Author’s Note
NotReadyispartoneofaduetandwillendonacliffhanger >>>>>SpoilersAfterThisPoint<<<<< Thisbookisoverallaverysweetread.
Theworldisalittledarkerorgrittierthanofmyotherpreviousbooks,butthementreattheFMCverywell Thereisno cheatingandnoOWdrama.TheymeetValeandfallforherandthebabyveryquickly.
Thereareafewthingsthatmaycausesomediscomfort Valehasastalker,whichthemenprotectherfrom Itisdeemeda possibilitythathemayhaveassaultedherwhilesheslept.Thisisnotconfirmednorisitshownonpage,butthepossibilityis discussed onpage. There are minor mentions of complications duringpregnancy. The menof Assurance Securityuse their personal protectioncompanyas a cover tohuntomega traffickers.There are briefmentions ofthe sextrade andkidnapping. Thesearen’tshownonpage.Alsoverybriefmentionsofabortion.
Mentalhealthisimportant!Ialwayswantmyreaderstoknowwhattoexpect Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorneedsomething clarifiedpleasereachoutthroughemailorsocialmedia.
I’mhappytoansweranyquestionsyoumayhave!!
IfI’vemissedanythingsthatshouldbelistedpleasereachouttomeonsocialmediaoremailmeandI’mhappytocorrect it.
I know pregnancy romance isn’t for everyone, but this one is dedicated to all the readers who requested a super pregnant FMC
I hope it hits all your sweet spots
Chapter One Vale
It’snightsliketonightwhenIreallywishtheuniversewouldgetonboardwithsettingmeuptobeindependentlywealthy WorkingtwojobshasbeenkickingmyasssincelongbeforeIgotpregnant.
Mybackachesandmyfeetthrob,butI’vegotalittleoveranhourleftbeforeI’mcut.BeingaserveratTheKittyCat Loungeisn’tterrible,butsomenightsaremorechaoticthanothers
There’sabachelorparty,andit’saFridaynight,soitwasalreadypackedtocapacity.Mostoftheeyesintheroomareon thestage,whichmakessensebecauseSashaisafanfavorite
Myemptytrayisheavy,andmynearlyeight-monthpregnantbellymakesitawkwardtoholditverticallytomychestlikeI usedto Itrytoflattenitasmuchaspossible,butitdoesn’treallyhelpasIweavethroughthepatrons
Oneofmytablesisinthefrontnearthestage.Makingitbacktothebarwithoutbeingjostledaroundjustisn’thappening tonight.
“Watchout” Andrew’s voice shocks me, and myhead flies up He grabs a guythatI’ve never seenbefore, yankinghis elbowawayfrommakingcontactwithmystomach.“She’spregnant,asshole.”
Theotherguydoesn’tseemtolikebeingtouched,andheshakesoutofAndrew’shold IbackawayasthethreeguysatAndrew’stablestandtobackuptheirfriend.Theysurroundtheguywhoalmostbumped intome They’reall kindarougharoundtheedges I’mnotsureiftheyjustworkhard,or maybethey’reactuallyinvolvedin somesortofcriminalactivity.
Eitherway,Idon’twanttobeinthemiddleofwhateverisbrewing.
Mygazedartsaroundtheroom,searchingforsecurity
The Kitty Cat Lounge doesn’t necessarily cater to the most desirable patrons. I’m used to ignoring gun holsters and redirectinggrabbyhands
It’sawholedifferentworldofstressfultohaveababyonboardforallofthis,butifIwanttobeabletoaffordsaidinfant, thenIdon’thavealotofchoices.
IgiveAndrewatightsmile.“Thanks,butdon’tgetyourselfkickedouttryingtoprotectme.”
HeflasheswhatIimaginesomewomenwouldconsideradazzlingsmile.“I’vegotyou,honey.Getbacktowork.”
There’ssomethingabouthimthatmakesmeuncomfortable,butI’veneverbeenabletoplacemyfingeronexactlywhatit is.
Inod,pullingmyshouldersbackandheadingforthebar He’sbeencominginatleastonceortwiceaweekforoversix months,andtheothergirlssayit’salwaysduringmyshifts.
I’moneofthefewomegasnotontherosterforthemainstageorprivatedances.Ineverrealizedhowputtingmyselfofflimitswouldactuallymakememoreattractivetosomeoftheseguys.Seriously,I’manawfuldancer.Theywouldn’tbepleased withmyperformance,buttheystillmakeoutlandishofferstotrytotemptmeintoit.
Isigh,prayingtherestofthenightgoesmoresmoothlythanithassofar Livingacoupleofblocksawayfrommyjobisconvenient Especiallysincemyapartmentdoesn’thaveaparkinglot Thecar lotwhereIrentaspotchargesthesameforadayticketasitdoesaweek.WhichmeansifIexitthelotafteraday,it’sthesame priceasifmycarsatforanentireweek Beingpoorishell Ioftenwonderifit’sreallyworthtakingmycarorifit’sbetterjust towalk.
ThecoolnightairteasesmyskinasIheaddownthesidewalk.
Todaywas a long-ass daybecause I worked a double shift two p.m. to two inthe morning but I’ll live. The major
upsideofworkingweekendsisthetipsaresomuchbetterthanweeknights.Walkinghomewithhundredsofdollarsofcashin mypursealwaysfeelsalittlesketchy.
Ineverfailtopsychmyselfout
Truthfully,I’mnotstupid.
No matter how muchIneed the money, I’d chuckmypurse and runina heartbeatifthe need arose NotthatI’mall that swift,consideringtheextrapregnancyweight,butthatwouldn’tstopmefromtrying.
MyheadswivelsasIpeekovermyshoulder
Theareaisprettywell-lit,consideringthelatehour.Ipickupmypace,andthesoundofmyflatshittingtheconcretefills the air. There’s a dogbarkingsomewhere to myleftand car noises fromone ofthe busier streets to myright, butnothingto indicateanyoneisfollowingme
So,whythehellaremyimpulsesgoingcompletelyhaywire?
The hair onthe backof myneckactuallystands up I kinda thought that was a mythfromscarymovies withghosts or poltergeists.
Itaketheturndownmyblock It’sonlyfortyorfiftyfeettomydoor Somethinghasmeitchingtolookbehindme,butthat feelslikeanawfulidea.
Myheartracesasmychestrisesandfallsrapidly.Carryinganextrahumanbeingaroundishardwork.Mysideacheswith astitch,andI’mforcedtoslowmysteps
MyguttellsmetocheckagaintoseeifI’mbeingfollowed.
Iswivelmyheadslowly,andthere’sdefinitelyafacestaringasitpeeksaroundthebrickbuildingonthecorner
MyentirebodyjoltsasIjumpseveralfeetintheair,screamingbeforeIrealizethesoundhasescaped.
Itakeoff,butmyfootslidesoutfromunderme.Myhandsflyouttocatchmyfall,butluckily,Ihitmykneeswithoutgoing downonmystomach.
“Damn,honey.Areyoutryingtotwistanankle?”Andrew’svoiceechoesaroundtheemptystreet.
Partofmeishugelyrelieved,buttheotherpartscreamsthathe’snotsupposedtobehere Itdoesn’tmatterifhe’sfamiliar.
“Youscaredthehelloutofme,”IsayinashakytoneasItrytoclimbtomyfeet “Here, letme help.” He extends anarm, and Igrab it. Ineed to getoffthe sidewalkand into mybuilding immediately. “Thatwasn’tmyintention.Youknowthat.Icouldn’tbelieveitwhenIsawyouwalkingawayfromtheclub.”HefrownsasI makeitbacktomyfeet.“It’sthemiddleofthenight.”
“Yeah,Iknow,”Iagree,takingafewstepstowardmybuilding.
Andrewkeepspacebesideme “Youshouldtakearideshareifyoudon’thaveavehicle Thisisn’tthebestpartoftown”
“I’mjusttryingtosavemoney,”Iadmit,hikingmybaguphigheronmyshoulder.
“I’ll make sure the guys and Istart leavingbetter tips You’ve got to be more careful” His tone is kind, but something insidemesaysnottotrusthimorhisgoodintentions.
Wehittheexteriordoortomyapartmentbuilding.
Thelockhasbeenbrokenformonths,butourlandlorddoesn’tcare I still shove my key into the lock, pretending to unlock it. My insides scream that this situation is dangerous. Letting Andrewknowaboutanobviousflawinthebuildingsecuritywouldbeahugemistake Igetthedoor“unlocked”andopenitbeforeturningback.“Thankyouforgettingmetomydoorsafely.”Iforceafriendly smilethatfeelslikeagrimace
“Noproblem,honey.”Hegrins,shovinghishandsintohispockets.“Haveagoodnight.” “Youtoo,”Isay,spinningaroundandboltinginside.
Idon’tevenstopatthemailbox
Itakethethreeflightsofstairslikemysidedoesn’tacheandI’mnotseverelyoutofbreath. Gettinginsidemyapartmentonlytakesanotherminute Islamthedoor,lockbothlocks,andleanagainsttheframe.
Holy fucking shit
Thatwasnotokay.
WhatthehellamIgoingtodonow?
