Page 12 of Paradox
“Still won’t see you?” I take a chip and then pass the plate to him.
He ignores it, sighing as both hands dive into his hair, grabbing two handfuls and tugging in frustration.
“I can’t believe she thinks that child is mine.”
“You’re sure it’s not?”
“Of course I’m sure. The last time I fucked her was before I met Raven, and you know I always used a glove anyway. I don’t know what she’s trying, but if anything happens to Raven and those babies….” He growls, dropping his head back against the wall.
“What about that first Christmas?” I raise a brow in question because I saw him drag Britney to his office that night.
“She was going to suck my dick, but I changed my mind and kicked her ass out. Raven came in right after. She knows nothing happened.”
“You know there’s only one way you’re going to prove he’s not yours, right?”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll set up the test. I just wish she believed me.”
“I think a part of her does. She just can’t see past the kid’s hair and eyes right now. You have to admit he looks like you.”
“Blond-haired, blue-eyed men are a dime a dozen, E. Doesn’t mean shit.”
“I know, brother.” I hand him the plate again. This time he takes it, throwing a chip in his mouth. “I’m gonna stick around tonight so I can keep an eye on her. If her blood pressure keeps going up, we’ll have to take her to the hospital.”
“Thanks, E. I’ll be right here.”
Hopping to my feet, I grab his shoulder, giving it a supportive squeeze. I knock on the door, entering when Ellen tells me to. Raven is resting on a mound of pillows, Ellen gently stroking her hair. Tek is asleep in a chair in the corner.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi, Dr. E.” She gives me a weak smile.
“Just came to check on you. How do you feel?”
“Like shit.”
I reach into the bag I left at her bedside, pulling out my stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. As I take her blood pressure, she glances over at Tek.
“Poor thing. I’ve pretty much kidnapped him. I don’t know why, but I feel better having him here.”
“Well, whatever he’s doing, he needs to amp it up. 150 over 100 is not good, Raven.” I free her arm. “Do you have a headache?”
“I did, but it’s getting better now.”
“I may have to move you to the hospital if this keeps up. I don’t want to give you any medication without further testing. I know I’m asking for the world right now, but I think it’s best you talk to Gage.”
“Why?” she demands, her voice loud enough to jolt Tek awake.
“Because you can have this cleared up in one conversation. This is about your health and that of your babies.”
“I know.” Her gaze drops to her belly. “I just can’t stand the sight of him right now. I’ll watch TV or something, get my mind off it.”
Sighing, I pack my instruments back in the bag. “I’ll give you a couple hours. If it’s the same then, we’re heading to the hospital.”
“Okay. Thanks, Dr. E.”
“I’m uh… gonna get something to eat. You okay, First Lady?” Tek asks.
“I’m good. Go. Thanks for staying with me.”
