Page 83 of Worth the Risk

I understand what you saw must have hurt, but I need to tell you some important news. I’m not sure if you want to hear it or if you even care to, but I’m pregnant. Twelve weeks. I wish I could have told you in person, but since you won’t talk to me, I’ve no other choice but to email you.

I know you’re angry with me, and I don’t blame you, especially after what you saw and what Amber lied about, but you must believe me when I tell you I’d never do that to you or to us. I didn’t do or say those things Amber accused me of. I don’t know why she did it, but I think she wants you and wanted me out of the way. I think she’s in love with you.

I met with Nash today. He told me the truth about Beth, and I should have given you achance to explain. He also told me how worried you were about me finding out. I hope you still have a little bit of love left to give me a chance to talk to you.

I beg you, please respond to me. If you don’t want to be with me, I will have to learn to live with that. But I’m begging you, Leo, please don’t take your anger for me out on our baby. He or she deserves to have a father, and I want you in our child’s life, even if you refuse to be in my life as anything other than his or her father.

I hope to hear from you. Please know that I love you, and I always will.

Love, Kylie.

* * *

A heart-wrenching week goes by before Leo responds from what must be his company email.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Pregnancy

I want nothing to do with you or your child. Did you plan to trap me with this news? It won’t work.

I’ll take responsibility financially, but I’ll have no further involvement. I’ll make a deposit into your account. It will be more than enough to cover the cost of raising yourchild. I’m sure the money is all the incentive you needed to get pregnant.

As far as loving you, that stopped the day I found you with Nash. NEVER contact me again.

Leo

What the fuck? What the actual fuck!How can he be so heartless? Did I ever really know this man?I never expected him to respond in this way. I wasn’t the only one involved in makingourbaby.

But I’m glad he did. This will give me the kick in the ass I need. I’ll raise this child with nothing but love. If this is the real Leo, I don’t want him anywhere near my baby.

One week after his email, a deposit comes through to my bank account from Knight Industries.

One million dollars.

ChapterTwenty-Six

Leo

Iwander into the kitchen of the penthouse apartment I bought about a month ago, take off my jacket and throw it over the table, then pour a glass of bourbon. Once I go into the living room, I put on the game and plonk onto the sofa.

This has become my daily routine—work, home, drink, and bed.

There’s been no deviation from this other than the weekends when I drink a little harder at night and sleep the next day away.

I’m not sure why I continue to do it. Drinking doesn’t stop me from thinking about her. Kylie. For over two months, I’ve tried, and it just doesn’t work.

When will this ache go away?I rub my heart over my new tattoo like it will make it better.

Doesn’t work.

I’m beginning to think I need closure, to see her and speak with her. Maybe there’s a chance this is nothing more than a nightmare. I talked with Amber about wanting to see Kylie last night, and she tried to convince me not to go. She thinks it will only hurt more to see her, and this pain is unbearable enough.

My phone beeps, and I pull it out to read the text that came through.

Amber:On my way up.

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