Hecomesintomyjoballthetime He’salwaysbeenalittleoff,butnotinawaythatseriouslyconcernedme Oritdidn’tuntilnow.
Ibrieflyconsidercallingthepolice,butI’veseenhowitgoes Unlessthere’ssomethingserioustoreport,thecopscan’tdo anything.
MaybeIcanaskoneoftheothergirlstotakehistablethenexttimehecomesin. It’sclearIneedtodistancemyselffromhim.
Mysecondjobisasacamgirlfortheomega-onlywebsiteSlick.
It’snotabadgig,oritwasn’tbeforeIgotpregnant
NotthatIhaveatonoftimeforcamshowsanymore.I’vethoughtaboutdoingawaywiththemcompletely,sinceIendedup losinga lotofclients whenIgotpregnant Onlythen, anentirelydifferentclientele tuned in, wantingto watchthe pregnant chickgetherselfoff.
Itkindofgrossesmeout,butIhavetofindawaytoaffordAurora Myhandrunsovermybabybelly
Idon’thavetheluxuryofcuttingthewebsiteoffcompletely.Itbringsinthebulkofmyincome,andI’mmorethanalittle worriedaboutwhatwillhappenwhenIgivebirth.
TheonlycustomerthatIknowforsurewon’tditchmeisBishop
Thethoughtofsayinggoodbyetohimmakesmystomachacheinawaythegirlsatworkhavewarnedmeabout.Tome,he fallsoutsidethenormalparametersforaclient,butmyroommateandcoworkersattheclubhaverepeatedlytoldmenottoget attached.
That’spracticallyimpossible,though Bishopdidstartoutwatchingmylivestreams,butoverthelasttwoyears,hebecameaVIPmember.Hegetstowatchme dorandomshitinmyapartment.
Well,inmybedroom
Fine,maybeit’salittleweirdthathepaysmoneytowatchmedothingslikefoldmylaundryandsleep.
I’m twenty-two years old and about to be a single mom with no support system I’m doing the best I can, under the circumstances.It’snotideal,butI’lldowhateverittakestoprovideformykid.
MyhandsshakeasIpulluptheSlickwebsiteandlogin.Myscreenchangestoactive,andIwaittoseeifBishopwillsend meavideochatrequest.
It’s beena slow process, butonce Iopened the higher tiers ofsubscriptions, itallows for chattinginprivate and video calls There’salwaysalevelofguiltformebecausehepaysmoneytolistentometalkaboutmydayorcomplainabouthow thetipsatworkwerecrap.
It’salittlestrangethathe’snotlookingforsexyshows,butI’velethimleadtherelationship,andhonestly,it’snotlikeI’m complainingthathewantstokeepthingsfriendlyinsteadofsexual.Although,Idon’treallygetwhyheusesthesiteifthat’snot whathe’safter.
Iexhaleheavilywhenthevideorequestpopsup.
“Hey,”Isay,pullingoutmycomputerchairandtakingaseat.
“Hey,gorgeous,howwasyourshift?”Hisdeep,growlyvoicefillstheairashepopsuponmyscreen
We don’tdo full faces, butI’ve caughtglimpses ofhimover the years. Iusuallykeep mycamera focused fromthe neck down Imean,I’msurehe’sseenmyfaceovertheyearswhileI’mwalkingaroundmyroomorwhenI’minbed,sleeping,but whenwechatlikethis,it’salwayswithalayerofanonymity.Andheneverpushestheissue.
MysexyshowshavealwaysbeenchindownbecauseI’veneverbeenabletostomachthethoughtofsomeonerecognizing me
Hisfull blondish-brownbeardfillsthescreen,butthebottomhalfofhissmileisashighasthefeedgoes.Ijustwishhe washere I’dburymyfaceinthatfluffybeardandbreathehimin
“Itwasfine.”Ichuckleawkwardlyandpullahanduptocovermyface.
“Uh-oh Iknowthatvoice Tellmeaboutit,”hesaysinasoothingtonethatmakesmeyearntobetherewithhim “No,myshiftwasfine.Busy,butokay.”Mymindraces.It’snotlikehecanhelpmefromwhereverheis.Isitevenworthit to bringup Andrew? Whatifitworries him? Maybe that’s the whole point. Kate isn’thome. Ididn’twantto texther what happened IfIdisappearrandomly,itwouldn’thurttohaveatleastonepersonknowwhathappenedtome “How’swork?” Hechuckles.“Asboringasever,butIwanttohearaboutwhateverhasyousoundingespeciallyanxious.”
“It’sprobablynothing,”Isay,hedgingmywords “ButoneoftheguyswhocomesintotheclubIworkat ”Isigh,burying myfaceinbothhandsasmyelbowsdigintomydesk.“Iguesshesawmeleavingtonightanddecidedtofollowmehome.He saiditwastomakesureIgotheresafely,but ” “It rightfullymade youuncomfortable,” Bishop growls, cursingunder his breath. “I hate that youwalkhome so late at night.”
“Iknow”
“Letmesendyou ”
“No”Ialreadyknow wherethis is going Hetries tosendmemoremoneyonpracticallyaweeklybasis Sincetips are taxedthroughthewebsitebeforetheyevergettome,Iknowhe’salreadyspendingevenmorethanIreceive.Buttherulessay wecouldbothbekickedoffforcommunicatingoutsideofthesite.
“You’rekillingme,gorgeous.They’vegottohavecabswhereveryoulive.”
“I’mokay.Really.”Ishouldn’thavebroughtitup.It’snotlikehecanfixmyproblems,andallit’lldoismakehimworry more.
If he even does Ifeellikehecares,butIalsogetwhatKateandmycoworkersaresayingwhentheypointoutthatIreallydon’tknowhim atall Sure,we’vebeenchattingforclosetotwoyears,butthere’salevelofdisconnect,duetothesite Bishopstartlesmeoutofmythoughts,saying,“Canyoudomeafavorand,attheveryleast,trytoleaveatthesametimeas acoworker for thenextfew nights?Hell,asksomeonefor aridefor anightor two Idon’twanttoscareyou,butyou’rean omega,sweetgirl.Youalwayshavetobeonalert.”
Myentirebodylightsupwhenhecallsme sweet girl.It’sveryobviousthatI’maclichéexampleofmydesignation. God,whatIwouldn’tgivetofeelhimwraphisarmsaroundme Icouldreallyuseahug I’mactuallyalittleafraidtogotosleep,butI’mabsolutelybeat.
“Iwill,”Iassurehim,eventhoughitmeansI’llhavetostickaroundanextrahour Mostofmyfriendsatworkaredancers Theydon’tgetoffattwo,likeIdo.It’snotabadplan,atleastonnightswhenIseeAndrew.“I’mkindofexhausted.IthinkI’m goingtoheadtobed” Ibite myliptokeepfromaskingifhe wants me tokeepmyfeedon It’s a terrible cycle ofguiltand regret.Hepaysforeveryminutehe’swatchingmesleep,butitwouldmakemefeelalotsaferafterwhathappenedtonight. It’s not like he’d be able to save you through the computer screen,Iremindmyself.
“Goodnight Getsomerest Leavethefeedon I’llwatchoveryouforawhile” Myfacebreaksoutintoasillysmile.Hereallydoesknowexactlyhowtomakemefeelsafe.
Chapter Two
ThreeWeeksLater
It’shardtokeepthepolitesmileplasteredtomyface.Andrewandhisfriendsarebackinmysection.It’snotthefirsttime I’veseenhimsincethewalking-homeincident,butheseemsespeciallyfocusedonmetonight
Glancingaroundattheguysatmycurrenttable,Ismile,butIswearIcanfeelAndrew’seyesonmestill.Themenrattle offtheirorders,andIwritethemdown.Normally,Idon’tneedto,butmynervesareofficiallyfrayed.
I’malsoservingAndrew’stable,andIwishIwasn’t.Irefusetolookovertocheckiftheyneedrefills.Iftheydo,they’ll havetowaituntilIservethistable.
Iaimforthebar,doingmybesttoignorethechaosofafullclub It’sespeciallydifficulttostayfocusedwhenI’mstressed andmyimpulsesscreamtorunforasafeandclosed-inarea.
Comingtoastopatthesideofthebar,Iwaitforsomeonetoacknowledgeme Derekisoneofthebartenders,andhe’san alpha.Whenhecomestoastopinfrontofme,Ishovetheticketathim.
“Hey,beforeyougrabthat,canIaskafavor?”Iask,glancingovermyshouldertoseeifAndrewisstillwatching. Heabsolutelyis.
“Sure,what’sup?”Derekasks.
“I’moffinthirtyminutes Oncemyridearrives,wouldyoumindwalkingmeout?”Usually,I’daskoneofthebouncers,but weseemtobeseriouslyshort-staffed.
“Yeah,Igotyou Comefindmewhenyou’rereadytobounce”Henodsandheadsoff Iexhaleinpurerelief.I’llbehomeandsafeinmybedbeforeIknowit.
“Well, you’re alive,” Kate says as I walk into our apartment. “I waited up just to be sure.” She laughs, but she looks as exhaustedasIfeel.“I’vegottobeupattheasscrackofdawnforclass.”
“Thankyou,”Itellhersincerelyassheshovesherselfoffthesofa.
