Page 5 of Paradox
“I’m fine, just thinking.”
“About what?”
“You.” He raises my hand to his lips, kissing the back. “How much of an idiot I was not to snatch you up sooner.”
“Snatch me up? I seem to rememberIwas the one who snatchedyouup.”
“True. Good thing you wanted to get laid, huh?” He grins.
“No. The good part was that everyone else turned me down.” I chuckle, thinking about all the men who wouldn’t come near me because of my brother, father, or my dead fiancé.
“Just making way for me, beautiful. You were always meant to be mine.”
As much as I love Jon, I can’t help but think of Eddie. I used to belong to him, thought I would for the rest of my life. He gave me Mikey, and I couldn’t imagine my life without my son. If that lady at the cemetery was right, I guess we can all have more than one great love. Maybe I was only meant to be Eddie’s for a time.
And Jon? What if he’s only meant to be mine for a short period, too? Christ, I couldn’t bear to lose him, lose another old man, another father to my child.
“Where’d you go?” Jon’s voice cuts into my thoughts.
“I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
“Me, too, Ellen.”
God, I hope so.
We pull into the clubhouse compound and Jon helps me out of the car, keeping my hand in his as we walk inside. Mikey is playing with Venom’s old lady, Emily, but turns to us the moment we enter. It’s as if he can sense us. Jon picks him up, tossing him in the air when Mikey runs to him.
“Daddy!” he squeals, wrapping his arms around Jon’s neck.
“Hey, buddy.”
“Hi, Momma!” He reaches over, giving me a hug and a kiss.
“Hi, baby. Having fun?”
“Ya. I played with Auntie Emily.”
“Cool.” I lean forward, whispering like a co-conspirator. “Did Auntie Emily bake?”
His eyes go wide. “Yesssss. She made cookies,” he whispers back.
“Great. Let’s go see if we can find some, huh?”
His head bobs up and down in excitement. Jon sets him down and I take his hand, leading him to the kitchen. Emily is the Merlin of baked goods. She’s made cakes and treats for some of my events, and I’ve received rave reviews about them. Since Raven and I are both pregnant, she’s also been catering to our cravings, and I’ll love her forever for it.
Scooping up a couple chocolate chip cookies and some napkins, I lead Mikey back to the bar.
I’m in no way prepared for the situation I walk in on.
CHAPTER 2
RAGE
***Raven***
Thirty-two weeks pregnant
I let out a long moan that turns into a groan, then a whimper.
