by Kira Hillins
Ben sat down on the desk, eyes wide, hand covering his mouth. “Fuck.”
“I asked him why he wanted to hurt me.” She swallowed her tears. “He said that I’d lied when I told him I was…saving myself for the right man, and that I’d never slept with anyone before.”
She glanced down at the calendar on Drema’s desk and then closed her eyes. Nicholas’s face had been so close to hers. “His hands twisted my neck as he held me against the wall. I couldn’t breathe. I pleaded with him to stop, but he wouldn’t. I just kept thinking that I was going to die.”
She opened her blurring eyes. As she hugged her chest, she trembled violently.
“He knocked me to the floor. He grabbed me by my arm and then dragged me down the hall to the living room. I smelled tequila on his breath. I struggled to get away, but he held me down by my throat. He hit me over and over until I didn’t have the strength to fight him anymore.”
Ben stood and began to pace.
She could see the truth was clearly sinking in. “Then he was inside me.”
Ben squeezed his fist and punched the wall. He raked his fingers through his hair, brows low, eyes narrowed and wet as he paced faster. “Why didn’t you tell me before?” he shouted, face bloodred. “I should’ve fucking killed him when I’d had the chance!”
“I wanted to forget what he’d taken from me.” She whimpered. “I wanted to believe in my heart that you were the man…the one I’d saved myself for. If I’d told you, then it wouldn’t be true. You wouldn’t have wanted me.”
He stopped pacing. “How can you say that?” He pulled her into his arms and held her tight against him. “I love you.”
“He’s after me, and I’m scared to death,” she said, finally letting her tears fall. “I’m supposed to be strong, but I’m not.”
He leaned back and cupped her face. “You are strong.” His thumbs wiped the tears from her cheeks. “You’ve overcome so much pain in your life. You’re going to get through this. I’m right here with you. Do you understand?”
“You can’t be with me.” She covered her eyes with her palm. “He has a gun. He told me the bullet’s meant for you.”
Renji suddenly burst through the door. His eyes fixed on Zoe. Breathing hard, he made his way to her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine now.”
“Fred and I searched the area but couldn’t find him. There are police everywhere, so he won’t get far.” Zoe shivered as Renji turned his glaring eyes on Ben. “You let her go off alone? Asshole! You think you’d learn from your mistakes!”
“Stop it, Renji,” Zoe said.
“It’s okay.” Ben palmed her back. “He’s right. I should’ve gone inside the bar with you.”
“Okay.” Renji gave a nervous clearing of his throat. “As long as we’re clear that you should’ve gone with her.”
This was such a disaster. She didn’t know what to do or where to go. The only thing that mattered was that Ben was in her life, regardless if he was here or there.
Chapter Thirty-Two
A large hand shook Zoe’s arm hard.
“Get up, stupid!” Renji shouted. He draped her arm around his neck, lifted her out of a shallow pool of water, and carried her to the shore.
Water spilled from her open mouth as she spoke. “I’m fine.”
“You could’ve died!” Renji said as he stood straight, glaring down at her. “This is real life, Zoe. Not one of your stupid video games. You’re pregnant, and now I don’t want you. Nobody wants you. You’re going to die all alone.”
Renji’s face morphed into Nicholas, who sported a maniacal grin. The shadow of his boot covered her face. He shoved her back down underwater. Her shriek turned to a gurgle as water rushed into her mouth. Her lungs filled with water, and she couldn’t breathe.
Zoe rose in bed, gasping for air. She palmed her face, her round stomach. Her gown was dry.
Thank God it was just another bad dream. This one had felt so real, unlike the other nightmares she’d had in the past several months.
A dull pain in her side forced her to her feet. She moaned, hand against her abdomen until the ache subsided. Her cell phone rang as she waddled down the hallway toward the kitchen.
“Zoe!” Renji spoke loud when she answered. “You ready to go yet? We’re supposed to meet Millie and the gang for breakfast in an hour.”
“I just woke up.”
“What?” he said. “I’m coming over.”
“No, wait. I—” The phone clicked. “…don’t want to go to church.” She set her phone on the counter.
Renji started pounding before she even made it down the stairs.
“Hold your horses!” She unlocked the door and opened it wide. “I said I don’t want to go to church.”
“You are going to church whether you feel like it or not.” Renji shoved his way through the door and up the steps. “You’ve promised for the past three months you would,” he continued from the hallway.
Zoe followed him to her bedroom. When Renji slid her maternity dresses across the closet bar, she sighed.
“All right,” she said. “Only if we go to Granny’s for breakfast. My stomach’s growling.”
“When is it not?” He tossed her pink dress on the bed. “After months of puking, I imagine you’re a bottomless pit. Really. How does Ben put up with you?”
