My hands were in the process of pinning my hair up when I noticed the change in the test.
Pregnant.
A rush of happiness washed over me like never before, along with a deep sense of panic. My knees became weak, and I sat down on the toilet lid, my hand on my stomach as I took deep breaths.
Baby.
It shouldn't be surprising, considering how many times we made love and how we never used condoms, and I couldn't have imagined it any other way. The idea of any kind of barrier between us didn't sit well with me.
Baby.
We had never talked about kids or if he wanted them or not. A soft knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Sapphire? Is everything all right? You’ve been in there for a long time.”
Clearing my throat, I said in my steadiest tone, “Yep, good. I’ll be out in a minute.” I couldn't tell him, not yet. This week, he planned to take down my dad and S, whoever he might be, and he didn't need any distractions. No matter whether he planned it or not, he would never turn his back on our baby or ask to abort it. Instead, he’d be worried for my safety, and it could end up badly for both of us. My hands quickly put the test back in the cupboard, and wearing nothing but black lingerie, I opened the bathroom door with a smile on my face. Damian leaned on the doorjamb, his arms folded, eyeing me curiously, and I scanned his clothes. He wore jeans and a shirt, and already had shoes on. Did he have something planned?
“Too long,” he repeated, and my cheeks blushed, because seriously, what other excuse could I tell him?
“Well, sometimes, girls need time to do their business.”
He blinked in surprise then tipped his head back and laughed hard, and the warmth slipped inside me, knowing I did that to him. He hugged me close, kissing my forehead gently.
“My love, I need to go.”
I tensed and leaned back, gazing into his eyes. “Where?”
His hands palmed my face. “To track down S. That’s all I can give you.”
My stomach flipped at the thought he was about to do something dangerous and my hands fisted his shirt. “Promise you’ll be careful?”
His mouth widened in a breathtaking smile as his eyes softened. “Sapphire, you gave me a reason to live. No way in hell am I going to lose my chance with you.” He kissed me gently, for a long time spreading the feeling of belonging through me and slowly calming my nerves. I circled his neck and pushed my body closer, but he moved back, chuckling. “Sorry, baby, have to go. You cannot distract me with that body of yours right now.” His eyes heated with desire. “Although I love every part of it.”
“Go, or I’ll jump your bones,” I grumbled.
“Don’t go anywhere. Do you understand?” His voice was harsh and demanding.
I nodded then noticed his eyes looked down and wondered what got his attention. Then it hit me. My hand rested on my stomach as I thought how there was no way I would endanger my baby by taking a stroll in the park, so he didn't really need to be strict about me leaving home.
Damian turned his head to the bathroom, then back to me, and something flashed in his eyes as we stood silently, watching each other.
“We’ll talk about it later.” With those last words, he left the room, and after a minute, I heard the main door closing.
For the next hour, I checked several e-mails, made the bed, and dressed in a black wrap dress with red roses printed on it. I was in the middle of having breakfast when the doorbell rang.
What on Earth?
Juanita came only once a week to do major cleaning, and she never showed up unannounced. She accepted our relationship; however, she worried about our plans. She was the only mother figure my man had, so of course she knew everything. Damian told me about Sophie and how he blackmailed her to stay away from me. Although her sort-of betrayal stung, I could understand where she was coming from. Still, the image of this girl didn't go with the one who took care of me after the fallout with her dad a year ago. Sophie was good people, and I planned on reconnecting with her once the whole mess was over. We didn't want to put her in unneeded danger.
My cell rang, and the caller ID showed Damian, and I exhaled a relieved breath. He probably forgot his keys and wanted to come in while I was taking my sweet time sweating over nothing. With a smile on my face, I picked up the phone and unlocked the door.
“Hey, stranger, I’m already opening up.”
“Sapphire, don’t open the door!” Damian shouted, but it was too late. The door pushed forward and my father entered with a gun in his hand.
“Father,” I whispered, frightened. Dad hadn't changed in the last year. A mask of disgust colored his facial features as he grabbed me painfully and pushed me toward the exit.