“Noproblem.”Shenodstotheedgeofthecouch.“Ihadthebatreadytogoifthatdickwadtriedanything.” Ilaughbutgiveheraquickhugasshepasses She’sadamngoodroommate,anditsucksthatI’vebroughttroubletoher door.“Getsomerestandthanksagain.”
“Ahh, don’tgetall sentimental pregnant lady onme It’s too late for that” She gives me a kiss onthe cheekand heads towardherbedroom.
Iaimformine,rippingoffmyshoulderbagandtossingitonmydresser.Igrabaquickshowertorinseawaythesmellof TheKittyCatLoungeandbootupmycomputer.TalkingtoBishopismyfavoritepartofanynight,butthelittlelightnexttohis nameisn’tilluminated.
Just got home from work if you have a minute If not, I’ll talk to you tomorrow I’m dead on my feet
Aftersendingthemessage,Iwaitforawhile.Hedoesn’timmediatelyjoin,whichisokay.Themanhasalifeandjobofhis own
Igrabmybagandcountoutmytipstopassalittletime,butitdoesn’tseemlikehe’sgoingtojointhefeed.Shovingmy cashintothesmallsafeIkeepinmydeskdrawer,Ifinallydecidetocallitanight.
Givingthechatwindowonemoreglance,Imentallywillthelightnexttohisnametolightup,butitdoesn’t Ileaveitopen justincasehepopsinbeforeIcompletelyfallasleep.Ifhedoes,it’llgiveadingingsoundtoletmeknowhe’swatchingmy camerafeed
Iclimbintobedwithahuff.
Lifeislonelylately.It’shardtoimaginehowmuchlonelierit’sgoingtogetwithanewbornandnopartner.
Luckily,exhaustiontakesover IfallasleepbeforeIcanspendtoolonglamentingallmymistakes “Wakeup,”Katesays,shakingmyarm.Myroommatemustwanttodie.Igetverylittlesleepasitis,meaningnooneshould wakemeup,underanycircumstances,whenIactuallymanagetofallasleep.“Vale,seriously,it’simportant.” Igrunt,swipelonghairoutofmyface,andstruggletositup “Iseverythingokay?”
“Idon’tthinkitis.”Katesitsontheedgeofmymattress.“Thatguy,theweirdone,wasjustinourapartment.” “What?”Isputterout,stillhalfasleep “Andrew?”
“Yeah.”Shefrowns,shakingherhead.“Ididn’tlethimin.Unlessshitradicallychangedinthelastsixhours,I’mguessing youdidn’t,either.”
“No,fuckno,”Iassureher.
“Yeah,well,hetoldmethetwoofyouare dating.Hesaidtoletyousleepandleftlikeitwasnormalforhimtobeinside ourplace Itreallyfreakedmeout!I’msupposedtobeatclassintenminutes,butI’malittleafraidtoleaveyoualone” Iceslidesthroughmyveins.There’snouniverseinwhichIwoulddateAndrew.He’s creepy. Iglance around the roomas mymind files throughthe necessities thatIabsolutelycan’tleave without Beinganomega meansmyfirstinstinctalwaysleanstowardboltingfromanysituation.“Hewasinsideourapartment?”
“Yes,wakeup.Thisisserious.I’mgoingtocallalocksmithandhavethelockschanged.I’vegottogo,butIwantedtolet youknow”
“DoyouthinkIshouldcallthepolice?”Iask,runningmyhandovermyface. Holycrap
Iwasasleeptwominutesago,andmybrainisbarelyworking.
“Youdidn’tsee anything Theywouldneedtotalktome Iknow it’s shitty,butIcan’tmiss mychemclass Canwe talk aboutitmorewhenIgethome?”Sheshovesherselfoffmybed.
“Yeah,definitely.God,I’msosorry.Thatmusthavebeenterrifying.”Myeyesflytomycomputer.Assoonassheleaves, I’mreachingouttoBishop He’stheonlyotherpersonIhavetotalkto
“I’mgood.He’sskinny.IcouldprobablytakehimifIhadto,butsinceyou’repregnantandalone…”
“Yeah, I really appreciate it” I’m still baffled This feels like one of those situations when missing class might be acceptable,butshe’supandheadingoutbeforeIcansaythat.
“Hey,gorgeous,”Bishopsays,appearingonthecomputerscreen.AllIcanseeisfromhismouthtohisneck,butIreallywishI could look into his eyes for a change “Shit, I messaged you probably twenty times this morning” He scratches his thick blondish-brownbeard.
“Iknow.” Isaw the multitude ofmessages. Theyjustasked me to touchbase withhimas soonas Icould. “Ineed your adviceonsomething”
“Ineedtotellyousomething,”hesaysattheexactsametime.
“Wait,what?”
“Areyouokay?”Healwaysaskshowmeandthebabyaredoing,butsomethinginhistonesetsmeevenfurtheronedge.
“Yeah,butsomethingweirdhappenedthismorning,”Iadmit,goingontotellhimwhatKatesaidaboutAndrew Bishopcursesunderhisbreath.
“Youdidn’tcutoffyourfeedlastnight.”Heawkwardlyclearshisthroat.“Imayhavebeenwatchingyousleep.Aboutfour inthe morning, someone was inyour room It’s whyI’ve beentryingto getintouchwithyou Ididn’twantto putitinthe messages,incasehecameacrossthem.”
“What?”Ihiss
Whydidn’titdawnonmethatAndrewcouldhavemadeitpastthelivingroom?Himbeinginmybedroomisanentirely differentlevelofcreepy
“Shit.IknowIshould’veloggedoff,butyouweresopeaceful.I’vebeenonajob itwasn’tlikeIwaswatchingnonstop butwhenItookabreak,I’dpeekinonyou.”
“Idon’tcareaboutthat,”Iassurehim
It’swhathepaysafortunefor.Maybeit’snaive,buthe’stheclosestthingI’vegottoamaninmylifewhoItrust.
“So, thatwas the guywho followed youhome fromwork?” Bishop asks, drawingmyattention “Whoever itwas stood
around,watchingyousleep.Atfirst,Ithoughtitmightbesomeoneyouknow,butIgotbadvibes.IfIhadyourinfo,Iwould’ve sentthecopstoyourdoor.”
“WhatthehellamIsupposedtodo?”Iwhisper,shakingmyhead “IthinkIneedtocallthepolice” “That’snotabadplan,butthefirstthingIneedyoutodoisgetoutoftheapartment.Doitduringthedaylighthours.Grab whateveryoucan’tlivewithout Headtoafriendorfamilymemberyoutrust Doyouhavesomewhereyoucango?” Heknowsmymomisdead.Ineverknewmyfather.Idohaveagreatauntwholivesafewhoursaway.
Kateissupposedtobemybirthingpartner,butotherthanher,Idon’treallyhaveanyone “Areyouwithme,gorgeous?”
I’vegotmysuspicionsthatBishopisacoporformermilitary.He’salwayscalmandcollected.Thentherearethetattoos andscars Hetoldmeoncethattheoneonhisshoulderisabulletwound “I’llfindsomewheretogo.”
“Getthethingsyouabsolutelycan’tlivewithoutandleavewhileit’sstilldaylight Promiseme?” “Ipromise,”Isay,butmyvoiceisweirdandshaky. Heclearlydoesn’tunderstandtherulesofwhereIlive Inmyneighborhood,peoplemindtheirownbusiness Dayornight, itdoesn’tmatter.Noonewouldintervenebecausetheyallhavetheirownbullshitthatthey’rebusytryingtosurvive. “Warnyour roommate too. Once yougetsettled somewhere, video call me, and we’ll go fromthere. Idon’tcare ifI’m working Ifsomethinggoeswrongoryouseehim ”
“Idon’treallyknowwheretogo.”Iburymyfaceinmyhands.“IguessIcoulddrivetoanothertownandrentahotelfora fewdays”
“No!”hebarks,startlingthehelloutofme.“Grabyourphoneandtakeapictureofthescreen.” Heholdsupabusinesscard,butit’sinverted.Istill snatchupmyphone,snapapicture,andimmediatelyflipittheright direction.
Itsays Sebastian Bishop, Personal Security Specialist. Okay,sohedidn’tgivemeafakename
That’sahugerelief.Iknowatleastsomeofmyviewersaremarried.It’sastatisticalprobability,evenifIhatetheideaof it
“Grab a penand write fast. Youknow whatthe rules say.” He gives me a nod, and Iscramble to grab a pen. The Slick website has verystrictrules aboutsharingpersonal information. It’s a violationthatcould getus bothbanned permanently. Theycouldbescreeningthisrightnow.“Ifwegetcutoff,youcalltheofficenumberonthatcardandaskforme.But,here,I’m goingtogiveyoumyaddress.Cometome,gorgeous,andIswearonmylife,I’llkeepyousafe…”Herattlesoffhisaddress, andIscrawlitoutasfastasIcan “Here’smypersonalnumber Takeitdowntoo ”Thecallcompletelydisconnectsasthe screengoesblack.
“Ohno,”Iwhisper,blinkingatthebigredboxthatpopsup
Privileges revoked. Terms of service violation. Contact Slick customer care for further assistance. Shit.
WhatthehellamIsupposedtodonow?
