by Leaona Luxx
As Cole stood over me, my heart shattered because I knew I would lose Malone. Stirring from the floor, I cleaned the blood from my mouth. Cole was enraged.
“What the fuck did you say to me? I fucking own you, goddammit. I fucking own you, you good for nothing cunt.” He hit me in the back of the head, landing the second blow just above my temple in my hair line. Falling into the table, this time, I had broken a glass. Cole kicked me repeatedly in the ribs till I started coughing. Crawling in the direction of my bedroom, hoping to get my hands on my waiting .357— knowing I wouldn’t make it.
“Haven’t I told you? You’ve been my fucking property for twenty-one years, and I’ll do what I damn well please with you. Hey, you fucking cunt, how about I take you from here? How about it? You’d like that wouldn’t you? No kiddos, no home, no peace. I could kill you right now and no one would know who did it. I could take your body and drop it in a pond. Not that anyone would care. How’s about it, Haddie? Oh, I know. How’s about you come back to work for me? Or has this fucking pussy become too fancy?”
He grabbed me by my hair, dragging me back into the living room. Flipping me over and straddling my stomach, as he landed another blow to my face. Blood covered the wall from my nose. His hand wrapped around my throat increasing pressure with every minute.
I had wanted to fight, I wanted to rid myself of him. I’d tried years ago but my parents found me minutes after I had slit my wrists. I fought him to the point once, he hit me with a beer bottle, giving me eleven stitches to the back of my head. After, while I lay in my blood, he raped me just to prove I was his.
“Haddie. Haddie. Wake the fuck up bitch!” I jumped as he laughs. “What the fuck? You haven’t been this easy in a while. Are you missing me? You falling for me Haddie girl?”
Vomit rose up my throat as he ran his hand in my panties while licking the side of my face. I spit a wad of bloody secretion in his face.
“You shouldn’t have done that Haddie. I was going to be tender so that asshole of yours would still feel good about himself but now, I’ll fuck you like the whore you are.”
He ripped my panties from me. I fought as much as I could, even biting him. Blow after blow connected with my body as he paused between each to unbuckle his pants. I’ve always blacked out at this point, putting all of the ugly out of my mind. This time, all I could think of was Malone coming through the door, seeing this, thinking I wanted it. Knowing, I didn’t deserve him.
I stopped fighting, hoping to stop the assault, knowing Cole would finish soon. Closing my eyes so tight, I couldn’t tell where the darkness was taking me but hoping I would never recover this time. There was so much more to lose now.
Cole left the room, walking to the hall bathroom. Laying there on my back, I prayed he would leave, seeing me submit usually stopped him.
“Haddie girl, fucking aye, do I love it when you fight. Makes me fucking come faster.”
That did it, I twisted on my side and vomited again.
Pouring himself a shot, he laughed. “Get my money Haddie. Here’s the new account and you need to double it. I’m thinking we need new scenery.”
Dragging my hand across my mouth to clear away the blood and vomit, I tell him. “I’m not going anywhere with you Cole. I’ll get you your money, then you need to leave town.” I said with determination.
Cole stalked toward me, once again pulling me around by my hair. “I’ll fucking ruin you for him. Think I’m playing Haddie, keep it up and I’ll kill you. I’ll kill that mother fucker as he bends over your body crying like the pussy he is. You hear me? You understand me? I’ll fucking blow his brains out.”
Another blow connected with my jaw. Cole flipped me over, I tried to scramble and fight, I knew what was coming. He would have to kill me before he did another thing to me. As he wrapped his hands around my neck, I thought he just might succeed.
The door to the exam room opens as I’m jerked back to reality. I’m here because I’m pregnant. Now, is it Malone’s? Or is it Cole’s?
“Good morning, Miss Lloyd. How are you?”
I sweep away a tear as I raise my eyes. “I’ve been better. You?”
She stops in front of me, placing her hand on mine. “We’re going to get through this, all right? I’m Dr. Michaels. Now, tell me why you’re here.”
