Page 42 of Dark Seduction

The dam breaks inside of me. The shit I’d built up for too long spilling over the top of the carefully constructed wall I built. “I’m pregnant, Judge.”

He sits up straight in his chair. “Is it Burnt’s?” he questions me.

“It might be, but I’m not one hundred percent sure,” I admit. Tears spilling down my face like a river. “There’s someone else, too.”

He leans back in his chair. Hands clasped. “V,” he declares.

I nod my head. “I know, it’s a mess.”

“Are the three of you...together?”

“Yes,” I admit.

Shock registers on his face. “That’s certainly not what I was expecting to hear.”

“Trust me, I get it.”

Judge reaches over, grabbing a tissue from a box on the edge of the desk, and extends it to me. “Sounds like we need to start at the beginning.”

And I do. I unleash everything I’d been feeling since I got here. How the three of us had met, how we struggled to stay away from each other, and now, unexpected pregnancy.

As I talk, I feel the weight of my emotions being lifted off my chest little by little. Judge listens with a neutral expression, nodding occasionally. When I’m finished, he takes a moment to process everything before speaking.

“Mack, I’m an old fucking man, so I won’t pretend to understand your situation or the complexities of your relationships,” he says, his voice calm and measured. “But I will say this: you need to think about what’s best for you and your baby.”

My heart sinks at the implication of his words. “Are you saying I should...get rid of it?” I ask, barely able to get the words out.

“No, no,” Judge shakes his head, holding up a hand. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. What I mean is that you need to consider your options. Will Burnt be a good father? Can V handle the responsibility of raising a child? And can the three of you make it work? Because it won’t be easy, Mack. Not by a long shot.”

The weight of his words bears down on me like a ton of bricks. I hadn’t even considered the practicalities of raising a child with two men, let alone the emotional turmoil that would come with it.

“I know,” I whisper. “I just...don’t know what to do.”

Judge leans forward, his gaze intense. “You’re a strong woman, Mack. You’ve made it this far on your own. And I have faith that you’ll make the right decision for you and your baby, whatever that may be.”

“What about my job? I am sleeping with two guys in the club. Won’t that be a problem?”

“For me and the club? No. For the guys, well, let’s just say I’m ready for the two of them to have someone who can whip them into shape. It’s been a long time coming, believe me,” he pauses with a smile. “That is, if that’s your decision. But no matter what your decision is, I want you to know that I’m here for you. As is everyone at the club. We’re a family here, and we’ll support you no matter what.”

I nod, grateful for his words. “Thank you, Judge. I appreciate it.”

He nods in return before standing up from his desk. “Take some time to think things through, Mack. And if you need anything, ask.”

I stand up as well, wiping away my tears. “Thank you. I will.”

Judge comes from around the desk. His arms extended out, drawing me into a hug. “I mean it, Mack. Whatever you need, the club has you.”

“Thank you,” I cry into his chest.

He releases me, looking down at me. “I think you need to tell them your decision.”

As I leave the office, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Talking to Judge has helped me to sort through my thoughts and emotions. But there’s still a long road ahead. The idea of raising a child with two men is daunting, but I know I’m not alone. I’ll have the support of my family at the garage, and with their help, I’ll make it work.

I look for V when I leave the office, and he’s not at his station. The car Burnt had test driven is also gone. Lord, I hope it didn’t break down. That’s the last thing V needs for that dick of a car.

I guess our talk will have to wait.

V

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