Yet, the warmth clings to my cheeks as he moves off with me. My arms cling to his neck, and despite his coat now draped over my body, I’m still trembling. Maybe it’s not the cold. Maybe it’s from our bodies touching like this. Becoming one. I can even feel his racing heart.

His racing heart…

If only I could see his face. I’d want to confirm if the erratic beats are from the strenuous trek from the cave to the cabin or if it’s his body’s response to me. Becausemybody is responding like hell. I’m throbbing everywhere. Needy everywhere.

At least the rain has ceased. Thank heavens. Soon enough, I spot the lights from the cabin. Ezio carries me into the house and settles me in front of the fireplace.

“You’ve been worried about me hurting you,” he mutters as I draw close to the fire to warm my hands. “But I think you’ve had a death wish all along.”

“It was an impulsive reaction,” I reply defensively. “Of course, I want to live.”

Ezio tosses me a warm towel. “Then don’t ever do that again, understood?”

---