Page 75 of Ruthless Beast

“I can’t believe it, Dannie. I’m going to be a mom.”

“I know it isn’t under the best circumstances, but are you happy?”

“About the baby?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know. It’s a big step. Life Changing.”

“I wish I was there with you, Ems.”

“So do I. But Lucas insists that it isn’t safe. I have to stay out of sight until he finds David’s killer.”

“It’s been more than six months already, Ems. Is he ever going to find out who did it? You can’t hide from the world for the rest of your life. Especially now that you’re pregnant.”

“You need to be with people who love and support you. People like me.”

“I know, Dannie. I miss you so much.”

I know she’s right. This is no life for me—hiding like a hermit. I want to be free to enjoy this baby. Not hide away in a house, behind locked doors and security fences. I should never have listened to Lucas. I should have gone away with Dannie. But now it’s too late. I’m trapped. Why can’t Lucas be a regular guy? Why did I fall in love with a mobster?

* * *

I made an appointment with the doctor. I need to know that my baby is okay. It’s been such a shock that I’m a ball of nerves. I know that can’t be good for a pregnancy.

“Good morning, Dom. I need to go to town this afternoon. Can you arrange the car for me, please?”

“Of course. What time?”

“Let’s leave at 2:30.”

I have an uneasy feeling. Something’s been niggling at me since last night. I can’t put my finger on the problem, but I have a sense of foreboding that I simply can’t shake.

It’s time to go, and Damon has pulled the car around. I get in when Dom opens the door for me.

“Hello, Emily.”

“Hi, Damon.”

“How are you doing?”

“Okay.”

“Just okay? Anything I can do to help?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Okay. I’m here if you need anything.”

“Great. Thanks.”

I’m sure you’ll be a fantastic help! Do you have a magic wand that will make my nightmare go away? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

The OBGYN is running late. Great. More free time to sit around and contemplate the depth of the hole I’m in. I sit and stare out of the window. A pregnant woman walks into the office. She’s with her husband. The couple can’t keep their hands off each other. They look truly excited about the little bundle. Will Lucas feel that way when I tell him?

“Miss Thornton?”

“Yeah.”

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