Page 38 of Devil's Dilemma

If it’s positive, life as I know it changes.

If it’s not, I’m still on my own.

Minutes tick by.

“Want me to look?”

I haven’t got the nerve to do it myself. I give a small nod. Then watch, trying to read the expression on his face, but his features give away nothing as he stares at the result.

Then he comes back. Dropping to his knees he takes hold of both my hands, and gazes into my eyes intensely. “You arenotdoing this alone. You’ve got me and the club behind and beside you. This baby will have all the love it could have, whether or not Skull’s here to take up his responsibility. Think I told you before, you’re club, and so is your baby.”

Baby?

I’m pregnant.

Even though I had suspected it, the result comes as a shock.

“Skull couldn’t have known,” I explain, trying to justify my man’s actions more to myself than to Pyro. “It wouldn’t be the reason he’s gone.” Though it could be the reason he won’t come back. “We talked about having a family, Pyro. The first time it happened…”

“Man’s a fuckin’ idiot,” Pyro snarls. “Forgetting once is one thing. A second time? Sheer fuckin’ carelessness. If he likes it bare so much he should be prepared to deal with the consequences.”

“He was drunk, Pyro. I didn’t think to remind him.”

“This is not on you, Mel.”

I glare. “I think it is. I was the one in bed with him. I was fully into it when we made love.” And Skull had gotten me so aroused and in such an orgasmic haze, I didn’t know which way was up, and certainly not capable of realising he’d forgotten the condom. But I was a fully active participant, and to be truthful, had I realised, I might not have minded. My body clock is marching on, if I’m going to have a baby I want to be in my prime. I want to see my child grow while I can be active along with it.

My child.

Oh my freaking God.I’m pregnant.

Pyro’s face has gone tight, then it relaxes. “When we find Skull, he might be over the moon. You’ve got enough on your plate without second guessing his reaction.”

One thing is for certain.However much I feel I need it, I can’t have that drink now.

He understands. And, as the tears start rolling down my cheek, looks around and takes some tissues from the box I keep handy, passing them to me.

Then, he hesitantly puts his arms around me, pulling me in close. I rest my chin on the leather cut which smells slightly different to that of my man. But, I take comfort from the warmth he’s emitting and his strong arms, trying to ignore the little voice that reminds me they’re not the right ones.

Chapter Thirteen

Pyro

Today started off as normal. I’d gone to the auto-shop and put some hours in, then, having left my fucking phone of all things back at the compound, took a break to go retrieve it. Got suckered into a game of pool with the VP—well, I manage the shop, who’s going to criticise me?

That’s why I’d been there when the day took a downturn with Mel’s revelation that Skull was missing.

This was news that none of us like hearing. We’ve heard it too often before, only a year or so ago, Ingot, our old enforcer, had been run off the road and killed. My first thought, and still the favourite, although unthinkable, is that we’ll find that’s the answer to Skull’s disappearance, he hasn’t returned as he’s not able to. This life we live is not without risk, either death dealt out by our enemies, or from the simple fact that we ride around on motorcycles. The fact that medical staff view us as potential organ donors on wheels isn’t too much of an exaggeration.

I’ve also had to deal with the stress that comes with disarming potential explosive devices. Trying not to shake or cut the wrong wire, dealing with something designed not to be interfered with all carries a strain of its own. While a hundred percent concentration is required, at the back of my mind is always the question,will I know? Will I feel my body disintegrating? Will it hurt? Or will I simply cease to exist?

Now, I’ve got a pregnant weeping woman in my arms. Today seems never-ending.

But she’s Skull’s. I hadn’t misled her. Whatever has happened to him, he claimed her, which makes her the responsibility of the club.

I wasn’t particularly close to Skull. Would give my life for him as he was one of my brothers, but he hadn’t sat around the table long enough for us to become friends. Nevertheless, something drives me to take personal responsibility for his woman.

Doesn’t hurt she’s exactly the type of woman who’d attract me.

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