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Alone, the walls seem to close in around me.
I sink back against the pillows, wishing I could escape into the oblivion of sleep.
But my mind is too full of swirling fears to let me rest.
While Anthony looks for a mole within his organization, I can't stop thinking about the possibility of a mole within my father's company.
It wouldn't be the first time Alonzo's been involved in shady dealings.
He has a history of bribery, extortion, money laundering - enough to make your skin crawl.
Who knows how many criminals he's angered over the years, how many rivals who would want to take him down.
It's not a stretch to think someone on the inside could be feeding information to our enemies.
The thought churns my stomach.
I wish I could confront my father, force him to reveal all the skeletons in his closet, but I know he'd never tell me the truth.
To him, I'm just a trophy daughter.
I hear the front door open and close as Anthony heads out.
He's off to tap his own network of infamous contacts, searching for any scrap of intel on this hitman.
Anthony promised we'd get through this, but I don't know if I believe him.
Not with some unknown traitor potentially hiding amongst my father's men.
My pulse quickens as I imagine all the ways this could end badly.
I press a hand to my still-flat belly, a fierce need to protect this fragile secret blossoming inside me.
This child is the one light in the darkness now engulfing my life.
No matter what happens, I have to find a way to keep my baby safe.
Willing calm over my body, I close my eyes. One day at a time, I tell myself.
For now, all I can do is wait.
The sheets are soft and cool against my skin as I lie in bed, willing the nausea roiling in my stomach to subside.
Morning sickness - one of the many unwelcome gifts of early pregnancy.
I take slow, deep breaths, trying to focus on the sensation of the luxurious high thread count cotton, instead of the turning in my gut.
Rolling over, I see the tray Anthony left on the nightstand before he slipped out.
Buttered toast, a bowl of fresh berries.
My favorite breakfast foods, though at the moment, the cloying sweet scents make my nausea spike. Still, I know I need to eat.
Sitting up, I take a small sip of juice.
The tart liquid helps settle my stomach slightly.
I nibble the edge of a piece of toast, concentrating on the crisp texture against my tongue.
