Page 57 of Black Mark's Heart

Chapter Eleven

"No!" Sophie yelled at the top of her lungs, standing up suddenly and gaining the attention of everyone in the restaurant with us. "Not him?"

"Shh!" I grabbed her wrist and yanked her back into her seat. "It just happened, okay?" I told her quietly.

Sophie gave me a dark look. "How does that..." she indicated, my still mostly flat belly, "Just happen?"

I sighed, "This wasn't planned, and neither was having my brains fucked out in the practice room at the studio. He was there, I was there, it happened."

Sophie looked murderous. "I can't believe you are pregnant again. You can't do this by yourself, Mora. You'll have to give up your career and..."

"Plenty of women have raised children by themselves, Sophie, and a lot of them haven't had the means that I do to support themselves. I'll be fine," I assured.

Sophie shook her head. "How are you going to keep performing?"

I exhaled dynamically. "Jeremy has given me the name of a nanny agency, the one they used to hire Svetlana," I informed her. "I'm interviewing in a few weeks and will get a nanny to help care for the kids. Dare is paying child support now, and that will more than cover the cost."

"Wait! What?" Sophie asked, her eyes bugging out. "Did he finally realize Jacob was his?"

"Last week when you and Warren were getting engaged. He found out and lost his nana over it," I reported. "Then I told him about number two and he sort of...I don't know. For a minute he got excited."

Sophie was quiet. "But it changed nothing, did it?"

I shook my head. "He's paying maintenance at least."

Sophie folded her hands in her lap. "You still really love him, don't you?"

"I always will, Soph," I murmured. "There will never be anyone else."

Sophie got a dreamy look in her eyes. "God, I hope it's like that for Warren and I." She fidgeted with the ring on her finger. Her eyes glanced to my belly. "When are you due?"

"January." I caressed the small bump.

Sophie sagged in relief. "Oh thank God. We are planning a June wedding, so you should be fine to be my maid of honor."

"Yeah, I will be." I took a breath. "So, are you moving in together?"

Sophie bit her lip. "Yeah, but Warren isn't moving."

I frowned in confusion then realized what she was saying. "You're moving into Darius's apartment?" I asked. Sophie nodded. "Soph, I can't visit you there."

"Of course you can," Sophie debated. "He works during the day, and I'm still going to babysit Jacob for you on occasion, so you will have to come by at times."

"We'll see," I sighed. "So, have you started thinking about the dress, etcetera?"

Sophie grinned big. "Have I what? I know exactly what I want."

I smiled, happy that Sophie was happy. I rubbed my left hand over my baby bulge and looked down at my wedding ring set. My wedding had been one of the happiest days of my life and had turned into one of the worst. I seriously hoped Sophie was a lot luckier than me.

***

Three weeks later, I buzzed at the front gate. "Yes?" Steffen asked.

"Hi, Steffen. I'm here to get Jacob." I forced a smile, hoping it covered my nerves. The gate buzzed open and I walked up to the door, taking the stairs like always. It was later than I planned, but Darius should still be at work or the gym, so we shouldn't run into each other.

"Good evening, Miss Blake," Steffen greeted at the apartment doors. "Can I take your coat?"

"I'm not staying that long, Steffen, just getting Jacob." I assured and kept walking. "I know Sophie has to get to the performance."

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