Page 91 of Body Language
Talynn squeezed a clear blob of gel onto the ultrasound probe and grinned. “Okay, we’ll start abdominal and see what we get. If baby’s playing hide-and-seek, we might switch to a transvaginal just to get a clearer look. Totally normal either way.”
Zejah’s eyes widened a little attransvaginal, but Talynn kept talking like she was telling a bedtime story. “Feet here, shirt up just a little, and this might feel cold at first.”
She placed the wand on Zejah’s belly, moving slow, eyes on the monitor. A black-and-white galaxy swirled into focus until there it was a little bean-shaped figure curled up like it was protecting its own peace.
“There’s your baby,” Talynn said, tilting the screen so they could all see. “You can see the head right here, tiny arm buds… and that little flutter? That’s the heart.”
She tapped a few buttons, taking measurements before smiling. “You’re measuring right at eleven weeks and two days.”
Then she pressed another button and the room filled with a quick, steady rhythm.
thump-thump-thump-thump.
Zejah’s hand went over her mouth. Hux leaned in closer, eyes locked on the screen like it was the most important thing he’d ever seen.
“Strong heartbeat,” Talynn added. “That’s music right there.”
I saw both of them smile. I felt it hit me low in my chest before I could stop it. Damn near teared up in that little exam room. Not because I was soft, but because life had been kicking them in the teeth lately, and for once, they looked like they had something worth holding onto.
Talynn wiped the gel from Zejah’s belly, printed a couple of pictures, and handed them over before leaving the room. Zejah held them so carefully you’d think they might crack in her hands.
“Alright,” I said, sliding my bag strap over my shoulder, “Rules still apply.” I gave them both the look, the one that said I meant it. “Separate rooms. Doors open. If I walk in and see y’all playing house, I’m gonna start charging rent and making chore charts.”
They both smirked, trying to hide it, but I caught it. “Mmhmm. Laugh now.” I pushed the door open and nodded toward the hall. “Rita’s outside waiting. She’ll take y’all to pick up lunch and home.”
Hux frowned. “You’re not coming with us?”
“I gotta run to the club, work out some things for tonight. But I’ll be back in time to chill and have dinner before I head out again.” I pointed at them both. “Don’t start acting like fools who don’t know what a condom is while I’m gone.”
That earned me a real laugh out of Hux, but what caught me off guard was when Zejah stepped forward and hugged me tight.
Then Hux, myI don’t like physical touch,little brother leaned in and hugged me too.
I played it cool, but inside it felt good.
Ty was leaned over the stage, counting out bills while I checked the bar inventory. “So… you handled everything?” she asked without looking up.
I laughed, low and petty. “Yeah. Its handled.”
Kendrix can really be a dumbass sometimes. His little hoe, Arlette, must’ve gone through his phone and sent herself the nudes I’d sent him, and then tried to threaten him like she had ammo. Cute, right? Kendrix and Kross tried to keep it on the low, handle it before I found out. But Arlette is too loud for her own good. Word travels. The tea hit me and Ty before she even texted him with her little “leak threat.”
Whatever Kross said to her made her back off posting them. Hell, I didn’t care if she did or not, but my get-back is always better.
I called Khloe. My favorite attorney with the smile of a saint and the mind of a cartel boss. We didn’t just make a plan. We made a 48-hour wipeout.
Hour 1
Khloe makes one phone call and Arlette’s “forever home”? That big, shiny, Instagram-perfect house? Was never technically in her name. Belonged to a holding company… a holding company managed by one of Khloe’s close associates. And when I tell you we surgically snatched that lease-to-own agreement right out from under her.
Hour 6
The power company gets a report of “serious safety hazards.” Lights? Gone. AC? Gone. WiFi? Gone. Her “smart home” went dumb as hell. HOA was tipped off about “noncompliance”. Her patio furniture ended up on the curb like a yard sale no one wanted to shop at.
Hour 12
While she was out, thinking life was sweet, we had the locks changed. She didn’t even know until morning.
Hour 18
