Page 37 of Fallen Legacy

Rafe chuckles. He’s so silent sometimes that I forget he’s even there. “Oh, Kayla’s an old friend.”

Why do I get the feeling, there’s more to that statement than I care to know?

“Wait!” I say, halting Seb with the phone halfway to his ear. “I’ve never been to London before; can we go sight-seeing first and then slut practice later?”

Archer studies me from where he leans against the kitchen island, his hands in the pockets of his joggers. “You heard our queen; she wants to go play tourist.”

I clap my hands together in delight and excitement. “Thank you.”

“Ahh, he just emptied his load. He’ll give you the fucking stars if you asked him to right now,” Seb chuckles. He dives behind the sofa when I hurl a cushion his way.

“Shut it with the sexual references, Seb. It’s not funny,” I say, scowling.

“It is, though,” he shouts from his spot behind the couch. There’s never a dull moment with him around.

* * *

Archer suggestswe hang on for another hour before heading out to allow Vee time to arrive and join us. I retreat to our bedroom to brush my teeth and as I walk back into the bedroom, my mobile phone rings, and I see it’s the clinic calling.

“Miss Holton?”

“Hi, yes, it’s me,” I say, popping my head around the door to check no one is within hearing distance.

“It’s Doctor Turner. I believe you cancelled your appointment for today. I was just calling to see if you are okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Something last minute came up, that’s all. Actually, can you book me in for antenatal care, please? I’ve decided to go ahead with the pregnancy.”

“Of course. I’ll get you booked in now for your twelve-week scan, and we’ll get all your bloods done as well.”

“Thank you. If you can e-mail my scan details to the address on your system, please?” I’d given them Silver’s email when I’d provided my details. Knowing Archer and the Aces, they could be monitoring my emails. I wouldn’t put it past them. Archer said they like to gather intel on all their members as collateral.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I put the phone down. Now I’ve made my decision, I feel I can breathe again, at least for a short while. I pull up Damon’s number and type out a text to him.

Keeping the baby. Twelve-week scan date will be in your inbox shortly.

ELIZA

We arrive back at the penthouse around three in the afternoon. I can’t deny I have enjoyed being with them all. Even Rafe had a joke with me at one point. Am I weak? They are worming their way back into my good graces and I’m going down without a fight. The truth is, for the first time in my life; I feel like I fit with these four. Archer because his dark depravity and icy demeanour calls to me. Seb because his humour and affection always puts a smile on my face, and Vee, because she gives me it straight, just what a girl needs in a best friend. Even Rafe has grown on me, he’s quiet most of the time but I’ve learned that I value his opinion. He always has something meaningful to say, and he sees things that others miss. They tell me I’m one of them now, but am I? When the cards are dealt, will they stand by my side? Because I still fully intend to get leverage on Wilbur and use it to my advantage and there is no way in hell that my brother is joining the Aces.

“You’re quiet,” Archer comments, as he watches me change into leggings and a sports bra. Apparently, the mysterious Kayla is a professional dancer, and she is coming over here shortly to help me perfect my lap dancing skills for our mission tonight.

“Just thinking,” I reply with a frown. I hate how perceptive he is of my moods.

I jump when Archer’s hand appears in front of me. There’s a little black box in his palm. “I bought this for you when we were out.”

I take the box from his hand and turn around to face him. He rubs at the back of his neck, a sign that he’s uncomfortable. I open the box and inside are two small four-leaf clover silver stud earrings.

“These are the ones I saw in that shop,” I observe. “When did you go back and get them?”

He chuckles. “When you and Vee were busy admiring those engagement rings.”

I grin. He’s sneaky. I didn’t even notice him buy anything while we were in there. My heart aches in my chest. He’s doing it again, unsettling me with his attentiveness and thoughtful gestures. Can I really trust him again? This is the guy that blames my father for his mother’s death and had transferred that blame to me. Could he ever move past that and want me for who I am and not resent me for something that happened all those years ago?

“Gifts won’t fix things, Archer,” I tell him with a weary sigh. My emotions are all over the place right now thanks to the pregnancy.

He reaches for my hand, and I allow him to take it. “I know that. I just wanted you to have them.” He drops a kiss on my forehead. “Kayla should be here soon.”

“How do you know her?” I ask, trying not to sound so interested.

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