Fear pulses in my chest as my hands shake. My stomach aches like I might vomit. My camclients are how I’ve been keepingmyheadabovewater
IreallywishBishopwashere.
I’daskforahug
Italsowouldn’thurttohaveagiantalphaatmyside.Iexhaleheavilyandgetmyshittogether. Ihaveababycountingonmetokeephersafe.
I don’t have time to crumble
Pushingmyselfoutofmydeskchair,Iglancearound,searchingforthenecessities.I’mgoingtocallKateassoonasI’min mycar and askher to come withme Butfor now, Ihave to do whatIpromised and getmyselfoutofhere duringdaylight hours.
Chapter Three Vale
I’mprettysureIpulluptosomekindofgatedcommunityorpossiblyacompound Thegiantfencearounditscreamsthatthe inhabitantswanttheirprivacy.
I’mstoppedatagatebytwosecurityguys.TheyaskformyIDandthepurposeofmyvisit.They’resternbutnotrude. It’sallverybizarre
They point me up the long driveway and tell me to take a left to head to the main house. The house is huge, almost obnoxiouslyso
As soonas I parkmycar onthe circular drivewaybehind the fancymansion, myface falls to rest against the steering wheel Idon’tknowwhatthehelltodo Ishouldprobablyjustleave,right? Whatifthisisatrap?
MaybeBishopissomehowcorrallingmetowardhim,sohecansellmeintosexslaveryandstealmybaby
Evenasthethoughtcrossesmymind,itdoesn’tringtrue.
I’ve always beenable to trustmyimpulses Theyhaven’tbeenwrongyet Atleast, notinsome terrible wayIcouldn’t comebackfrom.
Thenagain,IwasreallywrongaboutAurora’sdad
Cooperusedtocomeintotheclubatleastonceaweek,butheneverpaidanyattentiontothedancers.Ittookalmostthree monthsbeforeheactuallyaskedmeoutonadate,butheflirtedcontinuallyoverthosefewmonths.He’dtellmetotakeaseat andchatforabit AndIalwaysdid,eventhoughit’sabigno-noatmyjob Onthenightheaskedmeout,wewenttoeatdirectlyaftermyshift.
Itwasanunforgettableexperience
That’sforsure.
Only, he was gone when I woke up. I mistakenly thought we’d exchange contact information the next morning. Or, you know,thatmaybehe’dpopbackinatTheKittyCatLoungethenextdaywithareallygoodexcuseastowhyhehadtoleavein thefirstplace.
Myheadshakesviolentlyasmyforeheadrollsaroundthesteeringwheel I got played. It happens.
Ifnothingelse,Ifiguredhe’dcomebacktotheclubatsomepoint,justbecausehe’dbeenafrequentcustomerupuntilour hookup.
Inmyfantasies,CooperwouldseethatI’mpregnant,grovelandapologize,andactuallywanttobeinAurora’slife. Itwashard,butI’veletgoofthatunrealisticexpectation.
I’ve gaslitmyselfinto believingthatImade somethingoutofnothing, butI’mstill so confused. Whywould he come in weekafter weekandsitinmysection?Whyspendsomuchtimetalkingandtryingtogettoknow meifhewasjustgoingto disappear?
MychestrisesandfallsrapidlyasItrytogetmyselftogether Stressisn’tgoodformeorthebaby.
BythetimeIfoundoutIwaspregnant,Irealizedhewasn’tgoingtomagicallypopbackintomylife.IknewIwasgoingto bedoingthisalonefromthemomentIdecidedtokeepthepregnancy,andIdidthinklongandhardabouthavinganabortion Attheendoftheday,Ijustcouldn’tgothroughwithit.
ItstillhurtstothinkofCooper,butIhavebiggerproblems OutsideofBishop,Cooperistheoneguywhoactuallyputin effortandseemedinterestedinme…
WhatifI’veconvincedmyselfBishopcares,buthe’s justareallygoodguywhowouldlookafter anywomaninascary
situation?
I’memotionallyattachedtoBishopinawayIwasn’ttoCooper.
Thatmakesthisevenmoredangeroustomyheart
Not to mention, it’s a completely unfamiliar environment. Putting my trust in the wrong person could have devastating consequences
Aloud,echoingbangingonmywindow makesmejolt.Myheadpopsup,andtherearetwomenstandingjustnexttomy car Igrab mypurse and openthe door Dammit, I’ve had to pee for the lasthour Scaringa pregnantladyis a greatwayto causeanaccident.
Thechillytemperaturesendsashiverdownmyspine,butmycoatistoosmalltozipoverthebelly.It’snotaprettyprocess asIclimboutofthedriver’sseat,butIgetitdone
“Canwehelpyou,ma’am?”theguyontheleftasks,eyeingmystomachuncomfortably. Mynoseachesinthecoolair,butIpullmyshouldersback “I’mlookingforBishop?” “Uh,doesheknowyou’recoming?”theotherguyasks.
“Yes,”Ireply,tryingtoyankthesidesofmycoattogether “Wehaven’tbeennotifiedofthat,”theoneontheleftsays. “Whatshouldwedo?”theoneontherightasks.
I’mstartingtogetantsy
Thisisn’tahouse.
I’mprettysure it’s a militarycompound or something These guys lookaround myage or maybe a few years older, but they’vegotavibethatscreamsthey’vebeenintheservice.
“Youknowwhat?”ItossathumbbacktowardmycarasIbackaway.“I’mjustgoingtogo.”
“Ma’am,don’tmove,”theguyontherightsays.“Ifyou’reonAssuranceproperty,thenweneedtoverifyyouridentity.” “No,really.IdefinitelythinkI’mjustgoingtogetinmycarandleave,”Isay,takinganotherstepback. Isawthecompanynameof Assurance onBishop’scard,butIthoughtI’dbegoingtohispersonalresidence Apparently,I somehowendedupathisplaceofemployment.
Maybe he was rushing so quickly, he accidentally rattled off the wrong address It’sthebestguessIcancomeupwith.
“Whatthe fuckis this?” Amanapproaches fromthe opengarage. He has broad shoulders and a trimwaist. Tattoos line everyinchofskinshowingaroundthelongsleeveT-shirtfromhisnecktohishands.Hehasonabackwardbaseballcap,but medium-browncurlyhairspillsoutaroundhisforehead.ThesidesseemshorterfromwhatIcansee.He’salsorockingafull beardafewshadesdarkerthanthehaironhishead Hisbluish-grayeyesassesseverythingashecomescloser
“Sorry,sir.We’rejustinthemiddleofdeterminingthat,”theguyontherightsays,pullinghisshouldersback. Thenewguyisdefinitelyanalpha Hisstrongjaw,combinedwiththecommandingvibe,havemyimpulsesactingweird Icatchmyselfasmyeyelashesbat,seeminglyoftheirownvolition.
Iputanendtothatimmediately.
Thisisn’tthetimeforflirtylashbatting NowisthetimeforgettingthehelloutofwhateverIaccidentallystumbledinto. “I’mjustleaving,” Isay, pullingatmycoatagain God, I’mwaytoo chubbyfor this thingthese days, butbuyinga new jacketforjustafewmonthsseemedlikeahugewasteofmoney.
“Wetoldyouthatyoucan’tleaveuntilwefigureouthowyougotinhereinthefirstplace,”theguyontheleftsays “She’snotoneoftheonesforMercer,”theguyontherightsays. Thatsendsashiverofuneasedownmyspine. Aretheyhumantraffickers?
DidIjustwalkmyselfintoanevenworsesituationthantheoneIranfrom? Thatwouldbemyluck Ibackawayagainandtrytokeepmyvoicestrong.“Ithinkthere’sbeenamistake ” “Hey, it’s okay Ignore those two idiots I’mHoltonHayes” He stretches out a hand as the curls escapinghis ball cap bounceinthewind.“Tellmewhoyou’reheretosee.”Iblinkathishandbutraisemineafterseverallongseconds.Weshake ashetiltshishead,givingmeanencouragingsmile.“Goon.”
“Bishop,butIthinkhe gave me his workaddress byaccident Itwas kindofa quickemergencything I’msorry Idon’t wanttogethiminanytrouble,andIgetthefeelingI’mreally notsupposedtobehere.”
“You’reheretoseeBishop”Holtonturns,glaringatthetwooriginalmen “Youhearthat?”Hetakesastepforward “You betterberealfuckinggladshedidn’tleavebecauseofyourbullshit.Learntoreadtheroomorfindnewemployment.Youcan discusswhichoneofyouwillbetellingthebigguythatyoualmostscaredawayhisguestduringyour three laps around the property!”Hisbarkmakesmejolt.MybodysnapsintoactionasItakeoff,buthegentlygrabsmyhand.“Notyou,sweetheart.”
“But sir,” the guyonthe right says. The manonthe left is alreadyjoggingoff, whichI was about to do before Holton
stoppedme.Mybodyseemedtothinkthealphacommandwasdirectedatme. “Go!” Holtonbarks again. He looks atme. “Sorryaboutthem. Good help is hard to find and all that.” He lets go ofmy wristandmoveshishandtomylowerback “Let’sgetyouinside It’sfreezingouthere” Myflatsdragagainsttheconcrete.“Ishouldjustgo.Really,Ididn’tmean ” “Hellno”Hechuckles “I’mnottellingBishophehadaguestthatdisappeared Nofuckingthankyou” “Mr.Hayes?”
