Page 42 of Heartbeat

“So, I guess that answers my question how ya’ll are getting along.” Mama chuckled.

I gave her an embarrassed smile. “Yeah. This morning sickness is the worst,” I complained.

“I was the same way with you. I was so sick all the time.” Her smile was sad, and it made me frown. “You were hard on your Mama, little girl. But I wouldn’t trade you for the world. You know that, right?” I had a feeling my mother was talking about more than morning sickness. I nodded.

Now that I knew about Robin’s betrayal, my Mama was the only fond childhood memory I had left. No matter what, she never treated me any differently, and I always felt her love. I longed for my father’s affection, but I was more than grateful to have had my mothers.

“Sorry, I didn’t tell you. With everything that’s going on and I’m only six-weeks along so…” I looked down sheepishly. I didn’t want her to find out like this, I wanted to make a grand announcement. Because she was always hounding me for grandbabies, and I always told her I wasn’t having kids. I knew that she would be pleased as punch while rubbing in the fact that she was right.

“Oh, no worries, my sweet, Rae.” She gave me a tight hug, and I melted into her warm embrace. There is nothing like a good ole’ motherly hug that could comfort you like nothing else.

“Now that I’m awake and full of excitement about my new grandbaby,” Mama winked, “I’ll go get us some breakfast.”

“You can’t tell anybody yet, Mama,” I warned, but I knew she was hardheaded and would do what she wanted.

“Girl, hush. I’m not going to tell anybody for six more weeks and counting.” She winked again before sashaying out of the bathroom.

I closed the door behind her shaking my head. I used the bathroom and washed my hands while I was drying them. I heard someone enter the hospital room. I could hear the clicking of heels, so I knew it wasn’t my mother returning or a nurse or doctor. I clicked off the light quickly and stood still waiting.

When I heard a rustling noise, I crept out of the bathroom. I couldn’t believe what I saw as I jumped into action.

* * *

I didn’t think as I tackled Felicity to the floor. She had been on top of my father with a pillow over his face. I couldn’t believe this crazy bitch was trying to smoother my Daddy. I didn’t have time to ask her why or contemplate the consequences of the hard hit to my abdomen as we both tumbled off the bed and onto the hard floor.

“Bitch! Get the fuck off me! I’ll kill you both!” Felicity screeched.

We struggled for dominance, but I was able to get the upper hand and punched her as hard as I could in the nose. I wasn’t much of a fighter, but I had two sisters growing up, so we did our fair share of tussling.

Felicity was able to elbow me in the side, and the hit fueled my rage. I knew that I shouldn’t be fighting, but this bitch tried to kill my father and hurt my baby. I was going to end her life.

My small hands went around her neck, and I was choking the shit out of her. I could see her already pale skin turning purple. Instead of having second thoughts like a normal person, I tightened my hold. I was a Bishops; we didn’t let motherfuckers hurt us without repercussions.

Felicity’s eyes rolled in the back of her head, but before I could feel her life leave her body, I was lifted away from her. I fought my attacker, clawing, and kicking to get out of his grip.

“Princess! Calm the fuck down!” Lennox’s deep frantic voice penetrated my fury, and I immediately stopped fighting.

“She was trying to smother Daddy,” I breathed out, my heart racing with adrenalin.

“The fuck?” Lennox growled. “Darby!” Lennox called for one of his father’s men who had been trailing us since all this started. Markos went back to Ainslee since Lennox had access to his father’s men after they came to an understanding.

Darby stormed in with his clone Flynn hot on his trail. They wore their red hair slicked up into top knots on their heads. Their red beards were thick, and their hazel-green eyes were menacing. They both had thick Irish accents, but where Darby was full of jokes, Flynn hardly ever said a word.

Before Lennox could dispense any instructions, Darby was on the move. He gathered a squealing Felicity up off the floor without preamble and disappeared out of the door. I don’t know what her motive was for trying to kill my father, but whatever it was, Darby would find out. I would feel sorry for her if she wasn’t such a disrespectful cunt.

I sagged in relief against Lennox’s chest as he once again smoothed my hair. I knew it looked a hot damned mess because my cute little tie I had around my afro puff was ripped off. I could only imagine what Lennox thought as he caught me on top of Felicity, my afro lopsided, and choking the shit out of her. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

“What did I tell your little ass about fighting?” I heard Lennox growl above me. I rolled my eyes. I already explained why I was fighting.

“Extenuating circumstances.” I shrugged without regret.

“You looked crazy as hell, by the way.” He chuckled, and I laughed.

“Shut up. I was about to kill that bitch.” I sobered when I thought about it. I really was going to kill her, and I didn’t feel one bit guilty about it.

“I know, Princess. But I really need you to listen to me.” Lennox stepped back and lifted my chin so I could see his glowing, bright blue eyes, “Don’t you ever in your life scare me like that again. All I heard was you screaming. We are in a high-tech hospital; you could’ve called for help. Darby was on the other side of the room, we both heard you.”

“I’m sorry. It was an automatic reaction. I didn’t think.” I said now with regret. I didn’t want to worry Lennox or get hurt. I just acted.

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