Inhaling deeply, I try to calm my nerves. “It looks as though I’m pregnant. Considering my last pregnancy was nineteen years ago and I had a tubal ligation, you could say I’m in shock. I’m in love with an amazing man, whom will not speak to me because my bastard of an ex beat and raped me. I don’t know how I got pregnant. I don’t know who the father is and right now, I hope it’s neither. So, Doc. How are you?”
Dr. Michaels never let’s go of my hand as she pulls a seat over with the other. “Well, Hadlea. This is what we’re going to do. I need to send you for more blood work. You’ve been through a shit storm, and we need to check on you. I’m going to do an exam if you can handle it? Then, we’re going to see if this pregnancy is viable. There’s a chance it’s in the fallopian tubes; if so, you will miscarry. If not, we can see how far along you are, it will help determine a date of conception.” She pats my hand, looking for acknowledgment. I nod and lay back.
Dr. Michaels explains each time she does something new. “Hadlea, it looks as though we’ll be doing an ultrasound, okay?”
I nod, as she pulls off her gloves and instructs the nurse to get the ultrasound machine.
“Are you planning on telling the father?”
My words catch in my throat. “Only if it’s the first. I won’t tell the other. Neither may care, though, who knows.”
She spreads a sheet over me as she pulls up my gown. “You know, Hadlea, I’m sure this is hard on your boyfriend. He may have been an ass in the beginning, but did you ever think it’s because he may have felt he didn’t protect you enough?” She preps me with the cold jelly-like substance. “Now, let’s see if I can help you determine the date.”
We go over a series of questions as Dr. Michaels moves the wand back and forth. “Well, Hadlea, if you weren’t far enough along, I would have to use the vaginal wand. As for the pregnancy, it is viable. Without the other test, I can only guess your tubes became untied. Now, for an approximate date.” She pauses, as I hold my breath. I pray because that’s all I can do. “Hadlea, you look to be sixteen weeks.”
Trembling, I get a ragged breath. “Sixteen weeks? Four months, I’m four months pregnant.”
Tears puddle in my eyes as I think about the father of my baby, and the nurse hands me a tissue. Dr. Michaels touches my hand.
“Would you like a picture? I can tell you the sex, if you would like. Well, at least of one of them.”
What? I turn to look at her. “Excuse me?” Eyes wide as I grip the table and look over at the screen.
“Twins. One is a boy without a doubt but the other is hidden. Does the date help?”
I’m crying for numerous reasons. “Yes. Yes, it helps. It’s, they’re Malone’s. My boyfriend, well was my boyfriend. I’m having Malone’s twins.” I have a sappy grin as tears run a trail down my face.
“Will we need genetic testing?”
“Can I call for that? If it’s needed?”
Dr. Michaels rises, handing me the first picture of my twins. “Of course. Now, clean up and get dressed. I’ll meet you in my office. We have a lot to cover because you’re high risk. Congratulations.”
I fall back on the table with a huff. I’m having Malone’s twins, and he has no clue. He hates me. Most importantly, he knows I don’t deserve them or him. My old friends, doubt and fear come creeping home.
Eventually making my way through the hospital, I’m still dazed. Having no idea which way to turn, I numbingly make my way to the lab. Suddenly, I bump into ‘Nurse Nosy,’ and I want to puke.
“Well, well, well. Who do we have here? If it isn’t Malone Woods’ girlfriend. Or are you? You know what, it doesn’t matter. How are you?”
Sideste
pping her, I continue on, making her catch up with me.
“Are you ignoring me? Are you here for your prenatal labs?”
I turn on her quickly. “What the fuck? Who the hell do you think you are? My health doesn’t concern you. And it should never leave any part of my file. How fucking dare, you.” To my shock, she doesn’t flinch. Not even as much as an eyebrow lift.
“So, you are? You’re pregnant with Malone Woods’ child.”
“What the fuck is your name? I’m taking you up with your superiors.” Spewing toward her as venom flows through my veins.
She spins on her heels and is gone. What the fuck was that? Exiting the labs, I’m texting Aksel to meet me at home when I run into my next bitch storm, Malone’s ex-wife, Montgomery. Is there a bitch convention I didn’t know about?
