Page 143 of A Second Dawn

“Only the fun kind. And only with Lex. Have you tried it?”

I laugh. “When would I have had a chance to try bondage since I last talked to you? Last night was the first time in weeks I’ve had sex—”

“You slept with him?” Rhia shouts, though it sounds muffled given her mouth is full of food.

“I told you I got swept away by him. What did you think I meant?”

“Well, not that. You’re usually more conservative,” she says, chewing.

“It’s not like I haven’t slept with him before,” I counter, pointing at my stomach. “Though, what am I gonna say to Aiden?” I ask, because that’s the next conversation I need to have.

“Definitely not that you slept with Tiero. Choosing the mob boss over him will break his heart as it is.”

“Oh god! I feel awful. After everything he’s done for me, this is the last thing he deserves.” I bury my face in my hands, my stomach churning on itself. I might throw up again.

“Yeah, I won’t lie. I wish you had picked Aiden. That would be a hell of a lot easier on everyone. But perhaps you’re not the only one deciding this.”

“What do you mean?” I ask as I walk up and down the room, shaking out my hands.

“The baby might be influencing your decisions. I once read, it’s the baby’s soul that brings the parents together. If that’s true, then what chance did Aiden ever stand?”

“That sounds nebulous to me. But I’m sure you and Claudette could have fun with that theory. It’s right up her alley.”

“Well, I hope I get to meet her soon. She sounds like fun.”

“She is. She reminds me of you in many ways. It’s probably why we get along so well. Not that anybody could ever take your place.”

“Of course not. I’m totally unique.” She winks. “So you’re sure you want to give Tiero another chance?”

I laugh but there isn’t humor in it. “No, I’m not sure. But it feels right. I can’t explain it.”

Rhia’s expression is sad. She’s reflective for a moment. “I admit, I don’t like it. But no matter what, I’m behind you.” She pulls me in for a hug and doesn’t let go.

I have no idea what this means for our friendship, but I’m determined to always make sure we’re in each other’s lives.

“I love you, Rhi,” I whisper against her hair.

“I love you too, El.”

Letting go of me, she asks, “So what’s next?”

I let out another sigh. Gosh, I seem to do that a lot today… and it’s only morning.

“I don’t know. Tiero wants to go back to Sicily. Get this, he converted a bedroom in his mansion into an examination room equipped with an ultrasound and everything. And he hired an obstetrician just to look after me.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. He’s always been protective of you and wants to ensure you have the best possible care. Actually, it’s sweet… swoony even.”

I roll my eyes at her. God, I missed doing that to her.

“It’s over the top. Plus, I told him I wouldn’t return to Sicily. I don’t have the fondest memories of the place.”

Rhia taps her chin, lost in thought for a moment.

“Why don’t you come back to Ireland for a bit? Tiero could go with you,” she suggests. “You could visit Knox and all of our friends… and my parents. They’ve been so worried about you.”

“That’s not a bad idea. And it would give me a chance to sort through my apartment.”

“And winter in Ireland will be a hell of a lot more pleasant than here in the Rockies.”

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