Page 17 of Paradox
I take a deep breath, running my fingers through my hair.
“After I dropped you off that first night I took you to the clubhouse, I went to the Kitty.”
“Jesus Christ, Gage. Strippers?” she exclaims, tears running down her cheeks.
“No. No strippers… but there were these two girls….”
“Two?”
Her machine goes crazy again.
“Calm down, doll.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down! While I was in my bed, you were off having a threesome!”
“What was I supposed to do?” My voice is slightly raised in frustration. “You basically told me to fuck off, said I couldn’t give you what you wanted. You can’t blame me for that.”
“I guess not. I knew you were a whore before we even got together,” she seethes. Her eyes narrow, then she snaps the lids closed, turning away.
“I’m sorry about everything that’s happening now, but I won’t apologize for my past, Raven. You’re the only woman I’ve had sex with since we became a couple. Those two babies you’re carrying are the only ones I’ve fathered.” She won’t look at me, so I gently grasp her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “First thing in the morning, I’ll set up a paternity test and show you I’m telling the truth. Right now, let’s just concentrate on our babies… those two healthy boys you’re gonna give me.”
She cracks a small smile, but it’s gone in an instant. She squeezes my hand, eyes snapping closed as she grunts in pain.
“You can do this, babe. I’ll be right here with you.”
“I’m scared, Gage. What if…?” She shakes her head, fresh tears clouding her eyes.
“They’ll be fine. They come from fighters. You and me? There’s nothing we can’t do together. We made those little humans, and they’re gonna come out swinging just like their mom and dad.”
“If anything happens to them, I swear I’m gonna kill that bitch.”
“Not if I get to her first.” Standing, I rest my forehead on hers, laying a protective hand on her belly. “I love you, Raven. There are a lot of things that could come between us, but know that it will never be another woman. Ever.”
She sobs, sniffles, and then grabs the sides of my cut. I pull her into my arms, rubbing slow circles on her back to soothe her.
“Edith Hamilton… ‘Love cannot live where there is no trust.’” She pulls back, teary eyes meeting mine. “I’m sorry, Gage. This is the second time I’ve doubted you. First with the Janet thing and now this. I promise I won’t do it again. I’m so sorry I even thought she was telling the truth.”
“Don’t apologize. What you did, how you feel, it’s normal. I’m a little disappointed you thought I’d cheat on you, but I guess it’s what anyone would’ve believed. Hell, it’s what everyone else believes now.” Cradling her face, I lower mine to hers, meeting her sad eyes. “Just don’t do that shit again. Got it?”
“Got it. I promise.”
“Good.” I press a kiss to her lips. “Now, let’s get these babies out of you.”
***
“Push for me, Raven!”
Her grip tightens on my hand and she sits forward, growling with effort as she follows the doctor’s instruction. With my free hand, I wipe the sweat from her forehead with a wet cloth. I’ll be a father today. Probably in the next couple minutes.
Holy fuck.
I’ve been trying to prepare myself mentally since the day Raven told me she was pregnant, but no amount of preparation could help me now. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. I’m only focused on her, getting her through this.
“That’s it, baby doll.”
She cries out, falling back on the bed.
“I can’t, I can’t,” she chants, head lolling from side to side. “I can’t do this. I can’t do thistwice!”
