Page 34 of In Her Shadow

“Is this girl even real?” He touches his grubby fingers to the sketch I did of Eloise wearing a tight, lace wedding gown. It emphasises her round, fertile figure perfectly.

“That’s none of your business.” I swat his hand away before securing it to the wall a little tighter.

“You must really like her, she’s…everywhere.” He continues to look around him.

“You delivered your message, now get out of here,” I warn, wanting to get back to Eloise as quickly as possible.

“You will see him, won’t you? He says it’s important.” Archie looks up at me, and I sense that he’s worried about something. I’ve known this little wretch his whole life, and not once have I seen him look scared.

“I’ll see him,” I promise, gesturing to the stairs so he knows he’s outstayed his welcome.

“Is it true you knocked out Kurt Cobra King in the second round, a few weeks ago?” he asks as I start to assist him down the stairs.

“That was months ago. I haven’t had a fight in weeks.” I guide him all the way to the door and fold my arms to prevent him from coming back inside. Kid’s seen enough, and although I trust him too, you can never be too sure. “I’ll bet he was pissed, he’s never been beat like that before.” Archie chuckles. “Do you get pissed when you lose, Ren?”

“Don’t know, I ain’t ever lost.” I ruffle up his hair. “Now, you go back and tell Stefan that I’ll see him in the morning.”

“I’m warning ya, Ren, he’s pissed at ya,” Archie warns me.

“When ain’t he?” I lean closer and whisper, stepping out with him and bolting the door, just in case. He picks up his bike from behind the dumpster, and I walk with him as he wheels it back out to the main street.

“See ya round, Ren.” He smiles up at me before he peddles off, and I wait for him to get out of sight before crossing the street to get back to my girl.

“You came back.” She stirs sleepily after I let myself back inside and get into bed behind her.

“Of course, I came back.” I brush the hair from her shoulder so I can kiss it.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, still half asleep.

“Everything's perfect.” I slide my hand over her hip and stroke her lower tummy, hoping that all my hard work has paid off.

“I’m glad you're back, I’m getting kinda used to sleeping with you next to me.” She backs her ass up to me, and I spread her ass cheeks and find her still-soaked entrance with the tip of my cock.

“Ren, I’m tired,” she moans with a hint of a smile on her face.

“I know, baby, you go back to sleep. I just want to be inside you, you always sleep better that way,” I remind her, gently pushing all the way inside her, trapping all that cum I fucked in to her before I left.

“Goodnight, Ren.” She snuggles into her pillow and sighs contentedly before falling back to sleep, while I lie and watch, trying not to worry about what my uncle is so urgent to see me about.

ELOISE

Iwake up to his lips kissing mine, and when I open my eyes, I see him leaning over me, fully clothed and looking like he’s ready to leave.

“Ren, it’s Sunday, come back to bed,” I moan.

“I can’t. I got somewhere I need to be, but I’ll be back later. I can pick something up for us for lunch on my way home.” I smile at the thought of him calling this place home. We may have only been dating a month, but I’m getting very used to having him here.

“Where are you going?” I yawn, sitting up to stretch. Suddenly, a wave passes over me that makes me gag.

“You okay?” Ren looks concerned as I swallow it back down and smile at him.

“I’m fine,” I assure him, making that smile a little more convincing because, on the inside, I’m really starting to panic. I’m almost a week late, and this isn’t the first time I’ve felt sick.

“Good, now get yourself some breakfast, and I’ll be back in time for lunch.” He kisses me before he starts making his way toward the door, smiling at me over his shoulder in a way that makes me want to chase after him and beg him not to leave.

I quickly get up and head toward the window. I need to make sure he’s definitely gone before I head into the bathroom and take the test that's been hidden in my cabinet for the past three days. I keep telling myself that this is the first period I’ve had since I started taking the pill. It's bound to knock me out of sync, but the feeling sick is too much of a coincidence. This is all my fault; I never gave it enough time to get into my system. I relied on that stupid Plan B, and if that wasn’t enough, I missed a pill because of all my boss drama.

I see Ren cross the street, and keep watching, curious to see which direction he’s gonna take. He still hasn’t told me where he lives, but in all fairness, I haven’t asked again. I get the sense he’s embarrassed about it.

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