Page 76 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

“No, it’s about me not being pregnant. I saw your face. You wanted it to be positive, didn’t you?” He stops in his tracks and turns to face me.

“No… Yes… Maybe. I don’t know. I just feel like shit, and you looked positively elated.”

“Yes, I am, and do you know why? Huh? Do you?”

“No.”

“Because our relationship is based on a mistake, one that we are working through together. But add a baby into the mix, and it complicates it. What if we end up hating each other in six months? You’re stuck with me for life and vice versa. We need to be sure about us before we bring another life into this world. I don’t want to be a single parent family, Zed. I want the traditional 2.4 children which includes their father as my partner. I know I’m an idealist, but there is no harm in having dreams and goals.”

I can see my words working around in his head.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I don’t know why I felt disappointed, but I agree with you. It is too soon. Your ideals are not to be scoffed at, East. At least you know what you want.”

“I do, and right now, I want you.”

This brings a smile to his face. His broad smile makes me smile back.

He checks his watch. “We have one hour. So, move your arse and get into this car now.”

“Zed, you need to stop at the pharmacy and get some condoms.”

He flicks down his glove box and rummages around. “Here.” He hands me a box of condoms that have been opened. A wave of jealousy flows over me.

“Erm, Zed. I’m not stupid, and I know there have been many before me, but handing me a box of condoms that you’ve obviously been using makes me feel a bit sick.”

“Why?”

“Because it reminds me that other women have been with you. I don’t want to have that image in my head.”

He takes the box and throws it out of the window. “I don’t want any other image in your beautiful head than me fucking you in every position possible.”

“Slow your roll, BG, we only have an hour.”

“You’re so wrong! We just have to have a break in an hour.” He turns and winks as he fires up the engine before speeding off in the direction of the Majestic.

The traffic in London is normal. Well, normal for London. It’s a slow-moving carpark. Forty-five minutes later and we are nowhere near the Majestic.

“Sorry, Dynamite, but we are going to have to rain check. There is no way we are getting to the suite in time to get back to The Fortress.”

“It’s fine. Just go straight to my Mum's. I want to get changed, and I’m pretty hungry. I can even show you my bedroom.” I fake a shy smile

He clears his throat twice. “I... don’t think that would be a very good idea, East. Not with all your brothers in the house.”

“Suit yourself, but I will be getting changed in my room, and that means I will be naked at some point.”

The car swerves.

“Fuck, East, I nearly crashed the car. Don’t give me visions of that when I’m driving.”

We both laugh. I’m getting the hang of this teasing, and the way he reacts gives me more confidence to say new things.

“You know how you tell me I have to ask for what I want?” I ask.

“Yeah?” He chuckles. I can see the sides of his mouth curling.

“Well, how about you come upstairs with me when we get to The Fortress, and you help me undress? This cast on my arm is a nightmare.”

“Ugh,I thought you were going to say something else, but yeah, I can do that.”

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