Page 156 of Bleed with Me

“I won’t be the one to tell her.” He blinked innocently. “It’s our secret, right, girls?”

They both nodded excitedly, oblivious to the trouble this could cause.

“Malin,” I exhaled, shaking my head. “Don’t teach them this.”

“We were taught to keep secrets at three,” he grumbled, folding his cards and lowering his voice so I could barely hear him. “Don’t forget who Zara is. One day, you will all thank me.”

He was right, as always. The world Zara entered seven months ago was ruthless to the innocent and unprepared. But I still considered our training too much.

“Just don’t teach her shooting yet,” I mumbled, casting a wide smile at Aryna when she looked at me curiously.

“Have you heard the news?” Malin changed the subject rapidly, probably because Zara had already held a weapon and I would strangle him for it if he confirmed it.

“What news?” I asked, helping Aryna to make a decent combination. “I was in the OR all day.”

“Valeria is expecting twins,” he revealed with a grimace when my mouth fell open in surprise. “She cried here for two hours, panicking. Mom used all her magic to calm her.”

“I gotta call Zyon.” I fished my phone out of my scrubs. “Fuck. How could I miss this?”

“Be glad,” Malin grumbled, dealing the next hand.

“Don’t be mean.” I pressed the phone to my ear. “She went through hell. Of course, she’s scared.”

“She’s overreacting.” He handed Zara her cards. “That’s hormones.”

“What do you know about hormones?”

He flashed me a “shut up” look, and I laughed. Zyon didn’t answer, so I sent him a congratulatory text, noticing a few messages from Nina.

Wifey: Miss you, hubby 😔

Wifey: Fuck, that crash is terrible. Hope you’re alright.

Wifey: I checked the cameras. You’re not alright. There’s blood everywhere!

Wifey: Text me when you can. I’m planning a nice dinner and a surprise for you.

That was the last text, and my heart shot up into my throat. My gaze fell on Aryna as the realization settled deep in my bones. I hadn’t told Nina about Aryna, about the adoption, about anything.

Oh-oh, the demon sang in my head. Good luck, husband.

-62-

Dorian

Iamputated limbs with steadier hands. My palms were sweaty as I gripped the steering wheel, and Aryna’s chirping came to me from far away because I focused on only one thing. How do I explain to Nina that a six-year-old girl will be living in my house from now on?

You’re the same idiot as always, the voice said in my head. When will you finally grow up?

“I forgot,” I mumbled under my breath, glancing in the rearview mirror. Aryna was showing her teddy bear the streets and buildings, her face glowing with happiness. She smiled from ear to ear, describing my house as if it were a castle, even though she hadn’t been there.

Congratulations. You forgot to mention the child. Did you know wives don’t appreciate surprises that come with legal paperwork? The demon mocked, pushing me to my limits.

“Stop,” I pleaded, keeping my voice down so Aryna didn’t notice my internal panic. “I know I fucked up.”

Colossally. He flashed me the most self-satisfied grin imaginable, then finally shut up.

I leaned back in my seat, scowling at the road. All kinds of terrible scenarios popped up in my head, and they all ended the same, with Nina packing her toothbrush and clothes she brought from her apartment.