“I hear congratulations are in order. How you ever trapped One to impregnate you, I’ll never figure out. But apparently that’s one thing you can do. What does he see in you?”
I smile sweetly as I deliver my ‘fuck off’ glare. “Besides great pussy, I give amazing head.”
She steps back, narrowing her eyes. “That’s it, isn’t it? You’re crude and dirty. He’s slumming. You will never have him. You’re not good enough.”
She is right. It rips my heart out but this twunt will not get the upper hand on me.
“What is it, Monty? What bothers you most about me? The fact I have him and you don’t? Or the fact I’m just like you and you couldn’t keep him? Are you angry or just jealous?”
Her face is red, and I’m pretty sure there’s steam rolling from her ears.
“You fucking slut, you know this, One is mine. Things will only get worse from here. Trust me when I tell you, you will not carry this bastard to term. If it costs One everything.”
I put her on full blast because I’m just that pissed. “Game on, hunty, now go suck a troll cock. Oh, that’s right, you can’t keep a man.” I push past the bitch.
Geez. Did everyone know or did I wear the tee shirt announcing it? This complicates things. I finish my text as I step from the parking garage elevators.
“So, how has the father taken the news?” Nurse Nosy smiles sickeningly sweet.
“I have no clue what you’re talking about. Is there something I can help you with?”
I pick my pace up slightly, pulling my keys from my pocket. As I start to enter my car, she’s there, stopping my door from closing.
“Now you listen to me, bitch. You need to stay away from Malone Woods; he’s trouble. All those things going on with his father’s business, he might get killed and we wouldn’t want you involved, would we? But wait, if that’s a Woods you’re carrying, maybe you should stick close to him.”
That’s it! Turning on her, I snarl my words, “Watch your fucking mouth. One nor I will take idol threats! Do you understand?”
Something shifts in her demeanor, and it’s unsettling. Nurse Nosy has a twinge of crazy eyes going on, but I stand my ground.
“Get your hands off my fucking car, now.” I pull the door from her grip and slam it.
I have no idea what to do, where to go, or who to turn to. I just know right now, I want my boys by my side. As soon as I’m home, the cavalry arrives. We spend the evening talking about everything. Malone, the twins, Nurse Nosy, Montgomery, and the craziness of life.
As evening turns to night, one thing is abundantly clear. I need to tell Malone, no matter what happens. Aksel and Willow help to ease my worry by telling me, they doubt Malone will ask for custody. He will want visitation, but they truly don’t think he will try to gain full custody. So, sooner rather than later, Malone will know.
But as life has it, soon is never soon enough.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
One
Hadlea’s finally home again. She’s been out all day. I couldn’t follow her to make sure she was okay.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be with her, but we’re beginning to wonder if someone is after me. With everything that’s been happening with my job sites, too many accidents are not accidents.
Feeling I could protect Hadlea better by being close to her, my head of security said the distance might help more. It kills me not to go to her, be with her. But until we can get a handle on the issues my sites are having, it’s best to keep a distance.
Until Monty calls me. Ignoring her calls just means she will leave voicemails. I delete them— I couldn’t care less what she has to say. Hearing a shuffling outside, I turn to see Chord and Thayer approach my truck.
“Hey, people,” greeting them as they jump into the truck.
“Hey, One, what’s up?” Looking from Thayer to Chord, they look bad— worried. I glance at Thayer, who uncharacteristically sits in the back seat.
“Tell him, Chord,” Thayer states.
What the fuck? “What’s wrong? Is it Hadlea?”
“Do you love her? Have you seen her lately?”
“Yes, I love her with everything in me. Only from a distance, I won’t get close. Why?”
“Would you love her no matter what? Malone, we love her; she doesn’t deserve to be hurt again.”
The hell you say? I growl my words, “I’m out here because I hurt her and refuse to hurt her again. Okay? Now, tell me what the fuck is going on Chord.”
Thayer nods in Chord’s direction. “Monty called us both because you won’t answer her calls. She went on and on about the trouble with the company and hopes things work out before your life gets hectic.” He turns to me. “Monty’s a drama queen so before I put any value in her message, I asked Thayer to visit Aksel. Monty’s telling the truth.”
