Page 68 of El Malo

She laughs. “Read it, Javi.”

I pluck it from her hand and twist it around. “Congratulations,” I read aloud. Still, I don’t get why the fuck she’s giving me this shit. “Um, thanks?”

“Oh my God,” she says with a groan. “Maybe this will make you understand.” She hands me a white plastic stick.

Taking it from her, I stare down at in wonder. This one, I don’t miss the meaning at all. It’s evident from the get-go.

Pregnant.

“I took a test last week and another to be sure this morning, but, Javi, we’re going to have a baby,” she tells me, her smile widening.

I toss the test and the cigar to the floor before grabbing her hips, yanking her to me. My lips crash to hers and I kiss her until she’s moaning against my mouth. Gripping her by the ass, I lift her and walk her to the very wall I intend on fucking her against. Except when I make it there, I don’t move. Simply press her back to the wall and stare at her.

“¿Voy a ser papá?” I will be a daddy?

She nods, tears welling in her eyes. “Sí.”

I maul her, eager to show her just how happy I am when she palms my scruffy cheeks. Her eyes are sad and serious. “You don’t doubt my love, do you?”

“Nunca más.” Never again.

“Bien.” Good.

She pulls me closer so her lips brush against my ear. I’m drunk on her news, but her whispered words sober me up. I listen to every single syllable and inflection. Catalogue them all and record them away.

And when she’s done…

I pull her thong to the side and fuck the love of my life.

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