Page 28 of Deadly Protector
CHAPTERTEN
“Ilove you both,” Zamira said to her kids, looking at their faces on the video call.
Elisa’s hair was windblown, strands coming out of her ponytail, and her cheeks were flushed. Andres looked much the same, his longer hair wild and out of control. And they had matching grins. Seeing they were having a good time, knowing they were far away from all of this and safe, made it much easier to bear.
“We love you too. And we’re bringing you back a present!” Andres said.
Elisa elbowed him. “You’re not supposed to say anything.”
“Oh, right. We’re not bringing you a present.”
Elisa rolled her eyes.
“Hugging you will be my present,” she said to them.
That made Andres laugh, and Elisa groan slightly. Even hearing her typical “teen groan,” as Zamira had come to think of it, made her happy right now. When her kids were happy with the world, she could breathe easier. She worried for them on a daily basis of course, but times like this, knowing they were simply content, it made all the other crap in the world a little easier.
Once she ended the call, she flopped back on the guest bed, her mind working overtime. Ryba still hadn’t called Dimitri, but it hadn’t been all that long since they’d met at the museum earlier in the day. Not really. Just a few hours. But it was hard to be patient when she wanted to get all of this behind her, to not worry about a lunatic stalking her.
Dimitri was currently cooking them dinner and she would join him soon, but…she knew what she had to do.
First she called her mom, who conferenced in Angel, Mila and Clarita in moments.
“You better be coming over tomorrow,” Mila said, her youngest sister’s expression fierce as she spoke to Zamira. “I want to see both you and Angel for myself.”
“We’ll all be at your house,” Flora said, clearly daring anyone to disagree. Normally Sunday get-togethers were at her mom’s house, but tomorrow they’d decided Mila and Lyosha’s would be the best location because it was the most secure.
“I’ll be there. Dimitri too.” She figured that was clear, but wanted everyone to know.
“So what’s going on with you two?” Angel asked. “Juan wouldn’t tell me anything other than you’re staying with him.”
“Who cares about that? How are you? Do you need to talk to anyone?” Zamira asked Angel.
“I’m fine. I was totally scared and freaked out but I swear I’m fine. I’ve had time to settle down and I need to tell you all something. I’m pregnant. I’m not showing but I’m right at fourteen weeks.”
“Congratulations!” Zamira shouted. She knew how badly Angel wanted kids, and that she was having them with Juan was even better. Her awful ex had cheated on her and gotten his mistress pregnant with twins—after telling Angel he didn’t want kids. Zamira was so glad Angel hadn’t lost her chance because of an asshole.
Everyone else chimed in and soon things turned to talk of baby showers, which just made Angel laugh.
“It’s my turn to throw the shower,” Zamira finally got in. “So don’t even think of trying to take over, Mama.”
Her mom just grinned, then said, “I have news as well. My boyfriend is moving in with me. Abuelito is fine with it. Happy, even.”
Zamira stared for a long moment. “Oh my God, this is serious, then,” she blurted, stating the obvious.
Her sisters started firing questions at their mom, one after the other. Zamira soaked it up, just listening to everyone, a little shell-shocked that her mom was having a man move into her house. But her mama was a great judge of character so no doubt this was a good thing.
When there was a lull, Angel cleared her throat. “Do you have any news about…anything, Zamira?”
Suddenly that tension was back, coiled tight in her belly. “We’re just waiting for a call. And by we, I mean Dimitri and me. Please thank Juan again for all he did today.”
Her mother’s face filled with concern. “Do you want to come stay with me?”
“Or me?” Mila chimed in.
“I’d offer but we’re all over at Mila’s already. And there’s plenty of room here for you.” Clarita grinned slightly. “The kids would love to have you here too.”
“You guys are wonderful for asking but I’m good here, promise. Dimitri’s house is huge and his guest room is very comfortable. It’s like I’m on vacation.” You know, except for the fact that someone had been stalking her, had attacked her sister to get to her and still wanted something from her.