Again, my watchful eyes swing between them both as I wait. “About?”
Thayer nudges Chord. “Lea’s pregnant.”
The world tilts in the opposite direction. I bow my head, shaking it. Hoping to help straighten my jumbled thoughts. I climb from my truck as Thayer and Chord follow me, begging me to stop— to wait.
“One, please stop. Don’t do this, not like this. Let Thayer go talk to her.” Chord grabs my arm to try to stop me; it doesn’t.
“Please, One. She’s been hurt enough. What if she runs?” Thayer continues her pursuit as I walk up the steps.
I’m at the front door, knocking as I think over the last few weeks. Hadlea hasn’t put on any weight, but she’s lost so much after Cole and I had hurt her.
Fuck. Cole.
What if Cole’s the father. Maybe that’s why she hadn’t told me. In the end, it doesn’t matter. I love her, I need her.
She opens the door to me, Thayer, and Chord looking at her swollen stomach. A tight white tee shirt pulled across her midsection with baggy shorts on.
“Malone. I wondered how much longer you planned to sit out there; it’s been weeks.” Peering around me, she greets my siblings. “So, what can I do for you?”
I pull my gaze from her stomach to look in her eyes, glistening with tears. “You are?” I motion to her swollen belly. She looks adorable, perfect.
“I am.” Her tears lose their battle as they stream down her face.
“Is it?” I hesitate, catching her gaze again. Hadlea takes a long, deep breath.
“Looks as though you’re the father. You may want a DNA test, but the time fits. I’m eighteen weeks, well before Cole. I wanted to tell you, but we haven’t spoken since you left. I assumed you were still mad at me, but then Hardy told me last week you’ve been sitting out there watching me.
“I understand your need to keep me safe, but I’m fine. One, I was going to tell you, I swear. About all of it, but with us—things just seem to happen so fast. I can agree to joint custody; I hope we can work on a parenting plan together. Please, just consider not taking them from me. I messed up, but they’re my babies too.” She is sobbing at this point while I stand rooted to the spot.
Thayer cries softly while Chord holds her hand. Before I can think or even breath, I reach out and pull her in my arms. I kiss her beautiful face, clearing away her tears.
“Ssshh, it’s all good, baby. Hadlea, please stop crying. You’ll upset yourself and the baby.”
She squeaks a response, “Babies, One. Twins, a boy and a girl.”
Falling to my knees in front of her, my hands gently find her stomach as I begin to rub. My gaze captures between her gorgeous face and her perfectly round belly. “Twins?”
Hadlea joins me on the floor.
“Please forgive me. I should’ve told you when I found out. I was scared. I knew you would think I was lying again, and that I was keeping them from you. I thought you would take them. I know you don’t love me— can’t love me, but please let me share them with you. Please, One, please?” she begs. I’m the asshole, and she’s apologizing to me.
Standing, I bring her with me. Thayer and Chord walk into the house as I pick Hadlea up. Walking her to the couch, I place her down gently. Thayer returns with a cool washcloth and Chord brings some juice. I begin to encourage her to drink as I wipe away the hair sticking to her face.
“Thayer, the envelope with One’s name, on my desk, would you mind handing it to me?” Picking it up, Thayer hands it to her. “The due date is on the top but again, I’m sure you’ll want a paternity test.”
Hadlea hands me a picture of two tiny blobs, our babies. She’s right, the due date is nowhere near what would make them Cole’s. I pass the picture as Chord takes a call.
I’m hit full force with what I’ve done to her. I walked out and left her alone for months. To handle a rape, pregnancy. I’m an errant asshole who told her he loved her then left. Hadlea will never trust me again, ever. All she keeps repeating is to not take the babies away from her. If I have a chance, we’ll all be together, always.
“Hadlea, baby. I’m sorry. I’ve hurt you terribly, can you forgive me?”
She nods before she can catch her breath. “Of course, whatever you want. As long as you don’t take the babies, I’ll agree to anything.”