Page 54 of Beautifully Reckless

“So what are my options then? Would I give my baby up? Keep it and raise it alone? What if my little baby resembles his or her father? What if every time I look at my child, all I see is my rapist?”

I pause, clearing my throat, pushing my emotions down deep where they can’t touch me right now.

“The thing is, it doesn’t matter the way I conceived this baby. What matters is the life I choose to give him or her that meanseverything.”

“But the father…” Marcus blurts out, and I glare at him.

“Means nothing.” I slap my free hand against my chest. “Iam this baby’s mother. It doesn’t matter who the father is, becauseI’m still the mother, and I will love this child with all of my heart and raise it right, without any taint from a sperm donor who’s gonna be dead soon enough.”

A few of the guys look surprised at that last part, but not Marcus.

Even if he’s not on board with me having this baby, I know he’d tear Daniel and his scum mates apart with his bare hands if he got the chance.

“So the question is, canyouput your feelings aside and support me, Marcus? Or is this where we part ways?”

His face falls, and shit, there are even tears in his eyes as he steps over his mates, beelining straight for me.

“Parting ways is not an option, Abs. Never. I’m just worried about you. But if this is what you want, then count me in.”

He pulls me into a hug, and I sink into it, his familiar scent wrapping around me like a memory, taking me back to simpler times. Back when it was just me, him, Lexi and Jared. Back when dreams still felt possible.

Back before everything turned to shit.

In a matter of seconds, I’m wrapped in a full group hug, everyone but Dee and Ayden.

They are the newer additions to my group of friends, and I guess their part in this is really just supporting the ones they love, since they hardly know me.

Still, I have to give it to Ayden. He arranged for us to stay in his parents’ city apartment. He didn’t have to do that, and yeah, it was most likely to keep Lexi happy, but I’ll take it.

A throat clears from the doorway, and we all break apart. Ringo and JD stand there, filling the frame like giants, rough and rugged compared to my cleaner cut friends.

Hmmm. When did I start preferring the rough-around-the-edges look over clean cut?

“Andrea wants to take you to a private clinic to get a full checkup,” Ringo announces, and my brows shoot up as I glance at Lexi, whose eyes widen with excitement.

“She’s a nurse and has solid connections,” she beams. “It’s a great idea.”

Nodding, I turn back to Ringo to gauge if he thinks it’s a good idea too, but he just lifts a hand and crooks his finger.

Like the damn puppet I’ve become, I step away from my friends and move into his space, peering up at him.

“Shower and food,” he gives me a wink, “then we go to the clinic.”

“I like the sound of the food part.” JD grins, peeking over Ringo’s shoulder, and I laugh.

I’ve missed him. Jols too. The Western never felt like home, but some of the people there wormed their way into my heart before I realised.

Wendy though… If I ever see her again, I’ll… Well, I don’t know exactly what I’ll do, but I’ll do something.

Maybe.

Surely.

Ugh, who am I kidding. I’m not the type of girl to throw down. Not while pregnant, anyway. Maybe after, though.

Yes. Wendy better watch out once I pop this baby out. I’m coming for her.

Maybe…

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