Page 28 of United Reign (Valentino Empire 3)

I’ve been soaking in this bath for almost thirty minutes. The water is cold. But the book I’m reading has allowed me to escape into a fairy-tale world—one with fae, werewolves, and witches. I don’t know where T managed to find this Kindle, but I almost burst into tears again when he brought it to me.

Deciding it’s been long enough, I jump out and wrap a towel around myself. I find my phone on the bedside table and flop down on the bed. Taking a breath, I dial Reilly. I’m about to hang up when she answers. “Holly, where have you been? I’ve been trying to call for hours. Something’s wrong. I can feel it. And tell that husband of yours to answer my bloody calls too.”

“Ah, we were in the hospital. I think our phones might have been turned off,” I lie. I saw her trying to call, but I told T not to answer it.

“What do you mean you were in the hospital? What happened? I knew something was wrong. But Bray wouldn’t believe me.”

“I, uh, I fainted. That’s all. I’m fine though.”

“Okay, and now, how about the truth? You know you can’t bullshit me, Holly.” I don’t say anything in response. What do I say? How do I say this? “Holly, unless you want me to jump on a flight right now, you best start speaking. Whose grave am I digging?”

“That’s not funny, Rye. It’s not that bad. It’s just... I-I, um, I’m pregnant,” I stutter out. Silence, I’m met with silence. I pull the phone away to see if we lost the connection. “Rye? Are you there?”

“Yeah… OMG, Holly, you’re pregnant. Like having a baby kind of pregnant?”

“I’m not sure there’s any other kind, Rye.”

“Holy shit, I’m going to be an auntie!”

“You already are an auntie. Remember Ash? The baby Alyssa just had.” I laugh.

“Yeah, but that’s different. She’s not my twin sister. My sister is having a baby. I’m so happy for you, Holly. This is what you’ve always wanted.”

“Yeah, it is.” I sigh.

“Wait, are you not happy? What’s wrong? Did that husband of yours do something stupid? I don’t care if he’s meant to be some big, scary mob boss. I will cut his dick off.”

“No, T’s… Well, he’s bloody perfect. He’s ecstatic, if not over-the-top overbearing already.”

“Good, he should be. But what’s going on, Holly?”

“I don’t know, Rye. I’m scared. What if I’m not a good mum? What if I can’t love this baby? Maybe all my love was already given to Theo. I love him so much I can’t breathe sometimes. How can I possibly have any love left to offer?”

“Holly, you are going to be the best mother this world has ever seen. You are the most loving person I know. If anyone has enough love to go around, it’s you. I’ve always envied your ability to connect with people, to really care about causes others wouldn’t blink an eye at. There is not a doubt in my mind that you are going to be just fine. Your baby is already one of the luckiest kids in the world.”

“How so?” I ask, sniffling.

“He, or she, has two parents who love each other. Two parents who connect on such a deep level it’s almost sickening to watch. But he, or she, also has me as their favorite auntie, and they really can’t be any luckier than that.” She laughs.

“You’re right… I’m worrying about nothing.”

“I’m always right! You’re worrying because you already care. You already love this baby. You just haven’t let yourself feel it yet.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime. I love you, Hol.”

“Love you more.” I hang up, the weight on my shoulders lighter.

“Feel better?” T steps out of the shadows of the corner of the room, making me jump six feet in the air.

“Jesus bloody hell, T, how long have you been standing there?” I ask.

“Long enough.” He comes over and cups my face in his palms.

“I fucking love the shit out of you, Holly Valentino.”

“I love you more, Theo Valentino.”

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