“YoucancallmeHolt,”hesaysaswemakeitintotheopengarage Ithastobelargeenoughtofitfourorfivecars “Holt,canyoutellmewhyBishopwouldgivemethisaddress?”Iask.“IthoughtIwasgoingtohishouse…”
“Heliveshere.Webothdo.”Holtnodstothethreestepsthatseemtoleadtoadoorthatwillheadintothemassivehouse.I standfrozenashetakesthesteps,openingthedoorandwavingahandforme “It’smuchwarmerinside”
Iglancebackinthedirectionofmycar,butIcan’treallyseeitpastthewallofthegarage.“Icouldjustwaitinmycar.” Hesighs,comingbackdownthesteps “Iwillensurethosefoolsnevertreatanotherguestthewaytheyjustactedwithyou We have some high-profile clients, and we’re always onthe lookoutfor threats, butyou’d thinkevennew hires would have enoughbraincellstonotinterrogatetheobviouslyterrifiedwomanshowinguponourdoorstep”
I’veneededtherestroomsincebeforeIevenarrived,butAurorarollsaroundinmystomach,landingrightonmybladder, andthebathroomsituationbecomesanemergency.Myhandfliestocupmylowerbelly.She’sgettingstrongenoughthatithurts sometimes “Comein.YoucanwaitinthelivingroomorevenBishop’sroom,ifthat’llmakeyoumorecomfortable.Let’sgetyouoff yourfeet,sweetheart”Heholdsoutahand,wavingmeforwardagain
Idon’tknowwhattherightcallis,butbeforeallthis,IreallydidtrustBishopwhenhesaidhe’dprotectme.Idon’thavea wholelotofchoicesatmydisposal.WithmyaccesstoSlickcutoff…
Myheadshakesinvoluntarily.
Ijustlosttwo-thirdsofmyincome.OverhalfofthatnormallycomesfromBishop’ssubscriptionandhisgenerousmonthly gifts
“You’reanomega.Youpoppeduponour doorstepfor areason,andour entirebusinessmodel isprotectingpeoplewho needprotected” Holtsteps aroundbehindme andgives myshoulders a gentle shove towardthe stairs “I’mnotgoingtobe abletowalkawayuntilI’vegotyousettledinsomewheresafe.”
Inod,lettinghimguidemeinside.
Let’sbereal.He’sbig,evenforanalpha.Hecouldpickmeupandphysicallystopmefromleaving,buthe’sbeennothing shortofpolite.
Well,tome
ThoseguysIfirstranintoareanentirelydifferentstory.
Thewarmthofthehallwayhitsmeaswestepinside “CouldIuseyourrestroom?”
“Oh yeah, of course.” He guides us down the hallway, past a huge laundry roomon the right. Farther down, there’s a massivekitchenthatopensintoalivingroom.“Hereyouare.”Hestopsatthelastdoorontheleft.
“Thanks”Iexhaleheavily,movingtoescapeintothebathroom
“Holt,I’vegotRangerontheline.Hesayshe’sgotexactlytwominutes,”agruffvoicecallsfromsomewhereinthehouse. “Ahh,fuck,”Holtsays,pullingoffhishatandrunningahandthroughthethickbrowncurlsonhisforehead “Okay,youuse thebathroom…I’llbebackinfiveminutes.Haveaseatinthelivingroomwhenyou’redone.Ifyourunintoanyone,tellthem you’vebeenclearedbyHolt”
MyeyeswidenasIswallowthickly,buthetakesoffbeforeIcanbeghimnottoleavemealoneinthiscrazyplace.
Chapter Four Vale
The onlythingthatkeeps me fromescapingbackoutthe door Icame inis thatwhenIsearch Assurance and the words personal security,awholeslew ofwebsitesandarticlespopup.I’msureafancywebsitecouldbefaked,butsomeof thepresstalkingaboutthecompanyseemstocomefromlegitimatesources.
Thebathroomissolarge,ithasachair AfterI’mdoneusingthetoiletandwashingmyhands,Itakeaseat
TheSlickwebsitestill won’tletmelogin.ItsaysIhavetocontactcustomerservice.IbrieflyconsidercallingBishop’s worknumberfromthecard,butwithmyluck,Holtwouldanswer
IfinallydecideIhavenochoicebuttowait.Iheadoutofthebathroomandtrynottogawkattheincrediblekitchen.It’s unreal,withblackstainlesssteelappliancesandmoreamenitiesthanI’veeverseeninperson
I’mjustheadingaroundthecounterwhenaverytallmaninasuitcomesdownthelonghallwaytotheleft.
Freezing,Iglancetowardthelivingroom,whereIwastoldtowait.
Themanmissesastepuponseeingme Yeah,Ibetitisashocktorunintoarandompregnantwomaninthekitchenwhen thisplaceislockeddownlikeamilitarybase.
“Hello,”hesays,tiltinghishead HehasanEnglishaccent,ifmydialectdiscerningabilitieshaven’tfailedme Myneckcranes up so thatIcanmeethis eyes. He’s extremelytall. I’mfive-eight, whichIwouldn’tconsider short, but yeah,he’sabigguy Hehasaslenderbuild,likearunnerorpossiblyasoccerplayer Hisdarkhairisjustalittlelongerontop thanonthesides,andhehasathickblackbeardthat’sthesamelengthastheshorterhair.
“Hi.”Iraiseahand,wavingawkwardly.“IwasclearedbyHolt?”Itcomesoutasaquestion,andIcringe.
“Sylviasaidshe’dbesendingonemoreover,butthatwasseveralhoursago Iassumedyougotcoldfeet”Headjustshis cuff,givingmeasoftsmile.Deepdimplesappearinhisbeard,andit’salittledistracting.
Ipullmyhanddownasmyheadtilts “I-I ”
“It’snomatter.You’reherenow.”Hegesturestowardthecouch.“Wouldyouliketohaveaseat?Imustadmit,Ididn’tsee thatcoming.”HewavesatmystomachasIwalkoverandtakeaseat.Hesitsonthecushionnexttomeandturnstofaceme. “I’mafraidI’verunoutoftime.Mymotherhasbeencontinuallycallingall afternoon.Iwasperhapsabittoooptimisticthat oneofthecandidatesyesterdayorthismorningwouldbeagoodfit.Oh,Ihaven’tintroducedmyself.Wherearemymanners? I’mCarriganMercer It’saterriblefirstname MycolleaguescallmeMercerorMercy,forshort” “Vale,”Isay,exceptionallyconfused. “Shallwegooverthedetails?”
Mynosetwitcheswithhisscent.I’malittleembarrassedthatmynosedragsmecloserwithoutanyinstructiononmypart. Hesmellslikeoldbooks… Isthatreallyasmellalphascomein?
It’sdelicious,butnotascentI’verunacrossbefore.
“Onehundredthousanddollarsforsixmonths,”hesays,givingmeastrangelookasItrytocovertlysniffhim “Withthe optionofanadditional hundred thousand ifthe contractneeds to be extended fromsixmonths to a year.” He frowns at my stomachasmyjawfalls “I’mtrulyhopingit’llbewrappedupmoreswiftlythanthat,butmyfamilyisstubborn”
“I’msorry.Didyoujustsayahundredthousanddollarsforsixmonths?”Isputter.
Of what, exactly?
“Didn’tSylviagiveyouthetermspriortosettingupthismeeting?”Hefrowns,pullinghisvibratingphonefromhispocket “GoodLord,that’smymother again. She’sveryanxioustomeetyou.” “Idon’tknowwhoSylviais,butthere’sobviouslybeena ” “Hello,Mother,”Mercersays,leaningoveruntilIappearinthevideocallwindow. WhatthehellhaveIgotmyselfintonow?
Iblinkrepeatedlyatthebeautifulwomanwhofillsthescreen.Shelookslikeanolder,feminineversionofMercer. Theyexchangepleasantriesashetossesanarmaroundmyshoulders.
Idon’twanttoembarrassthemaninfrontofhismother,butI’mnotanescort Idon’tknowwhyhewouldneedone,anyway.He’sstupidlyhot,andtheaccentonlyenhancestheentirepackage.
“ThisisVale”Mercersmilesatme,noddingtothephone “Now areyousatisfied?She’sjustarrived I’dliketogether settled,butyourrepetitivecallswerebecomingquitethedistraction.”
“It’s truly lovely to put a face to everything my son has told me about you,” she says, eyeing me with what I think is suspicion.Notthatshedoesn’thaveeveryrighttobe.“Tellme,dear.Isn’titdifficulttoleaveeverythingbehindtomovetoan entirelydifferentstate?”
I paste ona plastic smile Her condescendingtone has officiallyrubbed me the wrongway “No, I mean, yes, a little However,itfeltlikeitwastime.Onedoorclosesandanotheropens.”Ilaughawkwardly,andthesoundispainfultomyown ears
“Andwhataboutwork?Willyoulookforanotherjob?”sheasks,shovinglongblackhairbehindherear. “Mother,it’shardlynecessary ” “Iwill,”IsayaspolitelyasIcanmuster.
