by Dahlia Rose
Edith scrambled off the couch and shrank against the wall to get past him and out the room. Hillary didn’t even wait to hear the front door open and close before speaking. “I don’t know what you think you heard, Favian, but let me explain.”
“Explain what? How you came into my home even though I told you not to? Or how you lied to my guest for your own personal gain to which you have no right to assume?” Favian yelled. Everything he had felt but hid inside for the last month and a half spilled out. “You chased the woman I cared about away!”
“You knew her for less than a day and yet you care for her? You don’t even know her! I’ve been in your life since I was fourteen. Why can’t you love me?” Hillary cried out. She threw herself against him and looked up into his face, her ice blue eyes swimming in tears. “I’d be good for you. I’ll be anything you want me to be in your bed and out.”
Favian pushed her away. “Madre de Dios, do you hear yourself? We’ve been brother and sister for most of our lives. Do you think I could marry you or lay with you?”
“But if you only tried,” she wailed.
“I refuse!” he roared. “It’s a disgusting thought and if I only knew how despicable you were I would have cut you out of my life long ago.”
“What are you going to do?” Hillary asked with trembling lips. She sat on the edge of the sofa, dramatically posed for effect. It was an act, even after everything, it was still all an act, because the tears that rimmed those blue eyes never fell.
“Here’s what I plan to do. You will receive your monthly allowance and nothing more. Just like my father and your mother, I’ve spoiled you, but not anymore. How do you expect to meddle in people’s lives and not face the consequences?” Favian asked. “Do not come into my home again. Even better, I’m having the locks changed today. From now on, you will learn to stand on your own two feet with what you are allotted and nothing more.”
“But how can I survive on that?” Hillary screeched.
He sliced his hand through the air. “Oh, poor you. Twenty thousand a month, how will you survive? You’ll have to learn to land on your feet like the cat you are. Now get out.”
“Favian, please,” Hillary begged.
“I said get out,” he roared and watched her scuttle away. She wanted a man with Spanish blood in his veins, but this was the consequences she would face for messing with someone he cared about.
He heard the door slam and he sat down for a moment to catch his breath and cool his rage. Jesus, he had no idea such a vile evilness lived in the woman he called sister. He knew that she was spoiled, petty and could be downright inconsiderate, but to do this? It was inconceivable, and to think she thought he would love her after all of that.
First, he would call the locksmith, and then Remy to let him know he was right. After that he’d call his private detective and get on the hunt for his little British fox. Adira was his from the time she asked him to kiss her and laid in his bed. He was going after her and bringing her back to him. Then, from there, he would woo her until she said she’d stay with him forever. He remembered what his mother and father had before his mother passed away, before Tammy and Hillary came into the picture. He knew he could find that with Adira. His stepsister’s treachery would not ruin it for them.
Chapter Four
“So I’m pregnant,” Adira said numbly.
She’d been back from her doctor appointment for an hour now and the news still had her in shock, it hung heavily, like lead, in her stomach, making her nauseated.
Her neighbor Lynette came over to hear the verdict. It was Lynette who forced her to the clinic when her flu symptoms seemed to get worse instead of better after weeks of feeling ill. Lynette was twenty-seven and a cocoa-brown beauty with pink frosted punk rocker hair and a full sleeve tattoo down one arm. You wouldn’t think the girl was a genius, but she was. She worked from her flat programming software and selling it to the highest bidder. She could afford to live anywhere, but refused to. She liked her simple apartment and was the most down-to-earth person Adira ever knew. They met taking the rubbish out to the bins one evening and had been friends ever since.
“No flies on you, love.” Lynette laughed and poured Adira a cup of tea from her small teakettle in the kitchenette. “When will you tell the father?”
“How about never,” Adira said. Her heart ached just thinking about Favian. For six weeks she mourned her choice to believe and trust him. Now it seemed her fantasy night had led to a permanent consequence: She’d be having Favian Rivera’s baby.
