Page 55 of Slayin Villain
“Yeah,” I laughed.“Of course.”
He smiled.He’d been trying to lighten the mood.“Villain’s?”
I nodded.
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk.“He know?”
“I told him.He didn’t believe me.He’s got Ember in his bed, too, and now she’s pregnant too.But she doesn’t know if it’s his or some other bastard’s.”
“Jesus Christ.”
I swallowed.“I’m not asking you to do anything about it.I just thought you deserved to know, especially after everything I kept quiet for y’all.”
His eyes narrowed.“You think I don’t already know more than I let on?”
I frowned.
“Ember’s been a mess since the minute she started sniffing around this place again.Rome’s been whining, Villain’s been spiraling, and you’ve been trying to keep your dignity while that boy eats himself alive.”He leaned back, exhaling hard.“I appreciate you coming to me.Really.”
I nodded.“I don’t want drama, Kingpin.I want a life.For me and my baby.”
He nodded once.“You got my protection, if you want it.Club girl or not.Villain will pay.”
“He’s not in any trouble?”.
“Child support, I mean.Not yet.Unless he did something you’re not telling me.You don’t wear his brand?”
“No, I mean, he didn’t even cheat on me.I knew we were in an open relationship.Still, hurts.I just know I can’t sue him for child support.”
“I appreciate it.The club appreciates it.He’ll be a good father.I’ll see to it.”
Tears stung the corners of my eyes.“Thank you.I just want a life with my child.”
He pointed a finger.“But you’re gonna have to choose what that life looks like.Are you ready to fight for a man who ain’t figured out how to love without bleeding first.”
I stood.“I don’t know what I want yet.”
He grunted.“Well, figure it out quick.This place doesn’t wait on heartbreak.”
That night, I stood in front of the mirror in my little trailer, staring at my reflection.My hair was a mess.I had dark circles under my eyes.My tank top didn’t fit quite right anymore.
My stomach?It was rounding out, soft and low.No more guessing.No more denying.
There’s a baby growing inside me.
And I had to protect them.
No matter what it cost.
Chapter 23
Villain
They say Church is where you bring your sins.
But tonight?Mine brought me.
I walked into the back room of Royal Road with my cut heavy on my shoulders.It was just after sunrise.I hadn’t slept.Not after Ember cried in my bed and Rachel haunted my dreams.