“I feel good this morning. Considering I’m…ungh…”
“You’re still afraid to say it? You’re eight months pregnant. Having a baby. With child. Knocked up.”
“I was going to say blimp.”
The great big smile on his face was hard to resist. “Okay, then, how about these? Sexy soon-to-be mom. Adorable MILF.”
“Pregnant is just fine.” Another sharp pain hit her abdomen. She breathed in and out several times before the ache finally subsided. “And what the heck’s a MILF?”
He cocked his head to the side and then laughed. “Never mind. Let’s stick with sexy soon-to-be. Does Ben know you’re having pains?”
“Of course he does. He’ll be here in a few days to take care of me.”
She smiled. It’d been two weeks since they’d spooned. She enjoyed the way he rubbed her belly. He was so gentle and loving. When the baby kicked, he’d grin and then hold her tighter. She hoped they’d get a chance to do it one more time before the baby arrived.
“You know I love taking care of you.” He gently kissed her cheek. “You’ll always be my number one girl.”
“Don’t let Drema hear you say that.”
“She understands.” He shrugged. “By the way, we’re picking her up on the way to the restaurant. She wants to show off her diamond ring.”
“Oh, you finally bought her a real one.”
“Yes. A big one that almost cost my half of the bakery.” Renji gave a crooked grin. “Anyway, I told her she can eat the ring pop I bought her as a temporary.”
She held her belly when she laughed. Renji was so happy. He’d proposed to Drema on Thanksgiving, but they hadn’t set a date yet. Today was supposed to be the big reveal at church.
“Speaking of food, can we go eat breakfast now?”
“You’re a glutton, young lady.” He chuckled. “Get dressed. I’ll let everyone else know we’re meeting at Granny’s.”
When they were in the car, Zoe gazed out the window. The sun shone beautifully through the trees. Shadows moved across the road like an old film reel.
She rubbed her belly. Three more weeks and she’d be a mom.
It’d been a long journey of mood swings and puking. Lots of puking. She’d been sick the entire pregnancy. Almost eight months of tossing breakfast down the morning chute. It’d gotten so bad in the second trimester that she couldn’t stand car rides to Denver. Plane rides were worse. Either Ben came to see her, or they met halfway. And sometimes, that didn’t even work, but they’d hung in there. They’d decided that once the baby was born, they’d discuss living arrangements. Zoe still wasn’t sure about anything.
&
nbsp; The good thing was, she’d hadn’t heard a word from Nicholas. Fred and Sheriff Clemens had contacted the state police. Warrants for his arrest circulated throughout the entire state of Kansas.
Renji had installed security cameras around the apartments and at Millie’s house. With the police constantly patrolling the town at night, Zoe breathed a little better.
Once word got out into the community that she was pregnant, nobody would leave her alone. Renji told the reverend how ill she’d been, which led to calls and pleas for her to join them for Sunday worship. They enticed her by telling her about the potlucks on the first Sunday of every month.
Renji picked up Drema in front of her house. Zoe stole a glance at Renji. A cheerful aura surrounded him. He smiled, holding Drema’s hand.
God, she missed Ben. It felt like it’d been months since she’d seen him. Touched him. Spoken to him face-to-face. She hated the times they couldn’t be together.
He’d bought her a new smartphone so they could stay in touch. She couldn’t resist sending him texts and pictures—many of them to let him know that she and the baby were fine.
He’d sent her gifts. Roses. Candies. When she found out they were having a boy, he started sending outfits. Once the holiday season began, the clothes and gifts were wrapped in Christmas paper with colorful bows.
She’d often thought about giving in and moving. But with Nicholas off the grid, a warrant out for his arrest, she couldn’t risk leaving the safe net the community had made her. Until then, the touch-and-go meetings and text messages would have to do.
When they walked into the fifties-style diner, Zoe breathed in the heavenly aromas. The visuals on the DEALS OF THE DAY board were the loveliest things she’d seen since sunrise.
There were so many options to choose from. Hotcakes and sausage. Eggs and bacon with toast. Thick slices of French toast topped with cream cheese and juicy blueberries. It was going to be difficult to choose which mouthwatering ensemble she’d order.
Millie and Hank sat together at a table in the back of the restaurant. Stomach growling, Zoe followed Renji and Drema.
“I’m so glad you came, Zoe!” Millie bounced in the seat, making it squeak. Her open hand slid to the center of the table. Zoe placed her palm on Millie’s. “You’re simply glowing this morning.”
Warmth spread to Zoe’s cheeks. “It’s Renji’s fault. He’s been calling me names all morning.”
“Again?” Millie’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t stress our girl out.”
“Just called her a MILF,” he said in a low voice. “She should take it as a compliment.”
Drema punched his arm. “I can’t believe you’d say that about her.”
“It’s not like I meant it.” He kissed her. “She doesn’t even know what that means.”