“Oh, you think the American won’t want the baby,” Lynette said. “You should give him the chance to say one way or another, shouldn’t you?”
“I doubt very much he’d care since I seemed to be only one of the dozen trollops running through his harem,” Adira snapped.
Lynette rolled her eyes. “I doubt very much the man has that many women and if he does, he probably is a damn fine lover. Can I sign up?”
“Lyn, don’t be a ninny. I have a serious problem here,” Adira said. “I’ll be an unwed mother on a shop girl’s salary.”
“You aren’t the first nor shall you be the last,” she said primly. “There are always options.”
“You mean get rid of it? I will not even consider the thought!” Adira pressed her hand over her still flat stomach. “I’m only ten weeks along, but it’s a life and it’s my baby. I won’t discard him or her like trash. I know that feeling all too well.”
“Then be happy and if you decide to tell the father and he acts like a horse’s ass, I’ll get Angry Billy after him with his guitar.” Lynette squeezed her shoulder. “And I’m here. I’ll always be here, my friend. I could pay for everything—”
“Oh, no you won’t. I have never taken your money and I will not start now. But it is a lovely gesture.” Adira felt herself tearing up. “Oh, bloody hell, the hormones have me weepy already.”
“Yeah, let’s blame it on the hormones,” Lynette said and wiped a few tears from her own eye. “You’re going to have a cute little baby! Okay…whew. I’m good. Us rock girls don’t cry.”
The sound of her door buzzer made her frown. Her friend looked over at her curiously and Adira shrugged before saying, “I’m not expecting anyone. Are you?”
“Billy is going to pop by later on for a shag and cuddle, but he wouldn’t come here.” Lynette stood up. “Let me go see. You sit and finish your cuppa.”
She crossed the small apartment and opened the door. The person who spoke was out of her line of vision, but she would recognize that voice and accent anywhere. Her heart jumped and then sank to the pit of her stomach. Favian.
“I wonder if I may speak with Adira, please?” Favian said.
Lynette looked back at her and her eyes sparked fire. Oh, no. Adira knew that look well and began to move towards the door.
“Oy, are you the American who knocked her up? And look at this, he brought a friend,” Lynette said angrily.
“Wait, what?” Favian said, confusion tinged his voice.
“Lyn, no!” Adira said.
But it was too late. Lynette reared back and punched Favian on the jaw before Adira could get there. She would’ve punched Favian’s friend too if Adira hadn’t grabbed her hand and dragged her back. In her attempt, she tripped and landed on her butt in the middle of the floor.
“Oh, damn bloody hell. I’m so sorry, Adira. Are you okay? Shall I ring for an ambulance? Did you hurt yourself or the baby?” Lynette cried out.
“What baby?” Favian roared.
“The one you put in her belly, you sod!” Lynette said angrily and looked at Favian’s friend. “And who are you, yeah?”
“Remy Santiago,” he said and casually leaned against the door. “Favian, you take me to some of the most interesting places.”
Adira looked up at the man dressed casually in T-shirt and jeans with a leather jacket compared to Favian’s suit. He was not as tall as Favian but still handsome. She met his eyes and he gave her a wink while Favia
n and Lynette continued to argue. Adira liked him instantly and she was suddenly very tired of everything, especially hearing her friend yell at Favian.
“Oy, enough!” Adira shouted and everyone went silent. She gave a long sigh of relief. “Thank you. Lyn, apologize for hitting him.”
“Bullocks that! He—”
“Did nothing to you, so apologize.” Adira finished the sentence for her.
“Fine, I’m sorry,” Lynette said and stuck her tongue out at Favian. Remy, who was still leaning against the door, grinned.
Favian turned to Adira. “You’re going to have a baby—my baby?”
“No, I’m having my baby,” Adira said. “I doubt you’ll have time to be a father when your harem of women come calling.”
“You have a harem and didn’t share?” Remy teased.
