Page 77 of A Deceitful Pact

“You're only saying that because you think she’s gonna stay in there. I saw your entry when I filled in the sheet. Eight days over,really?” She looks unimpressed.

“What can I say? I like you in this condition.” I lean over and kiss her.

“Well, enjoy it while it lasts because I’m evicting her today.” Riley attempts to get herself out of bed, and I quickly jump up to help her.

“And how are you planning on doing that?” I can already sense the panic setting in.

“Well, I can strike the first thing off the list, and I shot down a few birds at the same time. Vigorous sex, an orgasm, nipple stimulation, and you came inside me.” She holds up four fingers, one by one.

“Someone’s been doing their research.” I let her see that I’m impressed.

“Well, there's not much else to do around here while you're at work.” She makes a dig at me, and I toss her a pair of my grey sweatpants. They’re about the only thing that comfortably fits her these days, and I just love seeing her waddle around the house wearing them..

“So what's next on the list?” I question her.

“I’m gonna go for a walk, I figured I could call on old man Harris.”

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head. ‘That's over a mile and a half from here. Riley, it takes you five minutes to get yourself from here to the couch.” I touch my hand to her heavy belly in case she needs a reminder of it.

“Dr. West said that light exercise is good for me,” she protests.

“I don’t think he meant a mile walk in the ass-end of nowhere, the day before you're due to drop. Walking is off the cards until I get home.”

“Fine,” she agrees, stretching one of her sports bras over her tits and heading toward the kitchen.

“You need me to pick up anything on the way home?” I check once I’m ready to leave for work. Len’s been taking all the night shifts lately, so I can be at home for Riley. I wanna be here when she goes into labor so we can leave straight for the city. It’s a two-hour drive, and I’ve learned from how Jace’s kid got here that babies can come fast.

“Just three tins of pineapples and a scotch bonnet,” she answers cheerfully.

“A scotch freakin’ bonnet?” I stare at her as if she’s losing her mind.

“Yeah, I’m gonna make a curry and it needs to be hot. Maybe you should pick up two.”

“Baby, don’t you think you're taking this a little too seriously? It’s like fifty dollars if you win.”

“It’s not just about winning, does this look comfortable?” She looks down at her tight, overstretched stomach.

“It looks hot.” I make my way over to her and, standing behind her, I wrap my hands all the way around it. She’s got bigger than I ever imagined, and I understand that she’s ready for this to be over. I’m just very aware that she still hasn’t given me her answer yet.

“You should go to work.” She reaches her head back to kiss me, and when I feel something push out against my palm, we both look down and smile.

“If you promise not to do anything stupid while I’m gone, I’ll pick up everything you need. I’ll even give you another one of those vigorous fucks.”

“Deal.” She holds her pinkie out to me, and I hook it and kiss it.

“Good girl.” I wink at her before heading out the door.

* * *

“Any news?” Jean flags me down before I’ve even gotten out of my truck.

“Nothing to report.” I climb out and start unlocking the bar door.

“Isn’t today Riley’s due day?” Jean surprises me when she follows me inside.

“That’ll be tomorrow,” I correct her.

“Daphne had yesterday down, she’s out. I’m still in the running. First babies never come on time.” She looks pleased with herself.

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