Page 57 of Property of Big Daddy

“He won’t get the chance.”

Doc Steven shows up to stitch up Jessika’s lip and check her for internal injuries, but she seems to be okay.I don’t know where Big Daddy took off to, but that guy Woods has been keeping a close eye on Jessika.I’m not sure whether it’s out of concern or on Big Daddy’s orders.

I stare at the burned remains of what was Thad’s furniture store, on the tv and I know Big Daddy and the club are responsible.

“Your friend isn’t safe here,” he tells me and clicks off the news program that’s reporting on the fire.

“What do you mean?”

“Here in Anarchy.Thad’s skipped town, but that doesn’t mean he won’t come looking for her or send someone after her for ruining his big plans.”

“So what do we do?”

“Already taken care of.She’s gone.”

The hair on my arms rises.“What do you mean, she’s gone?”

“Fuck, Gwynee.No one hurt her if that’s where your thoughts went.I sent her to Arkansas with Woods.They left this morning.”

“Oh.I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

“And I’m sorry for that, but don’t worry.Once it’s safe, Woods will contact me and the two of you will get to talk.”

I sniffle.I don’t know why I’m so emotional.

“Hey, Gwynee.Do you have any tampons?”Sissy interrupts.

“Um.I’m not sure.Maybe.Check my bathroom.”I try to recall the last time I bought any.

“What’s with that look?”Big Daddy questions as I frown.

“Nothing.I just don’t remember when I last had my period.”

“Yeah?”His face lights up.

“You say that like it’s a good thing.”

“Baby, stop for a minute and think about what that could mean.”

My heart skips a beat.“You think.”I can’t bring myself to say the words.

“There’s some test in the storage closet if you want to find out.”

“I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of knowing.Of disappointment.How you’ll react.”

“Gwynee.”He cups my chin between his hands.“You’re everything to me.I’m not going anywhere.I’m all in with you, baby.”

“I can’t look.You do it.”

“You sure?”my man stares at me with nothing but love.

I don’t know why I’m freaking out so hard.It’s only that I’ve been so sure it wasn’t going to happen for me and now that the possibility could be staring me in the face, I’m terrified.“Please.”I’m on the verge of throwing up or passing out.I can’t take the anticipation.

“Either way.Nothing is changing between us,” he reassures.

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