Lynette smirked. “You’re a cheeky one. I like you.”
Remy winked. “I like being liked.”
Favian made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat. “Is there somewhere we can talk privately?”
“The bedroom is through here, follow me. It won’t make a difference though. I’m not getting rid of my baby nor do I want anything from you,” Adira said defensively.
“Don’t let him touch you, love. That’s how the bun got in the proverbial oven in the first place,” Lynette pointed out.
“Thank you for that statement, Lyn,” Adira said drolly. “Shouldn’t you go over to your flat and get ready for Billy?”
Lynette nodded. “Yeah, I guess so, but if they try to bully you, ring me up and I’ll come with my cricket bat and knock them silly.”
“I’m disappointed you’re leaving,” Remy murmured.
“I’m sure you are.” Lynette winked as she walked by. “I’m a saucy wench. You Americans wouldn’t know what to do with me.”
“A few things come to mind,” Remy’s smile widened.
“Remy, down,” Favian said.
“Is that what you two do? Hit on women and see who racks up the bloody highest score?” Adira snapped.
“I usually win,” Remy teased.
“You are not helping the situation,” Favian pointed out.
Remy laughed out loud. “I’m not the problem, buddy. Go do your thing. I’ll sit here and catch some telly or whatever the Brits call it. Go talk.”
Favian followed Adira down the hall and into a room. As soon as he closed the door behind him he pulled her into his arms. “Mi querida, I’ve been searching for you.”
“Let me go, Favian. I’m not that stupid. You can keep your pretty words. Hillary told me everything.” Adira stepped out of his arms. “Don’t worry. You can go back to New York. I don’t want a penny from you.”
“Do you think I am the kind of person who would turn my back on my flesh and blood?” Favian asked.
“I don’t know. Hearing your sister tell it, you like to play it fast and loose. I already got myself tested in case the baby and I should have problems,” Adira said.
“I am not some disease-ridden male slut who lays with every Becky Sue in New York City,” Favian said in frustration. He pulled her down on the bed to sit next to him. Adira sat stiffly looking at the wall by the door until he turned her to face him. “Long story short, Hillary lied to you. The evil…witch thought she and I would be a couple.”
“Well, that’s disgusting. You’re siblings,” Adira gasped.
“Not by blood, but trust me, I do not feel the same way she does,” Favian said. “I never believed it until I came home and heard her crowing about it to one of her friends. Needless to say, I fixed that situation quick and started the process to find you. Who knew it would take two weeks to locate Ms. Adira Potts in London? And now that I find you, you’re carrying my child.” Favian cupped her cheek and kissed her gently. “I am so glad you didn’t deprive me of knowing my child or being able to be with you.”
Adira pushed him away. “You are not with me. You could be lying. Who knows why you are really in London.”
“Oh, for the love of…” Favian stopped himself. He pulled out his wallet and took a card from one of the pockets. “This is Harry Green, a private investigator I contacted to find you. He lives in London and he has been trying to find you for me. He can corroborate everything I say.”
Adira looked at him. “Okay, so suppose I believe you and you were looking for me, but now a baby changes everything. Maybe you just wanted a bit of fun and never to settle down.”
“Have you even met me?” Favian asked incredulously. “I told you about my family, my life and what, in any of that conversation, made you think that I wouldn’t want a family, a baby with you?”
Adira shrugged. “I honestly don’t know what to believe. Sweet words and good sexual relations are not what a family is built on.”
“Good sexual relations… Is that what you call what we did? Because I saw it as a mind blowing experience and a fucking amazing connection,” Favian said. He took her hand. “Listen, I can understand wanting to condemn me for what Hillary said, but I’m not that person. I can actually say I come with references. Talk to anyone around me. I’m telling you, Adira, I want this baby and I want its mother. Come back to the States with me.”
