Page 59 of A Deceitful Pact

“What makes you think that?” I can’t have her doubting this again, these past few weeks have been going so well.

“I don’t know. When we’re doing it, it feels like the right thing, but then when I’m alone and I think about it, it just seems kinda weird…I want everything between us to be clear.”

“Everythingisclear, we’re both having fun, and you're getting what you need. Don’t overthink it, Riley, we take this day by day.” I remind her of what we agreed on, and she nods her head. It’s amazing how much fun she can have when she’s not worrying about the future.

“You can barely get that tummy in those pants, you need a bigger uniform.” I laugh as she struggles to do up the button.

“I’m fine.” She gives me daggers.

“Youmay be, but I don’t want you crushing my kid in there.”

“This kid has grown enough these past few weeks.” She’s got that proud look on her face again as she looks down and strokes her hand over her tummy.

“You feelin’it move again?” I touch my hand close to hers, hoping that this time, I might feel it too.

“Just flutters, but they’re getting stronger.”

“You sure those flutters ain’t just from me?” I kiss her forehead before trying to locate the T-shirt she dragged off me when she let herself in.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She laughs.

“Flatter myself? Darlin’, you're the one who keeps tracking me down and insisting I make love to ya.”

“We are not making love.” She rolls her eyes, picking up my T-shirt from one of the whiskey crates and tossing it to me. “We’re handling my needs.” She buttons up her shirt and tucks it in even lower.

“You know, from the side, you can totally tell that I knocked you up.” I tip my head and admire how hot it looks.

“If that were true, the whole town would be talking,” she assures me, moving closer and reaching behind me for her utility belt. “I need to get to work, I’m already four minutes late.” She stretches up on her toes to kiss me, then doubts herself before our lips touch and pulls away.

Riley doubts herself far too often.

I walk her to the back door and pop my head out into the alley to make sure the coast is clear.

“Have a good day.” She kisses my cheek as she slips past me, and as I watch her make her way back to the street, I wonder how long it’ll be until I get to see her again.

* * *

It's been a slow afternoon in the bar, so when Giles Walker rushes through the door to tell me that a fight’s broken out in the town square, I rush out after him to get in on the action. Sure enough, there are two out-of-towners going at it, and I rest my shoulder against the door frame and watch on like everyone else. It’s been a while since a fight broke out around here, and although it just looks like a little pushing and shoving, I can see it getting more heated.

“Hey, you two, break it up.” I turn my head and see Riley marching out of the station, heading straight for them.

“Riley,” I call out to her, heading across to the square so I can intervene before she does. What the hell is she thinking, stepping toward a fight?

“Isaidbreak it up!” She yells, ignoring me and getting closer. A crowd has formed around the guys now, and I quickly barge through them to get to Riley.

“Guys, come with me to the station and we’ll sort out your differences.” She’s standing right beside them, and it’s making me anxious as I squeeze between Hank and Jean.

“Stay the fuck outta this.” One of the men shoves her out the way, and it takes her by surprise, throwing her off balance and knocking her to the ground.

Hey!” I charge forward, flaring with rage and, gripping the fucker by his shoulders, I slam my forehead hard into his.

“She’s pregnant, you prick.” I keep him in my grip and slam my knee into his balls, then, letting him drop to the ground, I start stomping my boot into him. Riley calls out my name, and I immediately spin around so I can check she’s okay.

Hayden and Isabel help her back on her feet, while she stares at me with wild, angry eyes. Everyone standing around us has been shocked into silence, and I suddenly realize what I’ve done.

“You okay?” I take her out of Hayden’s arms so I can check her over.

“I’m fine,” she growls at me, ripping her arm out of mine while Isabel lowers her head and pretends she’s not listening.

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