by Emily Hudson
‘This woman, can we clarify, tall, black hair, blue eyes?’ he questioned.
‘Do we really have to do this? Have there been that many? Please tell me you demand paternity tests.’ My inner cat all of a sudden let rip.
Raising his eyebrows he looked suitably unimpressed but obviously decided to allow my hormonal ranting. The air was laced with tension as he demanded an answer to his question.
‘Alright, yes, tall, legs up to her armpits, beautiful, figure to die for and yes black hair, can’t say I looked too much at her eyes. Do you want to make this any harder?’ Irritated, I found the grain of the wood in front of me fascinating as I rubbed my finger back and forth on it. When nothing was said I eventually looked up. Rubbing his hand over his mouth I swear I could see a smile beneath it.
‘What the hell is so funny?’ I said somewhat exasperated.
‘One day you and I are really going to laugh about this.’ He continued to smile.
‘I fail to see how.’ I retorted, feeling increasingly defensive as I folded my arms over in front of me.
‘Well incest, never was my thing.’ Suddenly he had my attention. My eyes wide, I looked to him for more of an explanation. ‘Livvy is my sister.’ he offered.
‘Oh!’ I pitifully said, the only word I could communicate as everything sunk in.
‘Oh.' he repeated. ‘But thanks for your advice, she did tell me. Sadly her timing was pretty poor, you'd just walked out of my life and I didn’t know if you were dead or lying in a ditch dying somewhere. So I didn't handle it that well.’
Racked in guilt that I had jumped to conclusions, I looked away, sad at what could have been, if only I had hung around.
‘So I think you will agree, this changes things somewhat, well from your perspective.’
I hadn't really listened to his last words as I forlornly tried to understand how everything had gone so wrong. ‘Ah-uh.’ I uttered almost vacantly.
‘Luce, sweetheart, like I said, nothing has changed for me, you’re going to be the mother of my children, you have got to understand how happy that makes me. I want to marry you, I want to plan a future with you, tell me you want that too.’
Oh my, this was too much. ‘Yes, oh god yes, I mean, No! Oh hell this is so mixed up.’ The minute I uttered the word no, his eyes pierced mine. ‘What do you mean no?’ He looked hurt.
‘I mean I’m not marrying you because I’m carrying your babies. You don’t have to do that Marcus, I also meant what I said, I don't want to be your burden. I’m not trapping you into a marriage because of circumstances. We’ll work something out.’ I suggested with a somewhat conciliatory tone.
Taking my hand, he covered it with his, squeezing it he gave me one of his heart stopping smiles. ‘We will.’
Offering to drive me back to Licia’s, I accepted. I was a little stiff and more than a little emotionally exhausted. ‘What’s in the box?’ he asked as he helped me up. ‘Quit my job this morning; well, sort of, kinda got offered a deal I couldn't refuse.’ As we took to the road I explained the final details of the agreement, apart from demanding to see the contract, he seemed happy with my decision.
‘So you don’t need to go back to Spectrum?’
I smiled, ‘Nope, I'm a free agent.’ I said with pride, he beamed back at me. The streetlights flicked past as we sped back to Licia’s, it was as if the last few months hadn’t taken place. I’d forgotten how easy he was to talk to, I settled back into the smooth leather and for the first time in weeks I finally relaxed, until…
‘What the hell Marcus? I can’t get out!’ Marcus had driven to the front of Ethan and Licia’s house, parking so close to the wall I couldn’t get out.
‘Sorry sweetheart, hang on a sec. I’ll sort it out.’ He dismissed, beeped his horn. Within moments, Ethan and Licia were hopping down their steps. Marcus got out, greeting Ethan with a manly hug by his door as Licia carrying a bag made her way to me, grinning widely.
‘Hey you.’ she said opening Marcus’ back door.
‘Can you believe what he’s done, I can’t get out.’ Smirking she slung the bag in the back of the car.
‘Crazy huh?’ she laughed.
‘Licia, what gives?’ Her laugh only continued, if somewhat nervously.
‘Just remember that I’m doing this for the best and I love you.’ As it dawned on me that my confinement appeared to be completely planned, my mouth dropped aghast. ‘Your hospital notes are in the bag and I’ve packed things I think you'll be comfortable in, I took the liberty to include some sexy stuff too. You might hate me right now but you can thank me later.’ Blowing me a kiss she didn’t wait for my response as she closed the door.
