AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Well, I had no plan now but to somehow make this better so the baby wouldn’t suffer for what I’d done.
On cue, I felt another sharp kick.
I filled my lungs and slowly released the air. “Okay, okay. I know you’re hungry.”
I piled food on a plate and took it to a small round table along with my orange juice. When I’d eaten my fill, I tried the outer door. It was locked. I swore under my breath and smacked a palm against the silver-reinforced wood, that trapped, angry feeling returning.
To my shock, the lock clicked. I jolted and stepped back as Nathan opened the door, Rio bobbing behind his shoulder, trying to get a look at me.
I brushed past Nathan to fling my arms around my friend. “You’re okay?”
“Yeah, no worries.” He squeezed me back. “And guess what? I’m coming with you. They’re giving me a contract and everything.”
“A contract?” I released him. “But Talon said that you were only coming as far as the airport. That as soon as I got on the jet, he’d let you go free.”
“Change of plans. Talon hired me as his PA.” Rio bounced on his heels in excitement. “For now, I’m going to be your personal chef and companion. Sick, huh?”
“Oh.” My heart dipped. The last thing I’d wanted was to drag Rio into the world of vampire syndicates. I glanced at Nathan for confirmation.
“It’s true,” he said, unsmiling. “The contract’s already been signed.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Rio gave me a meaningful look. “I want to come.”
I lowered my voice, although Nathan could probably hear me anyway. “If this is about me, then don’t. I’ll be okay.”
“It is and it isn’t. By the time the year’s up, I’ll have enough to pay for the first year of culinary school.”
“Oh.” I had to admit it was nice seeing Rio so pumped about something, and he could certainly use the money. “You sure?”
“Yes.” His head dipped in a decisive nod. “Now stop worrying, Mom.”
Nathan shifted impatiently on his feet. “Where’s your coat? I’m here to take you two out.”
“For a walk?” I’d assumed they wouldn’t let me leave the hotel today.
“And shopping.”
“Shopping?”
“For clothes.” The expression on Nathan’s square face was hilarious, like he’d rather chew off his own foot than go clothes shopping. “Because…” He gestured at my pregnant belly.
“For maternity clothes?” I clarified, straight-faced. “Because, you know, I can’t button my jeans anymore? I’ll need panties, too. And nursing bras…”
Rio choked. “Hell, Eden. TMI, okay?”
Nathan’s mouth thinned. “Just get your damn coat.”
I rolled my lips in, suppressing a smile. “Yes, sir.”
We took an elevator to the lobby. As I followed Rio out of the elevator, Nathan grabbed my upper arm.
“Behave, understand?” he said in my ear. “You run now and you won’t like what Talon will do to you.”
“Let me go.” I tried to shake him off, but his fingers tightened painfully.
“I know what you did,” he said, low-voiced. “You’re lucky Talon doesn’t drag you back home in chains. Smart, to get pregnant so he can’t just off you.”
I drew myself up to my full height. “Go fuck yourself.”
