Page 30 of Power Play
Ben walks up to me and wraps his arms around my shoulders.
"Fuck, baby, you're shaking."
I am. I know that I am. But I'm strong. He has to know why.
"If I'm pregnant, I'm going to keep the baby." The thought of doing otherwise makes me sick to my stomach. "I don't want anyone in my life who feels obligated. I don't want anyone in my life who will feel like my child is a burden." I look at Scott. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea.I'd been taking antibiotics and it slipped my mind. You don't need to do anything. I've got it. I never want you to feel like you're in..." Ben's arms are around me but I'm shaking like a leaf.
Ben hugs me tighter.
Scott steps closer, tilting my head up by my chin. "Here's the difference, darling. You haven't lied to me. I don't love that you've been with other men. But you told me the truth. The truth is worth more than you know."
I can't help the shake in me. Ben tries to hold me tighter. "But what if I'm just like your ex-wife? I promise I don't want anything from you. If you end but being the biological father, I can still take care of everything on my own."
Scott's eyes get darker. As if that were possible.
"You're mine. Which means whatever child you give birth to, is mine, too. Honestly, I've been dying for another chance with you. Looks like I got it." The lopsided grin he gives me makes my lower stomach flip, at the same time it stops my heart.
Ben, Scott and I look to Jonesy. His face is pale and shocked. He takes a step backwards and I can't help the stab of disappointment that gives me.
“I… I need some air,” Jonesy mutters, his voice strained. He looks at me like he wants to say something more, but the words won’t come. His face twists with guilt, frustration, and something I can’t name before he turns and leaves, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Scott growls his disapproval, but turns to me.
I look wide-eyed to Ben. "I can't..."
My breaths are coming fast and shallow, now, and I think I'm on the verge of a panic attack. "What if... genetic mutations... are inheritable?"
Ben rubs up and down my arms. "You said, 'Ifyou're pregnant.' You haven't taken a test?"
I shake my head, grateful for the lifeline. "No. I've been tired and sick to my stomach a lot, but figured I was under too much stress." Understanding passes through Ben's eyes and I'm grateful for at least one ally. "But when Jonesy walked in smelling like eggs and I lost my lunch, Lauren came into the bathroom after me and I realized I've missed my period."
The shaking starts again at the enormity of my situation. I'm pregnant. I have a child. In my belly. And I don't know who the father is. I'm the disappointment my parents think I am.
Ben's steady, steadfast, sure. "Well first things first, we go to your doctor and get a test, so that we know for sure. And maybe an ultrasound-thingy to see how far along you are? When did you..." he trails off and looks at Scott like he's seeing them for the first time. I shake my head. I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to see Ben's heart actively breaking.
He steels his spine. God, Ben's one of the good ones. Scott looks at me hungrily, as if he's remembering our night together.
"I'm coming," he growls, his head low and menacing. "And he's coming, too?" He nods his head to Ben.
This is all too much to handle. But if I make an appointment, that buys me time. So, I nod.
Chapter sixteen
Ben
Fifteen minute earlier.
She's pregnant.
Holy fuck, she's pregnant!
This was the break from the universe I was looking for.
What I don't understand, though, is why Jonesy and Coach are here, too.
As if reading my thoughts she clears my throat. "I slept with all three of you in the past month. So it could be any of you. I'm so, so sorry. I never meant to. I just... had so many big life changes and my sister..."
My heart breaks for Lacey. Of course her sister had followed her, and of course it affected her.
