Page 57 of Quadruplets for the Vipers

They’re alive. They’re okay!

She studies the monitor carefully before turning the screen around to face me. “All four babies are alive and well,” she says happily, pointing them out to me on the monitor.

I sink back against the pillow, relief and joy flood through me as I stare, enrapt, at the screen.

“Do you mind if I run some tests on you? Nothing major just blood pressure and such.”

I’m so happy I simply nod my approval. She proceeds to do her tests and as she’s finishing up, she carefully slips a folded note into my pocket. Her eyes pleading with me not to say anything.

“You’re a little malnourished and your blood pressure is low. I’m going to recommend some vitamins and increasing your calorie intake,” she says out loud.

“Sure.”

I’m doubtful that Tony will give me more food, but perhaps a medical professional can convince him.

“How did you get involved in all this? With the Hellhounds?” I blurt.

“I met Lucifer and fell head over heels, he was my first serious boyfriend. He supported me in going into medicine. Turns out that qualified doctors and nurses who are willing to turn a blind eye when healing certain wounds are invaluable to organizations like his.”

I almost feel sorry for her. Similarly to me, she got in with the wrong guy when she was young. I remember when I first fell out of Tony’s spell, she has the same look now.

“My name’s Ashley, by the way.”

I don’t respond, I might not hate her as much right now, but I’m a long way away from forgiving her. Even if the note in my pocket is somehow the key to my salvation, it wouldn’t look right for me to be too nice anyway. At least that’s what I tellmyself to assuage the guilt I feel when looking at her hangdog expression as she leaves.

Now a new dilemma faces me. How the hell do I read the note without being spotted by the cameras?

I decide it’s not worth the risk, but I have an idea. Although it’s the middle of the afternoon, I don’t think my crawling under the blankets will raise alarm bells. After all, I’ve been pretty depressed during my time here, and seeing the woman who lied to me about the death of the babies I’m carrying is bound to upset me.

With the blankets as my cover, I pull out the note, squinting in the dim light.

Leah,

I saw Axel, Knox, Jace, and Rider. They told me everything and I know the truth now. You were never their prisoner, but you are Tony’s now. We’re going to get you out.

This morning, at 3 AM, we need you to pretend you’re having stomach pains. I will be called for. Please, trust me, and go along with everything I say.

I’m sorry. Please let me try to make it up to you.

Ashley.

I read the note several times, wishing it contained more information.

When did she see them? Does this mean they’re trying to find me? That they know I didn’t leave them willingly and the babies are alive? Should I trust her? Or is this some elaborate ruse created by Tony to test my loyalty?

I stroke my stomach as I consider my limited options. Either I stay here and nothing changes, I’m still Tony’s prisoner, at the mercy of his whims. Or I go. If I go, one of two things could happen. One, it’s a trap and Tony becomes enraged, doing who knows what. He could harm the babies out of spite, or beat me so badly he hurts them inadvertently. Or two, she’s telling the truth and she could get me out of here. But then there’s no way Tony would let me leave without him, even if he buys her lie. I wish she’d mentioned how we were going to deal with that problem. I presume that she has a plan, but it’s risky. Maybe too risky.

The reward is so great, so tempting, it’s almost too good to be true. Staying is the safer option. If we get caught, or if it’s a trap, I’ll pay for it. But if she’s telling the truth and by some miracle we escape without being caught…

I’d be free. Safe. I’d be reunited with the men I might love. Because if I’m being honest with myself, as crazy and unbelievable as it might be, I’m falling for all four of them.

Do I dare take the plunge? Am I brave enough?

Honestly, I’m not sure anymore. I need to do what’s right for the babies. I have to believe that Tony won’t harm them, not when he thinks they’re worth something. And then when they’re born, they’ll be sweet, innocent babies, surely Tony isn’t so much of a monster to hurt them when they’re actual living, breathing, babies? Maybe staying is the safest option.

But…

My mind whirls around, going back and forth on what I should do.

---