Page 6 of Bren

“Thanks,” I say, proud of myself as I keep my voice even, but I can’t make eye contact with him. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to scream at him or burst into tears, so best I kept to myself, not that Lizzie would let me. She kept me entertained with stories of various happenings in the club.

Then she asks the question I’d been dreading, wondering if he’d work it out, “So how far along are you?”

“Four months,” I answer. “I would have been home already, but morning sickness kicked my butt, so I had to wait to travel.”

“Ugh, yeah, morning sickness isn’t fun,” Lizzie agrees. “Is the dad going back with you?”

Shaking my head at her question, I reply, “Nope, the father has made it perfectly clear he’s not interested, so I’ll be doing it alone.”

“You won’t be alone, little sister,” Sam mutters. “You’ll have all of us. Who is the prick? You should give me his name.”

Forcing out a laugh, I answer, “No, I shouldn’t; it’s better this way. I don’t want my child brought up with someone who has no interest in them. That’s more damaging than having no-one. I should know.”

“True,” Sam agrees.

“That’s it? You’re just going to leave it like that?” Alec asks angrily. “You’re not going to make him help in any way?”

Snorting out a laugh at his words. If only he knew. I shake my head at him, “No, Alec, he’s exactly like you, not interested in anything but loose pussy. When he finally got me, that was it; no more interest. And before you ask, yes, we used protection, but it’s not always a hundred percent, as I found out. So no, I’d rather the guy who slapped my arse and told me thanks for the night and that there was money for my cab wasn’t around my child. She and I will be perfectly fine on our own, thank you.”

Next to me, Sam stiffens at my words, and his eyes go straight to his friend and narrow before they harden.

‘Ah shit, I should have known Sam would know Alec’s MO when it came to women.’

I’d also seen something cross over Cash’s face before it softens and he turns to me, saying, “Well, take it from someone who knows, he’ll regret it one day, I promise you. But Sam is right, you have a lot of family. Count me and Lizzie in on that.”

I wipe at my eyes and sniff, Sam wraps an arm tight around my shoulders, drawing me into his chest.

“I’m going to go and see if I can get on the same flight as you. I don’t want you travelling by yourself.”

“Oh, Sam, no, don’t cut your time here short because of me. I’ll be fine by myself.”

“Nope, I’m coming home, it’s time. I have a company to run and a cot to build. From what you’ve just said, it’s going to be a girl. I have to work on designs to make it perfect for my niece. She needs the best. If you’re ready, let’s go sort that ticket now and get you to bed.”

“Sam?” Alec rumbles, looking perplexed at the sudden change of plan.

“I’ll catch you later, Alec,” Sam grinds out.

Taking the hand that Cash offers to help me down from the bar stool, I accept the hug he offers but don’t say anything when he whispers in my ear, “My brother’s an idiot; let me know if you need anything. Keep us updated, okay?”

“He’s not an idiot; he just is who he is. I’ve always known exactly what he was like, so this is more my fault than his, but it’s not just my heart anymore. Maybe it’s the wrong decision, I don’t know? But I won’t ever force him to be something he has no interest in being. Don’t be too hard on him,” I whisper back to him before letting go and allowing myself to be drawn into Lizzie’s warm embrace.

“Whatever Cash said, I agree,” she mumbles into my hair. “I’ll kick his ass for you if you want.”

I laugh; I love Lizzie, “It’s fine. Cash will tell you what I said.”

Letting her go, I join Sam, who’s waiting for me at the mouth of the hall that leads to the rooms. His jaw is ticking—it was one of his tells that he had when he was mad. Sam was an easy-going guy; I don’t think I’d ever seen him completely lose it, but by the looks of his face, he was close to it now. I knew I’d have to diffuse the situation; I didn’t want Sam to lose his friendship with Alec over me.

Waiting until we are back in Sam’s room and the door is closed before saying, “Don’t be angry with him, Sam. He is who he is. I’ve always known that. Don’t let this ruin your friendship. Not for me.”

Sam’s face softens as he looks at me, “You don’t get it, little sister; he doesn’t get to treat you like that and still have me as his friend.”

I wipe at a tear that runs down my cheek, “But he doesn’t know, Sam, and he’ll be confused as to why you’ve changed your relationship with him. Just think about it, okay? I’m not going to keep it a secret as to who her father is if I’m asked outright, but I’ll also not advertise it. I don’t want him pressured into doing something he’s not ready for. It will only hurt all of us in the end. Maybe one day, when he’s ready, he can build a relationship with her; I’d never stop him.”

“And you? You’ve been in love with him for years?”

I shrug, “Bit like you and Bella. I’ll do what I always do, Sam; I’ll survive and push on.”

“Or open another company,” Sam says with a laugh, looking a little more relaxed.

---