“Is this to do with the deliveries?” I asked.
“The less you’re aware of, the better.”
Hell no. Magic didn’t get to talk down to me. “Hey, don’t forget I’m an adult and capable of making my own decisions. I’m asking for a bit of consideration here.”
Magic slammed his utensils down on the table. “What the fuck? Do you think I don’t respect you? I’m trying to protect you, woman.”
“Magic, I don’t need protecting, I’m your equal!”
“But you aren’t,” Magic retorted, and I flinched.
“What?”
“You aren’t my equal. We’re not even on the same level, Jody. Know your place, and I’ll stick to mine.”
Without another word, I got up and pushed my food away. I’d barely eaten, but I was no longer hungry. Magic didn’t say anything as he picked up his knife and fork and began eating again. In sheer disbelief, I headed into the bedroom. What the hell had that been?
Magic
I’d hurt Jody, and that wrecked me. Her expression had nearly made me crumble, but I held on. Jody needed to understand that the site and job weren’t safe. She’d pinged on Salvos’s radar. I’d burn the world before harm came to her. As soon as Jody slammed the door, I placed the knife and fork down. I didn’t have an appetite, and I noticed Jody hadn’t touched her dinner either.
I loved Jody for her strength, but that also worked to my disadvantage. This was one of them. I’d never want Jody to be a yes-woman. That was against everything I believed in, but how the hell did I explain that I’d brought danger into our lives? Jody had begged me not to do these runs, had even offered to quit college until I got back behind the bar.
Instead, I’d ignored her and arrogantly assumed that I had everything under control. I’d been wrong. Now I had to devise an exit from what had become a mob enterprise. Salvos wouldcontinue to keep pushing, and I had to send a message. I had some contacts who’d help, and I was going to make good use of them.
That night, Jody rolled away from me, putting a barrier between us.
Jody
Anxiously, I blew out a deep breath. I’d just booked the doctor’s appointment for three days and was as nervous as a cat on hot bricks.
“Want me to come?” Aster asked.
“Well, as Magic’s not been conversational, please. I don’t want to do this alone,” I replied.
“Magic’s still being grumpy?”
“Yeah, and I think I’ve guessed why. At first, I thought it was work. He’s been working overtime.” Polite way of saying Magic was doing illegal shit. “And I’ve tried talking to him for a fortnight, but Magic keeps shutting me down. But I realised, we’ve been having constant sex, surely, he’s noticed that I’ve not had a period.”
“Oh. You think Magic’s guessed?”
“Yeah. And Magic doesn’t want the kid. I believe he’s trying to drive me away. Magic’s started coming home late and barely talks anymore. Hell, the only thing he wants to do is fuck me.”
“Oh, Jody.” Aster reached out and hugged me.
“It’s okay. It’s best I know sooner rather than later when the kid’s here. Right now, I have options.”
“What are you saying?” Aster asked carefully.
“I can give the child up for adoption, find some surrogate parents, or keep it.” I was undecided which route I’d take.Personally, abortion was off the cards. I respected women’s rights to choose, but that wasn’t an option for me.
“What are you leaning towards?”
“I’m not sure. I waver between the three. First, I need to nail Magic down.”
“Good luck,” Aster murmured, reaching out and hugging me. Aster had no idea how much I needed that.
Magic and I were drifting apart. There was a rift forming that I was scared would become too big to breach. I felt like we were slowly bleeding out, and I was terrified of losing him. While I had choices, I already knew what I would do. This was a child made with love. Even if its father didn’t love me now, two people who were wrapped up in each other had created this baby.