“Asdelightful asthisconversationis,”Mercer says,clearinghisthroat,“you’ll beseeingeachother inpersonsoon.I’m afraidIhaveworkthatmustbehandled,andIstillneedtogetValesettled Lovetoallofyou TellmyfathersIsaidhello”He hangsupbutdoesn’tremovehisarmfrommyshoulders.
Itakeadeepbreathandforcemyselftospeak “Iwastryingtotellyouthisbeforeyouanswered,butIthinkthere’sbeena bigmistake.”
“JesusChrist,”hemutters,turningtofacemefully.“Right,then,tellmewhoyouare.”
Ihuff,glaringathimasAurorakicks.Myhandfliestorubattheache.Okay,that’sastretch,notakick.Alowthrobstarts inmyhips,andIpushmyselfoffthecouchtopace.
“MynameisVale I’mherebecause ”Myeyesache,andmyheadfallsbackasitshakesattheceiling “Somethingscary happenedthismorning.Afriendsentmehere.”
“Whathappenedtofrightenyou?”heasks,standingandcomingtoastopinfrontofme “Aguyfromwork…”There’saweirdhitchinmyvoice,likeImightcry. Myentirechestgetstight.
Andrewwas inside my bedroom Itfeelslikesuchaviolation.
The factIsleptthroughthe entire experience onlymakes me more upset I’msotiredoffightingthe universe Ifeel beat downinawaythat’sdifficulttoexplain.
“Amanfromwork?”Mercerprods,tiltinghisheadashestudiesmyface
“Hewasinsidemyapartmentthismorningwhenmyroommatewokeup.ThenIgothereandwasquestionedbyyourguards and…”
“Shh”Heawkwardlypatsmyarm “You’resafe Truly,yourfriendsentyoutotherightplace”
Inod,andmyfaceendsupburiedinhisside.He’sverytall,otherwiseI’dgofortheneck.Mysystemisalloutofwhack, buttheurgetonestisnearlyuncontrollable Havingadelicious-smellingalphatohuffhitsofhisscentisthenextbestoption Hecontinuestopatmyback,likehe’sattemptingtoburpababy.It’sawkward,butIdoappreciatetheeffort.“You’resafe now Thatdoessoundupsetting,butI’msureyousawthesecuritymeasureswehaveblockingaccesstotheproperty Hecan’t gettoyouhere.”
“Vale,”Holtcallsout,stompingintothelivingroom.Mercerblocksmefrombeingabletoseehim,butHoltcursesunder hisbreathasthesoundscomecloser “Thattookwaylongerthanitshouldhave”HestepsaroundMercer,stoppingatourside “Wait,whathappened?”
“Iwasundertheimpressionshewashereforme,”Mercersaysinaclippedtone “Iwasunawareshewashereforsecurity services.”
“No,she’sspecificallyhereforBishop,”Holtsays,scratchinghisjaw HegivesMerceralookIcan’tdecipher
“Yes,I’mheretoseeBishop,”Iagree,shudderingoutashakybreath. ItseemslikemaybeMercerisBishop’sbossorsomething,andIdon’twanttogethimintrouble,butalso,hesentmehere. Hemusthavefeltconfidentitwouldn’tbeaproblem
“Ijustintroducedyoutomymother,”Merceraccuseswithwideeyes. Holtchuckles “Thatisgoingtobeaproblem”
“Thankyou,Holt.Thatwillbeall,”Mercergrowls,steppingback,sohecanmeetmyeyes.“I’mafraidyouandIneedto haveanimportantconversation.”
Chapter Five Mercer
Holtgrumblesunderhisbreathasheleavestheroom
He’sright.
Ifshe’swhoInowthinkshemightbe,thenBishopwilllikelyattempttomurdermewithhisbarehands Ohwell,what’sdoneisdone.
Thelastwomanfromthedatingagencymusthavechangedhermind.WithoutVale’sarrival,Iwouldbeupacreekwithout apaddle I’mflabbergastedthatIdidn’tputtwoandtwotogether.Ifshe couldhave spokenupseveral minutes sooner,thatwould havebeenideal
We’reall awareofBishop’s unusual relationshipwiththewomanfromtheSlicksiteweattemptedtoshutdownseveral yearsago Outofallmymen,he’stheonlyonewhoformedanattachmentduringthatproject
One of our clients was convinced his daughter was being exploited via the camsite. Unfortunately for him, we found everythingwasontheupandup,butduringtheassignment,Bishopmetawomanhe’sbeencommunicatingwitheversince.He hasn’tbeenonadateinthelasttwoyears,buthedidrecentlymentionthatshe’spregnant
Eachoneofushashadafairnumberofconversationswithhimabouthowwethoughtshewasusinghim,buthewouldn’t hearawordofit Seeingherinpersonmightgivemethechancetoparceloutifshe’sgenuinelyfondofhim,orifshe’sbeen usinghimasasourceofcash.
It’snotdifficulttounderstandwhyhefeelssocompelledtofixherproblems.Sheseemsquitedelicate,evenforanomega.
Igesturetothecouchshevacatedafewminutesago.“Haveaseat.I’msureBishopisonhiswayaswespeak.”Whichisa disasterinitsownright.He’sbeenheadinguponeofourmostsensitivecases.Ineedhisheadinthegameandhimonsite,but evenI know there’s no wayhe stayed put I’mexpectinghimanytime, but I have somethingto handle before he makes an appearance.“Ihaveapropositionforyou.”
AmItakingadvantageofthesituation?
Probably,butalso, she spoke to my mother theonepersonwhoterrifiesmeevenmorefullythanmyfathers.
“I’mnotanescort,”shesnaps,swipinglongblondehairawayfromherface.“Shit,Idon’tthinkthat’stherightword.I’m notasexworker.Okay,notanin-personsexworker.”
“Good,that’snotwhatI’minneedof,anyway,”Iassureher,noddingtothesofa.“Please,sit.” I’mintrigued
She’smostdefinitelythewomanwhohasBishopwrappedaroundherfinger. Thenagain,womenaregenerallyterrifiedofhim Iwon’tbepleasedifshe’sbeenstringinghimalong. He’soneofmybestmates.
We’vebeenfriendsforyears,buthe’sagiantsoftywhenitcomestowomenandanabsolutebatteringramwhenweneed himinthefield.
Valeisbeautiful,objectivelythat’sclear Althoughacknowledgingthatseemstobegivingmeindigestion. Ireadjustmytie,gentlypushingagainsttheacheinmystomach IsthatherdiscomfortI’mpickingupon?
Itmustbe,right?
It’sratherunsettling
Herstrawberriesandcreamscentiscurrentlyquitetart,whichindicatesshe’sstressedoranxious.
Anitchyfeelingtakesover,tryingtoconvincemethatIneedtoobliterateallherproblems
Idon’toftenfallpreytomyimpulses,butseeingtheomegasouncomfortablehasmeonthevergeofactingrashly.Ihaven’t spentmylifebeingruthlesslymethodicineverychoicetoindulgemyinstinctsnow.
Shehuffs,placingherselfdownonthecouchcushion “Goon,please I’msorryImadeassumptions”
“Icanonlyimaginehow hecticthingshavebeenforyou.Hopefully,wecanalleviatesomeofthatstress.”Itaketheseat nexttoheragain Shescoffs,rubbingherswollenstomach.
“Listen, Iunderstand things are complicated and you’re likelyfeelingsome anxiety” Which, now thatI’ve said italoud, mightqualifyastheunderstatementofthecentury.“Bishopsentyouhereforareason.Youdon’tneedtoworry.He’soneofmy bestfriendsandacloseconfidant.Wehaveastafffull ofex-militaryandmercenaries.Icanassureyouthatyouwill besafe withus”
Ifrown.
Damn,I’mnotsupposedtobebringingBishopup
Ineedhertoforgetabouthim,bedistractedbymymoney,andagreetomyterms,allbeforehecanarriveandsnatchherup.
Iclearmythroatandgoon “Ineedafakefiancée,asyou’velikelysurmised You’vealreadybeenintroducedtothemost suspiciousfamilymember,andnowI’mstuck.Ifyoufillthatroleformeforthenextsixmonths” Istaredirectlyintohereyes “you’ll have a place to live, meals, necessities, and clothing will be provided. Not to mention, the generous financial package I’llbeincreasingthattotwohundredthousandpersixmonths It’sonlyfair”Igesturetoherstomach “Therearetwo ofyou,sotwicethecompensationseemsappropriate.”
Her jaw falls as she leans forward “What would I do after the sixmonths are up? There’s no guarantee Andrew will disappear.”
“Hewouldn’tbeaproblemforyou,evenafterouragreementcametoanend,”Iassureher.Sheclearlydoesn’tunderstand whatBishopdoesforaliving.Iwon’thavetoliftafingertoensuremypromisesarekept.“AndIwillguaranteeyoursafety whetherornotyouchoosetoacceptmyoffer.You’realsowelcometostayaslongasyoumayneed.”
Despitetheextremefinancialoffer,Istillfeelitnecessarytomakesuresheunderstandsshe’sundernoobligationtoaccept it.
Thisisnotaquidproquosituation
Sheworriesherlowerlipbetweenherteethashershouldershunch.
