Page 31 of Surrogate for the Bratva
“I’m here.” I helped her up and wrapped my arm around her. “Let’s get you home.”
“Yes, please.” She looked up at me with tears shining in her green eyes.
I held her a little closer and took her home. Her body trembled beside me, and she remained silent but nestled into my side. “Gather the men,” I ordered Maxim before getting April settled into her rooms. I needed to come up with a plan of action because this bold and blatant attempt at sending a message required a response.
Fuck that, it required retaliation.
Chapter Nineteen
April
“I’m fine April.” Jacob’s annoyance over one simple fucking question was the one thing I didn’t miss about our new living arrangements.
“Good,” I snapped. “I’ll just stop asking how you’re doing then.” The last thing I was in the mood for was my brother’s shitty attitude. Usually I gave him a lot of grace because the illness took a lot out of him, but my life wasn’t exactly daisies and sunshine these days either.
Jacob laughed. “Kelsie’s place is a lot nicer than mine.”
“Cool. Is she around?” I stared out the window to the expanse of green grass that led to a small cluster of trees. I wondered what was beyond, but I shut that thought down because what was the point? This wasn’t actually my home, it was just somewhere I was staying for a few months.
“April, come on.” He sighed, his voice slightly amused as if I should find his attitude charming or maybe even entertaining.
“How’s work?”
I could almosthearhis shrug. “It’s okay. Got some cool projects and with the new treatments I have the energy to finish them on time.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” I was glad to hear it, but I wasn’t in the mood to be his cheerleader today. My heart still hadn’t recovered from yesterday’s shooting, though I would keep that little detail to myself. For now anyway.
“What’s going on with you, April?”
“Nothing,” I sighed because it was the closest he ever came to asking about me. It wasn’t that Jacob was selfish so much as his problems were always bigger than mine and I usually kept my own counsel.
“April,” he sighed, and his mood swung back to annoyance.
“I’m pregnant. I’m sick all the time and I’m not at my own damn home Jacob, how do youthinkI’m doing?”
He sighed again. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I brushed it off. “Is Kelsie around?” I didn’t do any of this for Jacob’s gratitude because let’s be honest, he wasn’t known for his gratitude. But a break once in a while might be nice.
“No, she went out get dinner.”
“Okay I’ll give her a call.”
“To make sure I’m really doing fine?” His tone was joking and I almost smiled. Almost.
“No. Because I haven’t spoken to my best friend in a while and I’d like to.” Maybe it was my mistake, making so much of my life about my brother, but damn everything in the world wasn’t about him.
“Fine. You’re in a mood today.” He sighed again as if he wanted to say more. “The treatments are working April and I’m so fucking grateful to you, but I just wish you didn’t have to do it.”
“I know but I had to.” What other choices did I have?
“I love you for it, April.”
“I know. Gotta go,” I replied and ended the call before I got even more emotional and then I dialed my friend. She answered straight away.
“Hey baby mama, how are you feeling?” Kelsie’s laughter was just what I needed.
“Don’t call me that and I’m good. Mostly.” My shoulders relaxed and I leaned against the wall with my gaze still focused on the relaxing green. “Morning sickness is still awful but only a few hours in the morning. How are you?”
