Page 140 of The Baby Twist
I stepped into the foyer of the penthouse, set my briefcase down, and poured myself a bourbon. Looking around, I didn’t see Stella, so I went to her room and lightly knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d be sleeping. It’s late,” I said, walking in and sitting on the edge of her bed.
“I’m almost done with this paper. How was your dinner meeting?”
“It was good. My uncle shot down a deal that I made today. He didn’t feel like it was good.”
“And you disagree?” she asked.
“One hundred percent. I need to take over that company before he runs it into the ground.”
“There’s nothing you can do right now, Miles.”
“I know.” I brought my hand up and softly stroked her cheek.
“Come to my room when you’re finished with your paper.”
“I’m really tired tonight.”
“I didn’t say we had to have sex. Maybe I just want some company tonight.”
“You never want me to stay in your bed. What’s going on?” she cocked her head.
“Nothing is going on. Tonight, I want you there. Is that so much to ask?”
“No. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” she said.
“Thank you.” I stood up from the bed, headed to my room, changed into pajama bottoms, and climbed into bed.
It wasn’t that I never wanted her to stay. I did. But I had my reasons for why I always asked her to leave after sex. Tonight was different. After the shit day I had, I didn’t want to be alone, and somehow, I knew that having her in my bed all night would help ease the pain and stress I felt.
A few moments later, the door opened, and Stella walked in. She looked exhausted but still as beautiful as always. She climbed in next to me as I held out my arm. Her body snuggled against mine, and I held her tight while her head rested on my chest.
“Goodnight, Stella.”
“Goodnight, Miles,” she softly whispered.
Stella
I woke up and looked at the clock. It was five-thirty a.m. His alarm would go off in half an hour, and I needed to make my escape as I felt the vomit rise in my throat. Carefully climbing out of bed, I quietly left his bedroom and ran to my bathroom, locking the door and turning on the shower so he didn’t hear me vomiting. I didn’t know when or how I would tell him about the baby.
After turning off the shower, I heard a knock at the door. Shit.
“Hold on.” I quickly took off my sleep shirt and wrapped a large towel around me. Opening the door, I smiled. “Good morning.”
“Morning. I woke up, and you were gone. Why was the door locked?”
“Habit, I guess. I woke up early and couldn’t sleep. I didn’t want to wake you, so I thought I’d take a quick shower and get ready for class.”
“I see. I’m going to take a shower and get ready for work. How are you feeling?”
“Better,” I lied.
“Good. I’ll see you at breakfast.” He walked away.
I placed my hand on my belly. There was a tender side to him last night—a part of him I knew existed, but he rarely showed. The scars of his past held him prisoner, and I needed to find the key and set him free.
