Page 10 of Paradox
“You okay, First Lady?”
I look down to see a worried Tek kneeling next to me. His question brings Dr. E over also.
“Let’s get you back to bed,” he says in his doctor voice.
I allow the two men to help me to my feet, the hammering in my head intensifying when I meet Britney’s calculating stare.Bitch. I wish I had the strength to break her stupid nose again.
“I’ll get rid of her and be with you in a sec, babe.”
I ignore Gage’s words, not wanting to hear a damn thing from him right now. If he wasn’t such a whore before we met, this wouldn’t be happening.
Climbing into bed, I lie on my back, eyes closed as I take deep breaths. I need to calm the fuck down. All this anger and anxiety isn’t good for my babies.
Babies.
My mind drifts back to the boy in Britney’s arms, and the ache in my head hits a new high.
Gage cheated on me.
With a fucking Hound.
“Raven, open your eyes for me, beautiful.”
My lids flutter open. Dr. E is staring down at me, brow creased with worry. He examines my eyes, then sends Tek to his room to fetch his bag.
“Dr. E,” I whisper once we’re alone, “is it true?”
“Gage loves you. I knowthatto be true. I also know he didn’t look at another woman once he decided he wanted you.”
“But the baby….”
“Babe?” Gage’s voice comes from the doorway, triggering a stabbing pain in my heart.
I keep my gaze on Dr. E, tears welling in my eyes. Tek appears behind him with the medical bag, the presence I feel at my right unmistakably my husband’s. He takes my hand but I tug it free, laying it on my stomach.
“Little bird….” The hurt in his voice is nothing compared to mine.
Dr. E takes my blood pressure, giving Gage a concerned stare. “Her blood pressure’s a little high. We need to monitor her and try to keep her calm.”
“He’s raising my blood pressure.” Without looking, I motion in Gage’s general direction. “Get him away from me.”
“Baby doll, you can’t possibly believe—”
“Go. Just get out!”
“I’m not leaving you.” His voice is stern.
Dr. E leads him out of the room, closing the door behind them. Tek kneels by the bed, looking equally concerned.
“Can I get you anything?” he asks.
“Water?”
“Sure thing.”
When Tek opens the door, Gage’s head snaps in my direction and Dr. E’s voice floats in.
“A multiples pregnancy is already risky.”