Idon’tthinkshebelievesI’mcapableofguaranteeinghersafety.
IcouldtellherIownoneofthemostsought-afterpersonalprotectioncompaniesinthecountryorthatweemploytop-tier mercenaries who have no moral qualms abouttakingoutthe trash. Thenagain, mostwill never know the differentlevels of servicesweprovide,butthosewhodowouldattestthatwecompleteeverycontractwithruthlessefficiency Although,wedo havecertainoperationsthatevenwewon’ttouch.
“IownAssurance” Istand, looseningmytie because it’s still botheringme “Youmayrecognize the name?” The blank stareshegivesmeprovesthatisnotthecase.
“Iknowthat’sthenameofthecompanyBishopworksfor,butIonlylearnedthatthismorning.”Sherubshertemples.
Rightthen,it’s time togive her the spiel “We provide personal protectioncontracts for high-profile clients The type of dangerstheyfacearenextlevel,comparedtoyourproblem.Whydon’tyoutellmeexactlywhathappenedtoscareyou?”
Shesighs,shakingher head Ittakes several longmoments beforeshespeaks “I’maserver Oneoftheguys whocomes intotheclubIworkathasbeenweirdlately.It’sgottenworsethelastcoupleofweeks.Iactuallysawhimfollowmehomeone night Thenhewas inside myapartmentthismorning Bishoptoldmetoleave,butIdidn’thaveanyfamilytostaywith,sohe toldmetocomehere.”
Myhead tilts. “Thatwas the bestcourse ofaction.” Her situationseems fairlycutand dry. “Inmanystalkingcases, the perpetrator will disregardlogical senseiftheyfeel slighted He’s likelyoffendedthatyouranbeforehewas donewithyou Stalkers often act irrationally in situations such as this. I’msure he’s searching for you now, if he didn’t follow you here directly”
Ifrown.
Thelookonherfacemakesmyindigestionworse “O-OhGod,”shesaysinawobblytoneIinstantly hate.Hereyessqueezeshut.“Itriedtogetmyroommatetoleavewith me,butshewasn’twillingtocomebecauseshe’sinschool.It’smyfault.He’safterme.Ijustleftherbehind.Ifitwasonlyme, that would be one thing, but I’mpregnant I felt like I had to run, and I really did try to convince her to come, but she’s definitelyatrisk ”
Icutoffher rambling,saying,“I’ll handleit Givemeyour address andyour roommate’scontactinformation I’ll havea teamdispatchedimmediately.”
Herprettyblueeyespopopen.“Really?DoesthatonlyapplyifIagreetoyourterms?”
“Of course not. We’re in the business of protecting people, and sadly, stalkers are often the most unpredictable of all perpetrators.”Well,outsideofprofessionallyhiredkillers,butshecertainlydoesn’tneedtoknowthat.Ipullmysuittrousers
upabitattheknees,squattinginfrontofher.“Youcanbreatheeasy.You’resafehere.” Shewatchesmecarefully.“Whydoyouneedafakefiancée?Iwouldhelpyou,butIdon’tthinkthisiswhatBishophadin mindwhenhesentmehere”
Isigh,standingtopace.“No,certainlynot.Unfortunately,Imisreadthesituation,andnowI’mquitestuck.I’llspeaktohim directly Ourrelationshipwouldstayprofessional Isimplyneedyoutofillarole ” “Buttowhatend?Whydoyou,ofallpeople,needafakefiancée?I’msureyoucanfindarealonewithoutanytrouble.” “Well,thatmightbetrueifIwaslooking However,Ifinditinsultingthatmyfamilyissointentuponstickingtotradition I havequiteasubstantialinheritancethatwillbesplitamongmybrothersifmyparentsdon’tagreetodisperseittomebeforeI turnthirty-five.”
“Howfarawayisthat?”sheaskswithwideeyes “Justoverthirteenmonths,whichiswhyouragreementwouldn’tlastlongerthanayear.”
Thedoortothegarageslamsopenandthenshut Iexhaleheavily.Itappearsmywindowofopportunityhasjustclosed.
Chapter Six Vale
“Gorgeous?”Bishop’slow,gravellytonefillstheairasthesoundofjoggingfeetapproaches Iscootforward,rollingmyhipsandthighsfromsidetosideinanattempttogetofftheplushsofa. “Allowme.”Mercerextendsahand.
“Thankyou,”Iwhisper,staringupintohisdeepblueeyes “Ireallyamsorryfortheconfusion ” “Ihaven’tgivenup hope justyet. Give itsome thought.” Mercer pulls me up and releases myhand. “And please, don’t forgettogetmetheinformationonyourroommate”
“Iwon’t,”IsayasBishopcomestoastopafew feetaway.He’sevenmoresubstantiallysizedthanIcouldtellfromour videochats I was right He does have cornflower blue eyes I’veonlyevercaughtrareglimpsesofthemduringourcalls Iraiseahand,givingalittlewave.
Bishopgentlygripsmyarm,pullingmeintohisstrongframe.“DoyouknowhowfuckingworriedI’vebeen?Goddamn,I thinkIgavemyselfanulcer Theeight-hourdrivetookunderfour”
Mylipquiversashewrapsamuscledforearmaroundmyhead.“I-I…”Ishakemyheadbecausethewordswon’tcome.I achetotellhimhowmuchI’vewantedtoseehim HowworriedI’vebeen,andthathe’salwaysfeltlikemysafeplace
Hesmellslikeasmokycampfireorthatsmellyougetwhenyoulightarealwoodfireplace.He’ssoincrediblytallthatmy facewallowsaroundhischest
“IfeellikeI’vewaitedaneternitytogetmyarmsaroundyou.”Hebendsdown,nuzzlingthetopofhisheadtomineashis otherhandworksbetweenus.“How’sshedoing?”
It’ssolikehimtoworry,notjustaboutme,butthebabythatisn’tevenhis TheoverwhelmingguiltIexperiencedwhenI hadtotellhimIwaspregnantcomesbackinfullforcealloveragain.
KateandevenwomenIworkwithattheclubhavelecturedmeuntil they’reblueinthefacethatInevercheatedonhim, becausewehavenorelationship.
HewasacustomeronSlick.
Nothingmore.
Yeah,wetalkeddaily,butitwasn’tlikeweweredating.
Istillhaven’tbeenabletoshakethediscomfort ItfeelslikeIbetrayedhiminsomeway,andthenhewastheonetocheer meupwhenAurora’sdadroyallydisappearedonme.
Iwantedsomethingreal,likeanin-personrelationshipwherewecouldsnuggle,orevenifitwaslongdistance,Iwanteda label.
MaybeIwasalittletiredofeveryonetellingmehowpatheticitwastopineawayafteracamclient.Ijustwantedtoknow whereIstoodwithsomeone,butthatblewupinmyfacesoepically…
Bishopfeelslikemyemotionalpartnerinallthings,butIhavenoideahowheviewsourrelationshiporlackthereof. It’stwistedandcomplicated
Myquiverylipturnsfull-blownwobbly,andasobescapes.Thewaymystomachrollswithanxiety,andmaybeasmidgen ofshame,isaseverereaction
Onsome level,Igetthatit’s irrational because we don’thave anylabels or exclusivity,butifmyheartfeels guilty,then chancesare,Ididsomethingwrong,nomatterwhatanyoneelsehastosayaboutit.
“Ohno,” Bishopsays “Can’tdoit Notears,gorgeous” He wedges a knee betweenmine andwraps anarmaroundmy ass.
I’mnearlythirty-five pounds heavier thanIwas whenIstarted this pregnancyadventure, but he lifts me withease My swollenstomachpressesagainsthis,makingmycheeksheat.
I’madisaster
It’snotgoingtotakehimverylongtobesorryhebroughtmehere.
If he already isn’t
Hestompsovertothecouch,puttinghimselfdownontheedgeandbringingmetorestinhislap Hekeepsahandonmy backandpalmsmyhead.“I’msorelievedyoumadeit.Ihadnoideawhereyouwerecomingfromorifyou’devenshowup.”
“TheybannedmyaccessonSlick Ihaven’tcalledtheclub,andI’mlateformyshift I’mprettysureI’mfiredfromboth places,asoftoday.”Itallrattlesoutwithafranticsob.“I’msosorry.Ishouldn’thavecomehere.”
“Fuckthat You’reexactlywhereyou’resupposedtobe”Bishopkissesmyforehead,anditmakesmyentirebodytingle He’snotclassicallyhandsome.Hisnoseiscrooked,likeit’sbeenbrokenmorethanonce,andhisjawisalittletoorugged,but there’ssomethingaboutthewholegruffpackagethatI’mwildlyattractedto.
I’mgenuinelyfondofwhoheisontheinside Theexteriorisjustabonus,anyway,butitisarelief,andIcan’thelpbut hopehe’sattractedtometoo.
“Canyougive me your roommate’s name andyour address?” Mercer asks,remindingme thathe’s here “I’dlike totake careofthatimmediately.”
Inod,rattlingofftheinformation
“Considerithandled.”Mercerpatsmyshoulderandheadsoff.
“Ican’tbelieve you’ve beenso close this entire time.” Bishop stares straightinto myeyes as his hand teases downmy back
“MynameisVale,bytheway.”
