Page 21 of Kinks of a Billionaire
But now, that regret was gone. My instincts had flared when Stuart’s temper threatened my baby. I knew now, without an ounce of doubt, that I’d protect my child at all costs.
“Yes, Royce,” I stated calmly, despite the turmoil in my chest. “I’m pregnant.”
“He hit you knowing you’re pregnant.” I couldn’t tell whether it was a question or a statement, but Royce’s face became a blank mask while dark, threatening shadows danced in his eyes. “I’m going to kill him,” he stated matter-of-factly.
His volatile words made my chest clench. I couldn’t Iet Royce get into trouble on my account, no matter how much I wanted revenge.
“You’re not going to kill him,” I retorted calmly.
“Oh yes, I am.” He jumped off the bed and started stomping around the room like a caged animal. Then suddenly he stopped, his dark eyes landing on me. “Will you be okay alone for an hour?”
I jolted upright, then slid off the bed, ignoring the way my body screamed out. The moment my feet hit the plush rug, the room started to spin.
“Whoa.” I flopped my arms around to catch on to something to hold myself up before Royce caught me. “Okay, I didn’t see that coming,” I mumbled, trying to blink away the black dots in my vision.
“I don’t know how,” Royce spat angrily. “You’ve been physically assaulted, and if that weren’t already enough—you’repregnant. Get back in bed.”
Squaring my shoulders, I glared at him. “I’m stronger than I look, Royce, and don’t think for a minute that you can boss me around.”
A tense second passed before his shoulders slumped. “Fine. Willow, please, for the love of God, get back in bed and rest.”
I held his gaze. “Only if you promise to rest next to me.”
His brows furrowed. “Later. Right now, I have to?—”
“You have to go murder someone,” I cut him off exasperatedly. “Yeah, I know. And that’s the exact reason I’m either going with you, or you’re going to stay here with me.”
“No.”
I jutted my chin out stubbornly. “Yes.”
“Willow—”
“Royce.” We glared at each other, our battle of wills playing tug-of-war, neither one of us willing to cave. My head was pounding, but I wasn’t going to let him catch on to that. “So what’s it going to be?” I finally broke the silence.
“You need a stress-free environment in your condition.”
I nodded. “Agreed.”
He flashed me a satisfied smile. “I knew you’d see things my way.”
I rolled my eyes. “You misunderstand. I agreed that I need a stress-free environment. So to make things a bit less stressful for me, I have to insist that we stay together. I’m not ready to tell anyone what happened, and I can admit that I need someone by my side until I’m back on my feet.” He stared at me, blinkingfuriously, confusion in his eyes. I sighed. “You’re my security blanket, Royce,” I said. “So if you want to beat up Stuart, I want to come with you.” I could argue that Stuart wasn’t worth it, but I knew Royce well enough that he wouldn’t let it go. So I’d support him on this one, partly because the bastard deserved a good beating. “And I’ll be there to ensure you don’t kill him.”
“Are you worried about Stuart?”
“No, I’m worried about you,” I snapped. “If you do kill him, or beat him severely enough, you’ll likely have to disappear. I want to be with you so we can hide together. Besides, my stuff is at the hotel.”
I held my breath, watching him ponder my words as he sat down and ran his hand through his hair.
“Pregnant,” he said, almost as if he was testing the word. I nodded, and he leveled me with a glare. “I’m furious you didn’t come to me sooner!”
I blinked in confusion.
“Excuse me?” I hissed with indignation.
“I thought you fucking trusted me,” he said, accusation clear in his voice.
“First of all, I don’t like your attitude, so you better chill the fuck out,” I spewed, rubbing my still-flat belly. “And I do trust you.” He scoffed as if he didn’t believe me. “I know you’re in shock; so was I when I found out. But regardless, you will show me some respect.” Royce looked at me, his lip twitching slightly. “And no, you won’t distract me from our conversation. If you’re going to the hotel, you’re taking me with you. Otherwise, you’re staying here where I can keep an eye on you.”