On cue, Marcus thanked Ethan, shaking his hand and settled back into the seat beside me, his grin a mile wide.
‘Is there any point to me screaming like a banshee as you kidnap me in front of my friends?’ I said still stunned by my so called best friend’s actions.
‘Nope.’ He smiled.
‘You do realise, I could have you arrested for this.’ I quipped trying to inject some semi-seriousness to the situation.
‘Quite probably, a risk I’m prepared to take, in order to…’ he hesitated.
‘In order to what?’ I asked with a hint of angst in my voice.
‘Sweep you off your feet, sweetheart. Sit back, its going to be a long drive.’
Chapter Twenty-Six
Even with her arms folded, scowling at me she was quite simply the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. If I hadn’t been conscious of keeping my two hands on the wheel I would have pinched myself but I was carrying precious cargo and I wouldn’t be taking any silly chances. The mere fact that I was even in her proximity was miraculous, I wouldn’t jeopardise anything to change the current situation. Hence why we were making our way to Riverside, my family’s idyllic retreat in the Cotswolds.
Ethan had offered his place in Cornwall but the last thing I wanted was a journey that long and the thought of us being an hour away from a hospital set my nerves on edge. This two hour journey was long enough. It didn’t help that my captive hadn’t spoken to me since we left Ethan and Alicia’s driveway. She might be able maintain silence but she couldn’t ignore me completely. Every now and again I’d turn to catch a glimpse of the beauty beside me, only for our eyes to meet, she was taking her own look. It never lasted long, in recognition of being caught she’d bristle narrowing her eyes. I couldn’t help it, I laughed, no doubt fuelling her irritation.
The journey wasn’t as long as I’d made out but in order to keep up the surprise element and the fact that I had no idea if she needed anything because she still wouldn’t talk to me; I thought it would be wise, an hour in, to take a break at a service station. Bringing the car to a stop having reversed into a parking space, she wasn’t trying to hide her glare. Sadly for her I’d faced more intimidating moments inside a courtroom.
‘Thought you might like a comfort break, stretch your legs, coffee?’ She barely reacted to the first two suggestions but as I uttered the the six lettered word, her eyes lit up. Shooting around to her side of the car, I was ready to offer a hand as she stepped out. No! Lucy wasn’t having any of it, shrugging out of my grasp with defiance she took off ahead of me.
Following her into the cafe I maintained my distance; the view was incredible. Settling in behind her in the cafe queue. I bent my head down to her ear.
‘Do you have any idea just what you do to me?’ I could see her shiver as my breath hit her neck. ‘Just watching you walk ahead of me…you’re perfect, you must know that.’ I whispered before I took the opportunity and kissed her delicate neck. Her eyes may well have rolled but as my lips touched her skin, I felt her wobble. She couldn’t hide her response to me, as much as she might have wanted to.
‘Next!’ Bellowed the cashier, luring my Lucy away. Studying the board at the back for a second, ‘A Mango Cooler and a large Americano please.’ She requested. ‘What?’ She questioned as I held my card over the reader.
&
nbsp; ‘You surprised me, that’s all.’ I explained.
Shuffling along to wait for our drinks, she mumbled something about trying to give up caffeine. ‘So you plan to replace it with all that sugar?’ I bit my lip the moment the words passed my lips, blimey, if looks could kill.
‘I take it your sister hasn’t taught you yet, never to question a pregnant woman.’ She was letting me off easy.
‘Not yet, but I’m a quick learner.’ Probably as close to an apology as I was going to give. In all seriousness, she did need to start thinking about what she was giving the babies. I wasn’t about to say anything but Livvy had scheduled her vitamin and iron supplements into her phone to remind her and gone beyond fanatical about what she was eating.
Silence resumed as we watched our drinks being prepared, I feared we’d taken a step backwards so I wasn’t about to pursue the topic any further. Once we’d been handed our drinks I ushered her to lead the way. I saw the grin on her face as she slipped into the nearest booth. ‘Not fair.’ I grumbled as settled in opposite her, watching her smile into her straw. That was until she took a sip of frozen concoction in front of her.
‘You want coffee now don’t you?’ I said reading her mind. Sheepishly she nodded pushing the plastic container aside. Without hesitation I pushed my still steaming cup towards her before rising to get her required sugar and stirrer. Her need was greater than mine, it wasn’t as if she could just go cold turkey.