“Princess Vee is a fitting screen name, but I prefer gorgeous I’ve dreamed about this day for so long” He chuckles, shakinghishead.“Ihatethecircumstances,but ”
“Metoo,”Iagreeasmycheeksburn.“Imean,Igetwhatyou’resaying,butI’mworriedaboutKate.She’sstubborn.She wouldn’tcome withme, and she wouldn’tmiss class so thatwe could call the police.” Ibite mylip to keep fromrambling everythingelseonmymind.It’sanervoushabit,andmyanxietyisthroughtheroof.
“Mercyistakingcareofthat”
Inod,pushinguponmykneestoburymyfaceinhisthroat.“Sorry,I’mjustveryunsettled.Thisroomisreallyopen,andI don’tloveit”Myhandteasesthroughhisfluffybeardontheoppositesideofhisjaw God,hefeelssosturdy It’sexactlywhat I’vebeenmissing.
“Don’tapologize.Snuggleaway.I’mnotsureIcouldletyougorightnowifItried.”Henuzzleshisscratchybeardtothe sideofmyhead.“Iknowthisisabigchange,butyou’resafewithme,sweetgirl.” Myimpulseshuminapprovalathiswords.
I’moverwhelmedandembarrassed,butIdotrusthim MinustheweirdnesswhenIfirstgothere,andasidefromthemajor confusionwithMercer,Idofeelsafe.
We’ve talked all night longonmore thana handful ofoccasions This is the personIwant to tell about mybad dayor rambletowhensomethingexcitinghappens.
I’velookedforwardtoourconversationsforsolong,it’shardtoremindmyselfthatIreallydon’tknowhimatall.
His hand drags up and downmyspine over the too-small jacket Combined withthe warmthofhis bodyheat radiating againstmyfront,IfeelalittlelikeI’moverheating.
“Sorry,beingpregnantisweird Igotreallyhotallofasudden,”Isay,tryingtoshrugoffthecoat Hehelpsslideitoffandtossesitontheotherendofthesofa.Hecupsmyfaceinhismassivescratchyhands,runninghis thumbsovermycheeks “Youarealittlered”
“I’mokay.”Iforceapolitesmile,pushinghisarmsawaybeforedivingbackintosnuggle.
His low, gravellychuckle fills the air. “I’mnotgoingto complain. It’s helpingsoothe myimpulses too. I’msurprised I didn’tgetpulledover I’veneverdisregardedsomanytrafficlawsinmylife”
Myhand falls to runover his pec as his heartthumps under myear. “I’mglad you’re here, butthatsounds dangerous. I would’vebeenokayalittlelonger Ijustneedyoutobesafe”
“You’reaverysweetlittleomega.”
“God,Bishop,I’msorelievedtosee you Iwas inpanic mode all day,andnow thatmyadrenaline has crashed,Idon’t knowwhattodowithmyself.”
“You’regoingtokeepyourassplantedrighthereinmylapuntilyoufeelalittlecalmer.Then,IfigureI’llorderussome takeoutandwecaneat Areyouhungry?”
Ishakemyhead.
NotthatI’veactuallyeatenanythingtoday,butifIadmitthataloud,I’mfairlysurehe’llmakemeeatsomethingrightthis moment.Iamfeelingalittlebetterwithhissmokyscentallupinmynose,butIspentmostofthedrivebattlingaqueasyfeeling thatIhaven’thadsinceIhitthesecondtrimester.
I’msupposedtobeatworkrightnow.Ihaven’tcalledthem,butevenifIdid,theywouldn’tholdmyjobforme. Ashakybreathescapes.
Nottomention,Ifeel liketheworsthumanbeingontheplanetfor notstayingwithKateor forcingher tocomewithme. Shemightbefuriousandkickmeoutjustfor bringingthenightmareofAndrew toher doorstep.Andatthispoint,Ihonestly couldn’tblameherifshedid
Bishopcursesunderhisbreath.“Isitme?AmIbeingtoopushy?I’mpickingupyourstresspheromones,andfuck,Ifeel likeI’mabouttocrawloutofmyskinifIcan’tfigureouthowtohelpyoufeelbetter”
“I’mjustworriedaboutKateandmyself,ifI’mbeinghonest.ThisisthelastthingIneedrightnow.”
Ifeel likesuchafailureasaparent,andshe’snotevenhereyet Providingherwithasafeandbrightfuturehasbeenmy goal sincethemomentIfoundoutabouther,butI’mbarelyabletotakecareofmyselfmostdays.Despiteall ofthat,Ican’t thinkofherasamistake,evenifthetiminginmylifeislessthanideal.
“Everythingisgoingtobefine AllIneedyoutodoistrustme Everythingelse,we’llfigureouttogether,butforrightnow, themainthingiskeepingyourstresstoaminimum.”
“I’mtrying,”Iwhisper
“HowaboutIshowyoutooneofthebedrooms,andyoucanrelaxwhileIordersomethingfordinner?”heasks.“I’mmore thanhappytobringinyourstuff Youcouldhaveanicebath Wait,arebathssafe?”
“Yeah.”Ichuckle.“ButI’mmoreofashowertypeofgirl.I’veneveractuallyhadatubbigenoughtosoakin.”Orclean enough,cometothinkofit.
“Well,youcancheckitoutandthendecide”Hestandswithmeinhisarms,andmyheadtiltsuptolookathim “Icanwalk.”
Heshrugsagiantshoulder “Iknowyoucan Iprefercarryingyou”
Chapter Seven
GettingValesettledintooneoftheguestroomsdoesn’ttakelong Unloadingherdeathtrapofacartakesevenlesstime She brought almost nothing. Mysystemdoesn’tgiveafuckthatwejustmetinperson.It’sunnaturallydifficulttowalkawayfromherroomonce I’vedroppedoffherbelongings
MybootsslamagainstthestairsasIaimforMercy’soffice.
Ineedadditionalinformation
I’malsoalittleafraidoftheamountofshithe’sgoingtogivemewhenhefindsouthowIgotpicturesoftheguy. It doesn’t matter
Notfuckingreally.
I’lltakethehecklingIknowiscomingmyway,becauseVale’ssafetycomesfirst. Holtchuckles “Tellmehowthefuckthathappened,andfortheloveofGod,letmewatchwhenyoutellBishop” MyheadcocksasIcomearoundthecornerintothekitchen.Ihaven’tbeenhomeinthebetterpartofthreeweeks,butthat’s becauseI’vebeenonassignment IvaguelyrememberHolttellingmeMercywasgoingtotrysomematchmakertofindafake fiancéetoclaimhisinheritance.
“It’sanunfortunatemisunderstanding,butI’msurehe’llunderstand”Mercyyanksthecuffonhisbutton-down “I’ll understand what?” Igrowl, takinga step forward. “Iswear to fuck, ifeither ofyoudid a single goddamnthingto upset ” Mercyturnstofaceme “TherewassomeminorconfusionaboutwhyValeishere” “That’sanunderstatement.”Holtlaughs,glancingatme.“Issheallsettled?Shewasalloutofwhackwhenshegothere.” “She’stakingashower Iordereddelivery,butthetwoofyoucanstarve,unlesssomeonetellsmewhatthefuckisgoing on!”Igrowl,tryingtofigureoutwhythehellmyvisionisgoinghazy.
I’ve been riled since I saw that motherfucker in her bedroomearly this morning. If I could have crawled through the computerscreen,Iwouldhavestrangledhimtodeathwithmybarehands.
“ImistookValeforoneofthewomensentoverbythematchmakingagency.”Mercycockshishead,carefullyassessingme. “Iintroducedhertomymotherasmywife-to-be”
“Jesus fuckingChrist.” Myfinger jabs athis chest. “Youdid this onpurpose.” Ishake myhead, tryingto clear the rage. Thisistheproblemwithhavingfriends It’sexceptionallydifficulttoconvinceyourselftokillthemwhentheneedarises “You wantedtoseeifshe’djumpatthemoneyandleavemebehind.”
They’veallsaidshit,andI’vethreatenedtobreakthefaceofthenextpersononeofthosesnidecommentscomesoutof. I’mnotfuckingaround,either.
Myfists clenchas Itrytoholdmyselfbackfromswinging.They’re bothdangerous intheir ownright,butIthinkwe all knowwhohasthehighestkillcountintheroom
“That’snotwhathappened,”Mercysays,sighingheavily.“Andfortherecord,shestatedthatshewouldhelp, but only ifit wasokaywithyou”
“Istillthinkit’sshadyyou’vespentthelasttwoyearspracticallyamonk,andsheshowsuphere ”HoltcutsoffasMercy slamstwofingersintohiscarotidartery.
Mercyisbigonminimaleffortformaximumreturn ThemovecutsoffHolt’sbloodflow,andhesways,slappingMercer’s hand.
“Hey,I’mjustlookingoutforthebigguy Youknowhowbadhe’sgotitforher”Holtstepsback,rubbinghisneck “Isavedyoufromswallowingyourteeth.Begrateful,”Mercysaysinhiscoldandcalculatingtone.Helooksatme.“Isent HargroveandMerryweathertosecuretheroommate Theyshouldbeatherapartmentwithinthehour”
