Page 75 of The Model

“Of course, I should have thought of that.” Raine darted off while I headed over to my desk to grab my purse and slip on a pair of flip-flops. I was already headed to the front door as she came down the stairs. “Got it. Aren’t you supposed to talk to someone?”

“Probably, but I don’t have time. They can come to the hospital if they want to talk to me or wait. Do you still have the number of the police officer that you worked with when they searched the place?”

Raine’s cheeks pinked up. “I do. I’ll give him a call once we get you settled at the hospital.”

What was taking Ryder so long to call me back? If Lars held him a moment longer, I was going to have his balls once this was all said and done.

As Raine started to open the front door, a police officer stopped us. “I’m sorry ma’am, you can’t leave; we still need to get your statement.”

“And she needs to go to the hospital. She’s in labor and bleeding.” Raine pushed by him. I pointed to the trail of blood that had made its way down my leg. Luckily, it didn’t seem to be a lot, but it wasn’t good either way. “I’m planning to call Officer Murphy once we get to the hospital to let him know what’s going on. He can take it, or you can get her statement at the hospital.”

The officer and I blinked at Raine. She was normally the sweetest and quietest thing, but not today. She was fighting for my baby and me, and I loved her for it.

“At least let me get your name, so I can make sure you’re followed up with.”

Another contraction hit me, causing me to double over in pain.

“Her name is Lexie Keene, and her number is…” Raine proceeded to give the officer all my info as I tried to breathe through my contraction. We definitely needed to get to the hospital so I could get some drugs. There was no way in hell I was doing this naturally.

Once the contraction subsided, I stood up and loosened my grip on Raine’s arm. “Are we free to go?” I asked. I didn’t really care, I was leaving anyway, but it would be nice if I didn’t have any resistance.

He nodded. “I’ve got all your information. Are you sure you don’t want to wait for an ambulance?”

“I’m sure. I can’t sit around here waiting anymore.” I couldn’t hide the worry in my voice.

“Can we get a police escort?” Raine chimed in.

“Sure, where’s your car?”

Raine pointed to my car sitting out front. Luckily, it wasn’t blocked in by the three police cars that were out front. She took my purse from me and started to dig to find my keys when Ryder finally called back. With my phone still clutched in my hand, I answered.

His handsome but extremely worried face took up my screen. His hair was thoroughly tousled, and his eyes were red-rimmed. “Your face,” he stated as his own face fell.

“Hey, dimples, I’m sure I don’t look too hot right now. Are you already in a cab?”

“Yeah, I got Raine’s email, and I’m headed to the airport now. Sorry, it took me longer than I planned to call you back.”

“It’s okay. You’re here now, and that’s all that matters,” I cried and hiccupped at the end.

“I wish I was there with you. Are you in your car? Is Raine driving?”

“She is. How?” How did he already know what was going on?

“Raine was very thorough in her email.”

I wondered what she’d told him. “Have you been crying?” I wasn’t sure how Ryder would feel if Raine knew, so I asked as quietly as I could even though I knew she could hear me.

“Yeah,” he tried to smile but was unsuccessful. “I’m worried about my girls.”

“I’m doing okay, I think. We’re on the way to the hospital now. I want you here with me.” I felt my chin start to quiver and bit my lip in an attempt not to lose it.

“Me too. I’m doing my best to get to you as quickly as possible. Will you or Raine keep me updated even while I’m in the sky?”

“Of course, we will.” Another contraction hit, making me wince in pain.

“Lexie, talk to me. Are you in pain?”

“One second,” I breathed out. After a few more seconds, the pain ebbed away, and I held the phone so that I could see Ryder again.

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