Resuming my position back in the queue I looked back at her, hands wrapped around the large mug, clutching it as though her life depended on it as she savoured the taste. I smiled, I was doomed, it was just a coffee, it was nothing but it was at that moment I realised, I really would give her anything.
Returning with a cup to go and a bag full of temptation that I hoped would provide sustenance for the remainder of the journey. From the fat seeping through the bag it was obviously its contents exceeded recommended daily calories allowances but that wasn’t exactly something Lucy needed to worry about, not only was she feeding three, her recent sickness had taken its toll. I wanted to take any burden I could from her. Hell I wanted to wrap her up in cotton wool for the remaining months of the pregnancy and I could guarantee my feelings would only get worse when the babies arrived. Noting her mug was now empty, ‘You ok if we get back on the road?’ She looked up at me and laughed.
‘You mean, you’re giving me my free will back?’
Raising my eyebrows I held out my hand, to help her up. ‘Within reason.’ I teased. 'Where are we going?’ She asked clasping my hand.
‘Ahh, we - I like the sound of that. Does that mean you no longer consider yourself my captive?’ I said pulling her towards me.
‘Just so you know, it will take more than sacrificing your coffee to bring me round.’ She said twisting in my hold to look at me square on. ‘Is that so? Good job I brought cake too then.’ I winked slipping my arm presumptuously around her waist. Taking the bag from me, she grinned and more importantly, she didn’t pull away.
* * *
Secretly, was I enjoying this? Partly, yes! Would I really unfriend Alicia for her part in this conspiracy? No! Had my anger dissipated the minute he said he was going to sweep me off my feet? Quite possibly, but I’d be damned if I was going to show it. I’d spent the first hour of the journey contemplating what this laughable kidnapping attempt actually meant. However, every time my heart softened, my highly strung head full of emotions would come back with a defensive thought. To be honest, I was beginning to believe his intentions. He’d shown nothing but his sincerity since he’d found out I was pregnant and I knew I had more to apologise for, than him. I’d thought the worst of him and here he was, as large as life, making every effort to ensure that I knew he’d be there for me, for us. Every now and then I’d take a glance, this man wanted me and was going out of his way, literally, to prove that to me. Sensing my gaze, he’d turn giving me a full watt beam. I’d bristle at being caught, I didn’t want him to believe I was a dead cert or have any expectations, it was easier that way. I was frightened, still scared of being hurt, not physically of course. I was petrified of letting myself believe in the fairytale, in that mythical happily ever after. I’d become increasingly more cynical since Will. Not that I wanted to compare the two, Marcus was nothing like my ex. I’d naively thought my philandering ex had just been incredibly understanding of the pressures of my job, only now did I realise, it was just convenient. The sponging smarmy asshole could shag whomever he fancied, whenever. So how could I really believe in this; Will’s betrayal had cut deeper than I would admit to anyone.
Negative thoughts continued poisoning my fragile heart’s attempt to rule as we continued to put more miles between us and London. Noticing we were slowing, I looked around, trying to get my bearings when I saw the road sign indicating a service station. I wasn’t about to break my silent treatment, so I just glared at him seeking some sort of explanation. Unfazed by my childish antics, he defused my hostility with his kindness and thoughtfulness, I had little defence for that or maybe it was just the thought of my next caffeine fix. Always the gentleman, he darted around to my side of the car, helping me out of the car. The minute I was out, I’d shrugging out of his hold. Irritatingly, I instantly regretted it, feeling bereft, I loved his touch. Who was I kidding, I loved being with him. Cursing my defiance, I stormed off ahead of him, marching in huge strides I could barely keep up with myself. I’d considered briefly shutting myself away in the ladies toilets but I was pretty sure he’d have camped outside or worse case, storm right in and carry me out. So with my need of hydration more important, I’d headed in the direction of the cafe and joined the queue. My heightened senses knew he’d come up behind me. My pulse was already racing but when he lent down and whispered into my ear; I feared I’d pass out. ‘…You’re perfect…’ His words made me catch my breath as simultaneously I shivered with his words and proximity. Before his lips even touched my neck, I was gone. I’d never reacted to a man the way I reacted to Marcus, swaying a little as my legs gave way, his arm instinctively came up to support me. I wanted to sink into his hold, I wanted more. “Next!” God damn it! I wanted to be anywhere other than this service station as we were called forward. For some unknown reason I abandoned my usual Americano and opted instead for a neon orange coloured ice drink that uncharacteristically seemed appealing. Ridiculously I’d briefly looked at the strategically placed marketing material in front of me and deemed it nutritionally more appropriate for the babies. Marcus quite rightly looked at me as if I’d lost my mind, quite possibly I had. I’ll blame it on his kiss, combine that with my raging hormones, of course I wasn’t of sound mind, I was positively certifiable.
