I was finishing rinsing a few dishes and loading them into the dishwasher when I heard the doorbell ring. It had to be Bee.
Rushing to the door, I almost slipped on the clean hardwood floor. I opened the door and my poor Bee looked pooped.
“Oh, my God. Look at you and your baby bump. You look adorable.” She rushed to me and took me into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy to finally be here. The drive just about kicked my ass.”
Jensen was behind her. He’d flown to Detroit, helped her load up, and then drove out with her. While the gesture was sweet, there was something about him that just didn’t set well with me. He had creepy eyes. The kind that just made me shiver with unease whenever they were locked on me. I hoped I was wrong and that he was good to Bee.
“Come in, come in. Let’s get you settled. Your bedroom furniture arrived last week, and Damien and his brother’s got it all set up for you. If you don’t like where they put everything, they can always change it.”
I’d just shut the door when the bell rang again. Damien came barreling down the steps and opened the door. “Hey, Sabastien. Thanks for coming over to help.”
“No biggie.” He was so quiet. I’m surprised Damien got that much out of him.
“Hi, Sabastien. How are you?”
“Good.” He looked down at the ground.
“So you guys want some beer? Damien stocked the fridge full of New Castle.”
They all said they wanted one so we headed to the kitchen. After getting everyone their beer, Bee and I sat down at the kitchen table and started talking. I told her all about my day including the sexy parts. I might have blushed a little, but it felt good to tell her about my life. Sharing it made it all the better.
“So you are going to keep the baby? I’m so thrilled for you.” She gave me a huge hug. “You look so damn adorable with your baby bump, and you’re absolutely radiant.”
“Well, thank you, but you don’t have to say that.” This time I did blush.
“It’s the truth, so suck it up.” She stuck her tongue out to me. “I’m so thrilled you are having a girl. We’re going to have a little princess to spoil.” She smiled from ear to ear.
“Yes, but here’s the kicker. You and Damien are the only ones who will know the baby isn’t his. He’s going to raise her with me, and be the baby’s daddy. Also, we aren’t telling anyone that it’s a girl, so please don’t say anything.”
She took her hand and crossed her heart with it. “I promise.”
“I appreciate it. I’m going to put Damien’s name on the birth certificate and give the baby his last name.”
“I think that’s great. He’s turned out to really be a good guy, hasn’t he?”
I started twirling my finger around a strand of hair. “He’s the best. I’m so in love with him, Bee.”
“Oh, my God! Oh, my God! This is so exciting. Have you told him yet?” She took a pull from her beer.
“No, we haven’t gotten to that yet. But I honestly think he feels the same way.” I hoped like hell he did. I mean, it was fairly obvious with the things he had said and the way he treated me, but until he said it, I couldn’t be one hundred percent sure.
“Well, don’t worry. Your secrets are safe with me.” She leaned over and gave me another hug. I relished our embrace. Although I had my step-dad, I felt like she was my real family.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me, too!”
My cell phone started buzzing with a few texts coming in. When I picked up my phone, the name flashed across the screen. The hairs on my neck stood as a fresh coat of sweat covered my body. Swallowing thickly, I opened the messages.
Wes: Don’t think I don’t know you’re in Vegas.
Wes: I’ll find you. It’s only a matter of time. When I see you, I’m going to fuck you so hard you will be sore for days.
Wes: Bitch, you had better be ready because nothing will stop me.
I got up off the chair and ran as fast as I could to find Damien. He was in Bee’s room setting up a few things. I could feel Bee on my heels. I rushed into the room and immediately went into his arms. I had tears flowing down my face. I’m sure everyone thought I was crazy.
“What’s wrong? Is it the baby?” He picked me up and carried me into my room and sat on the bed with me in his arms.
I shook my head no and then handed him the phone. He scrolled through the messages. “That motherfucker. He’ll never find you or hurt you in any way. I promise you. You have my word. We’ll get through this, and I will protect you and my baby. Do you believe in me, Sydney?”