Page 8 of A New Dawn

Ever the gentleman my mother raised me to be, I take the bag from her and gesture for her to go ahead of me. I follow, her scent drifting over me.

Yep, the scent of home.

It’s unnerving and reassuring at the same time.

I need to learn everything there is about Riley, uncover all her secrets. It’s an urge I’ve never had.

I want her to be mine.

Chapter Three

Ella

Ifeelsick!!!

I could bend over and hurl, but Aiden Burg has seen enough of my anxiety. So I swallow down the bile while my stomach keeps churning as I step onto the terrace of this swanky resort.

Fake it till you make it.

People are engrossed in their conversations, oblivious to my turmoil. The pressure in my chest is overwhelming, my heart still palpitating out of control. Spots cloud my vision.

This can’t be good for the baby. My hands automatically fly to my stomach, cradling it. I need to calm the heck down, for peanut’s sake.

I sense Aiden’s eyes on me as I walk down a set of stairs toward the lake. The swans are still there, swimming toward me, and I try to focus on this serene scene to find some peace.

Who am I kidding? How could anything bring me peace? I’m confused as all hell, and even that is the understatement of the century!

I should think of something funny. Images of Tiero’s hysterical antics with the swans drift into my thoughts. Oh jeez, no. Now my hot Italian mob boss is on my mind. Not what I need!

My body’s reaction was so clear.

It was the same as it’s always been when Tiero is near… possibly even stronger, which I thought was because I haven’t seen him for weeks.

I could have sworn it was Tiero coming for me.

Why am I having this reaction with this guy?!

It makes no sense.

The pregnancy hormones… are they to blame for my body’s mixed messages? I shake my head again as if that could straighten things out.

Yeah, fat chance of that.

And it doesn’t explain the earth… no, universe-shattering moment when I looked into Aiden’s eyes.

Home.

Deny. Deny. Deny.

My heart sputters as my head spins out of control. It’s like I’m back on the cruise ship with rough seas; everything is swaying.

My life used to be so simple.

I slow my pace and let Aiden walk ahead as the helipad comes into view. I don’t want him to see me like this and ask more questions.

Of course, he notices straight away, observing me quietly and, to my surprise, gives me the space I need.

Fuck, is this another panic attack? The thought is strangely comforting. At least that would explain a few things. Going through the breathing exercises Ethan taught me, I feel steadier by the time we reach the helicopter.

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