Page 35 of Bound By Love

A fire ignited; a fury toward Will permeated my body. His betrayal wouldn’t suffocate or paralyze me.

I rocked back and forth in my chair, resting my hand gently on my stomach. This was my life—my baby’s life—we would enjoy it.

“Knock, knock,” Alastair said, tapping on my door. “What’s with the long face?”

Oh man, I so don’t need this right now.

“Hi, what can I help you with?” I should have closed the damn door…stupid.

“I brought you a cranberry scone.” He wasn’t being his usual snarky self, for some reason, and it surprised me. “Just thought you could use a little afternoon pick-me-up. Looks like I was right.” Behind his glasses, his brown eyes were tense and laced with concern. “Want to talk about what has you upset?” Alastair closed the door behind him, then placed the scone on the desk in front of me and sat down.

I stared at him, stunned.Crap.

“It’s nothing.” I forced a smile. “Just good old-fashioned pregnancy hormones. They make me moody for no particular reason.” Why was he staring at me? “Thank you for the scone.”

“I don’t believe you.” He leaned forward in the chair. His persistence sent a shiver down my spine, and not a good one. “Why are you sad? And don’t tell me you aren’t. I’m here for you. Let me help you.”

“Did you know Brea likes you?” I blurted, hoping to get the spotlight off me, but I totally didn’t mean to throw her under the bus.

I suck!

“Yeah, I know.”

“You do? Then why do you ignore her? She’s a sweet and pretty girl.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been comfortable around most women. Not like I am with you.” His eyes penetrated mine provocatively—not good.

“Alistair—”

“Don’t say another word.” He stood rapidly, stunning me silent. “Eat the scone. You’ll feel better.” He winked, turning on his heel. He swung the door open and left.

What a tangled web we weave… Who said that?

14 Miranda

SATURDAY EVENING, I strolled out to my car. Radiance closed at four, and now it was starting to get dark. It was already cold, chilling me to the bone. I turned my key in the ignition, and a weird grinding sound made me stop. I turned it again, hoping it would start. No change. The radio worked and the lights turned on. So why didn’t the engine start?

Brea stood by an SUV as I laid my head against the headrest. She walked over, so I got out of the car.

“Hey, everything okay?”

“Nope. My car is making a weird grinding noise. I’m going to call a tow truck, but I doubt it’ll get fixed tonight.” I twisted my lips to the side. I could get a rental car.

“I’m sure you’re right. We can give you a ride.” She jerked her chin to the SUV.

“Oh, I don’t want to impose. I’ll call an Uber.”

Brea laughed. “Don’t be silly. You can join us for dinner, then I’ll drive you home.”

“Dinner? Oh, I couldn’t.”

“It’s lasagna and my mom makes the best. Don’t you want to try the best?” Brea waggled her eyebrows.

The thought of a homecooked meal made my mouth water. “Lasagna sounds amazing. If you’re sure it’s okay?”

“Yes! Lock your car. You can call a tow truck in the morning.”

Her offer was tempting. Not to mention I’d been starving for the last hour and… I was lonely. “I’d love to meet your parents. I accept.” I smiled, appreciative of the offer.

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