“It’s not as easy as that, Favian,” Adira said. “A visitor Visa is all I had. To get another will take weeks and my job will not give me time off. I have to be able to pay the rent and bills in the chance we don’t work out. I know you don’t want to hear that, but I’m being realistic. Lynette is my friend. I won’t allow her to pay for anything for me. I refuse to be a burden to anyone.”
“Lynette wanted to give you money? That’s sweet, but you don’t have to take her wages to support yourself. I’ll do it,” Favian said.
“Favian, I have to be able to pay my own way. I don’t want either of you taking care of me,” Adira said gently. “I walked that road with blinders once before. I can’t put my life or my child’s life in anyone else’s hands. And don’t count Lyn out. I know she looks a little wild, but she is rather well off. She writes software programs for some major companies.”
“Wait, Lynette as is Lynette Bridges of Mist and Mirrors Incorporated?” Favian said. “We’ve bought some serious tech programs from her.”
“She is amazing.” Adira smiled. “And kind of a hothead. I’m sorry she socked you one.”
“She was protecting a friend. I can’t fault her that,” he said. “To solve our problems, I know someone who can expedite your Visa and we can probably leave in a week. I understand where you are coming from, I really do. I was raised in a neighborhood where there were many single mothers trying to provide for their children without a father’s help. I was one of the lucky ones who had both parents, Remy was not, but I can tell you, I would never in my life leave my child or you to suffer if we didn’t work out. Saying that makes me feel as if I may jinx something good, but I want to give you the assurance you need.” Favian looked into her eyes. “Adira, please, give me the chance to show you how amazing we can be. Let me see my child grow inside you, let me be in both your lives.”
“What about your sister? I can’t be around someone that cruel. I…” Adira hesitated. “I just can’t.”
“I took care of that before I even started looking for you.” He cupped her cheek. “Does that mean you’ll go back with me?”
She nodded. “I’ll go with you. I want my baby—our child—to have both parents in his or her life.”
“Remy and I are staying at The Montcalm. Come stay with me until we’re ready to leave,” Favian encouraged. “Remy and I can help box up your apartment and we can ship whatever you need.”
“I would rather only take a few things until I’m sure,” Adira said firmly.
“You’re going into this with pessimism. That’s no way to start out,” he said softly.
“It’s a healthy dose of caution,” Adira argued. “When I tell you about my life you’ll understand why, but I’m not ready, not yet.”
“I understand. I’m just happy that
you’re coming home with me,” he murmured and leaned in until their lips almost touched. “Can I kiss you now?”
He made her breathless, so Adira only nodded her consent. The first touch of his lips against hers made her whimper and took her back to the night of pleasure they shared. The amazing night that created the tiny miracle nestled inside her. She clung to his shoulders as he poured every ounce of emotion inside him into that one kiss. He pulled away and dropped to his knees in front of her and pressed a kiss on her stomach through the barrier of her white knit top.
“Hola, un poco, yo soy su papá,” he said huskily. “Hello, little one, I’m your daddy.”
He put his head against her stomach and, unable to help it, she held him close and a tiny sound escaped her lips. Adira knew and felt it in her core that Favian could shatter her in an instant and it terrified her. She wanted to say no, wanted to run away, but to deprive her child of a father—one who would love them both unconditionally—or herself of the chance to find true love was unacceptable. But she was so afraid that she hardly noticed the tears that fell from her eyes.
“Adira, baby, why are you crying?” Favian asked.
“Because I’m so afraid of it all,” Adira said softly. “I’m going to be a mum, and I don’t even know you as well as I should and we are already becoming parents. What if I’m not good at any of this?”
He wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed her once then twice before saying fiercely, “I promise you, I swear, your fears are not warranted. Believe in us.”
She nodded as he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered the words believe in us over and over again. His passion and certainty assuaged her fears a little and that was okay for now. She was more than taking a plunge. She was jumping into what might as well be alligator-infested waters. She hoped she could swim, hoped that she could keep her head above water. For her and the baby’s sake she would have to try. By all that she believed in, she would give it her best.