Page 72 of Fumbled Love

I decided not to argue with him because I was hungry. Plus, my feet could use a rest. “Deal. Let me take the trash out and I’ll sit and watch you slave over the hot stove. I also wouldn’t mind a cup of tomato soup to dip my sandwich in.”

He held the spatula out and pointed it in my direction. “Now you’re just taking advantage of me.”

“That’s what friends are for.” I winked and picked up the trash to carry out to the dumpster. We were the last ones left, so thankfully this was the last bag. The kitchen emptied out half an hour ago, but the other workers cleaned up before leaving.

“Kinley,” he called out when he spotted me carrying the black trash bag. “Sit down. I’ll throw that out when I’m done.”

“It’s fine.” I waved him off. “It’s not heavy.”

He shook his head and went back to spreading the butter along the bread while I quickly walked to the service entrance behind the supply room. I pushed the heavy door open and was hit in the face with a blast of cold air. The alley was dark and narrow and barely shoveled. The last thing I needed was to trip on the ice, so I raised the bag over my shoulder and aimed it toward the green dumpster, only it landed on the cold ground instead. I sighed and carefully left the door slightly ajar, in case it locked behind me. As carefully as possible, I walked over, picked up the black bag, and threw it on top of the pile.

Just as I turned around, a man stepped in front of me. He was skinny, with long, unkempt wavy hair, a beard that needed a good trim, and a pair of thick black glasses that looked two decades old.

“Can I help you?” I asked, noticing he had a camera strapped along his neck.

“You’re Kinley Roberts.” His beady little eyes dragged up and down my body. “Mav Cross’s side piece.”

I froze.

“How far along are you?”

I looked to the door and counted how many steps it would take to get inside. “No comment.”

“Oh, come on.” He edged his way closer. Every hair on my body stood at attention. “I just want to ask you a few questions. Don’t you want to tell your side of the story?”

“You need to leave,” I said, trying to hide the panic in my voice. I looked over my shoulder, hoping like hell Chad would come looking for me. The guy was giving me the creeps.

He tilted his head to the side. “How about a picture.” He lifted his camera, and the flash was bright and unexpected, forcing me to cover my eyes.

“Please stop,” I pleaded as he continued clicking away. I tried to cover my face, but he didn’t seem to care.

“I’ll stop when you start answering my questions.”

“That’s not going to happen,” I said, feeling my back hit the wall.

“Is the baby his? Are you even pregnant?”

Panic swept through me when the bastard tried to touch my stomach. “Get the hell away from me!” I screamed.

“Why are you so afraid?” He kept snapping my picture. He was right in my goddamned face. I pushed him in the shoulder, and he stumbled back slightly.

“Hey, that was unnecessary, bitch.” He shoved me hard enough that I lost my balance on a patch of ice and fell on my back. All the wind rushed out of my lungs. “Maybe I should kick you in the stomach to see if you’re really pregnant.”

My heart started racing, and nausea crept up my throat, but I forced it down. At that moment, protecting the baby was all that mattered. I kicked him in the leg, but he didn’t budge. “Get out of here or I’m calling the police.”

“And tell them what? That you slipped and fell on a patch of ice? I got mouths at home to fucking feed, so I want my story. I ain’t leaving until you start talking.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” I spat out through the clattering of my teeth. It was freezing, the ground was cold, and the alley was dark. I tried to slow my breath and think of how I would get this lunatic away from me.

He stepped forward; his boot-clad toe landed on my hair. I yelped in pain. “You’re hurting me.”

He kneeled over the top of me, bringing his face close to mine. “You’re not even that pretty.” His spittle landed on my cheek. “Makes me wonder what someone like him ever saw in you.”

“Please stop.” I closed my eyes. My entire body trembled in fear. Never in my life had I ever felt so helpless. I wanted to kick this guy in the balls, but I didn’t want to anger him any more than I already had. I promised Maverick I would keep this baby safe. I would never forgive myself if anything happened.

He stepped off my hair and lifted my head. “Are you ready to start talking yet?”

“What do you want from me?” I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. “A confirmation?” I swallowed back a sob. “We’re not even together anymore.”

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