I’d been conscious about the amount of coffee I drink for a while now, both Licia and Ethan had picked up on it and I knew it was something I needed to tackle. So, I didn’t really expect Marcus to challenge me about my choice. ‘So you plan to replace it with all that sugar?’ I saw red, it was that condescending tone, didn’t matter he was probably right, he’d lit another touch-paper within me. Seething I counted to ten, aware I was scowling, I watched him bite his lip. Was that regret? Was he apprehensive about my reaction? His uncertainty caught me off guard.
‘I take it your sister hasn’t taught you yet, never to question a pregnant woman.’ I stated relaxing my face, his relief was evident.
‘Not yet but I’m a quick learner.’ His way of pacifying me.
Turned out, not only had I picked the most ridiculous drink, it was also incredibly time consuming to make. Our silence resumed as the blender took to life, crushing the cubes of ice into a slush, eventually the motor and its whir stopped and artfully it was poured into the awaiting plastic vessel. Indicating he’d carry the drinks Marcus asked me to lead the way. This could have gone one of two ways, sashay my way to the furthest table, ensuring maximum swing of my hips, or I slip into the nearest table to avoid a show of any kind. Settling on the latter I couldn’t hold back my smile as I slipped into the
nearest booth. That was until I tasted the damn ridiculous concoction that had been painstakingly made. This was heartburn in a bottle, the sickly sweet flavour did nothing to ease the less appealing aspects of being pregnant. Another reason why I should remind myself never to do spur of the moment things. I’m a planner, I choose the same drink, I’m never disappointed.
‘You want coffee now, don’t you?’ Marcus said. Pushing the container as far away from me as I could I nodded. Little did I expect him to slide his coffee over to me, nor would I have guessed he’d get up without a word and come back with my much needed sugar and a stirrer before rejoining the back of a now lengthy queue. Still in shock I hugged the steaming mug and stared into it, maybe I could believe in fairytales.
I was still wrapped up with my own thoughts as Marcus came back clutching a bag and cup to go. ‘You ok if we get back in the road?’ He asked. Suddenly I had a choice. 'You mean you are giving me my free will back?’ I couldn’t help it, I laughed. ‘Within reason.’ He teased. The banter was good, it was needed, we both relaxed. Before I'd realised it he’d pulled me towards him, his arm had slipped around my waist and there was no place I’d rather be. Catching our reflection in a window as we made our way back to his car, we looked good, we looked happy. Gently he slipped his arm away to open my door, this time I happily settled back into the seat. I didn’t care where we were going, only who I was going with.
After our stop it didn’t take long to work out we were headed into the Cotswolds. Sure enough my powers of deduction were right as the view changed to picture postcard worthy villages. ‘Not much further.’ Marcus announced stopped to give way to oncoming traffic, ahead of us a single lane, over a narrow stone bridge. The whole area was idyllic.
‘This is beautiful Marcus.’ I could tell my words made him happy. Wherever he was taking me was obviously special to him. I could see why as we turned left shortly after the bridge. Turning onto another single track, we slowed to a snail’s pace, a fact I was quite grateful for, the fear of oncoming traffic, with few passing places coupled with the fact that we were surrounded by more stone walls reminded me of how punishing encounters with walls can be. So focused on how close we were to the wall beside me I didn’t notice until Marcus stopped the car on the apex of another bridge. Looking up, I gasped! What lay ahead was absolutely, stunning. A beautiful cotswold stone house, three storeys high with little dorma windows jutting out of the roof. Rambling across the front of the house was a mist of purple wisteria. ‘Wow!’ Satisfied, he grinned, continuing to inch his way down the bridge without scratching the paintwork. More appreciate sounds emerged from me as more of the beautiful surroundings revealed themselves. ‘Could we leave out the dramatic sound effects until I’m parked up.’ He said with a rye smile as he continued the somewhat precarious descent albeit for a few meters or so, before parking up in front of a single storey double garage. Breathing a sigh of relief he turned the engine off, but soon his focus was turned to a bicycle propped up against a wall.