Drema ho-hummed as she held up her left hand, showing the large diamond rock on her ring finger. “Check out the engagement ring Renji bought for me.”
Millie’s eyes widened. “Ah. He finally found the balls to buy the expensive one.”
Hank chuckled as he grabbed Renji’s hand and shook. “So, when’s the big day?”
“We discussed Vegas. Drema wants Valentine nuptials.”
“Valentine’s in Vegas?” Zoe’s jaw dropped. She’d known Ben longer and was pregnant. They hadn’t even discussed marriage yet. Renji getting married in February was just crazy soon. “Why not have the wedding here?”
“The reverend’s free that day, but—” Drema sighed. “It would be so much fun, the six of us, living it up at Caesars Palace.”
“I’ll have the baby then.” Zoe gazed at Renji. “I think that’s too soon for me to be taking trips anywhere. And Vegas isn’t family-friendly.”
“Ever been to Vegas?” Drema asked.
“Can’t say that I have,” Zoe said, staring at the menu. “A friend of mine went once. Said she partied for three days straight and couldn’t remember what she’d done.”
Drema snickered. “Yep. Been there. Done that.”
“Really?” Renji said. “You’ll have to tell me that story sometime.”
“The reverend preached a sermon about the city back when I went to church with my dad.” Zoe scanned the tempting photos of eggs and bacon. And mm…waffles. “He said Vegas packed in evil souls. Gambling. Drinking. Orgies. Secrets of the nightlife nobody dared reveal when they returned home to their families. I kind of think it’d be a terrible place to get married.”
“What’s your deal this morning, Zoe?” Renji said. “Can’t you just be happy for us?”
“I am happy for you. Just hungry, Pa.”
“It’s okay, Renji.” Drema leaned back in her seat. “We figured you’d be too busy with the baby to go to Vegas. That’s why we’ve decided to get married here and just honeymoon in Vegas.”
“Awww.” Zoe’s heart leaped. She felt bad for snapping at Drema and making Renji mad. “I am happy for you both.”
“You guys ready to order?” the pretty young waitress wearing a green bow tie and vest asked.
“I’d like an orange juice with the French toast of the day,” Zoe told the waitress. “I also want a side of scrambled eggs and bacon with a slice of toast. Oh, and hash browns. Can you add cheddar cheese to the eggs and potatoes?”
The waitress smiled. “Yeah, we can add cheese.”
Zoe looked over the menu one more time. The sliced cinnamon apples sounded good too, but she’d already made herself look like a glutton—or a pregnant woman starving to death. Millie even looked up from her menu, hopefully not about to lay in on her about her diet again. She was not in the mood.
“I’m eating for two,” Zoe said.
The waitress took the menu and then tucked it under her arm. A shade of rose blended through the girl’s pale cheeks when she turned to Renji. Her slightly crooked teeth showed as she swayed her tall, thin frame.
“How about you, sir?”
He glanced up at her. “Eggs and bacon, hold the toast.” Zoe slugged his arm. “Oww…I meant…with toast?”
Zoe nodded. “Add a side of cinnamon apples too.”
“Hungry some?” Hank laughed. “Hotcakes and sausage for me,” he added and then handed his menu to the young woman.
“I’ll have the same thing he’s having,” Millie said. She turned her attention on Zoe. “When’s Ben coming to town?”
“Tuesday.” Zoe smiled. She couldn’t wait to feel his chest against her back and his hand on her tummy. “He sent this cute white teddy bear with soft rainbow LED lights that change colors. It’s adorable.”
“Still asking you to move in with him?” Renji asked.
“He always asks.” A dull ache hit Zoe’s side. “I can’t move up there anyway.”
“Why not?” Millie puckered her lips. “The bakery’s doing just fine after you hired the beautiful, fabulous, intelligent manager who can run the place blindfolded.”
When Zoe laughed, sudden stabbing pain crawled across her abdomen. She drew in a deep breath and then another.
“If I go into labor before I get breakfast, I’m going to be pissed.”
“Ben’s waiting on our call.” Renji whipped out his cell phone. “Should I let him know the baby’s on its way?”
“It’s just Braxton-Hicks. Give me a second, and it’ll pass.” When the pain subsided, she leaned back in the seat. Heat rushed to her face. Her belly grumbled. If she didn’t eat something soon, she was going to be ill. “This baby better not come before Ben gets here.”
The waitress brought their food. Zoe took her hunger out on the two giant pieces of steaming Texas French toast doused in cream cheese, plump blueberries, and loads of syrup. She dug into the large plate of bright yellow scrambled eggs topped with cheddar cheese, two slices of crisp bacon, and crispy, greasy hash browns.
Zoe stuffed her mouth full. Everything tasted divine. Sweet. The taste almost brought her to tears. Forkfuls of egg and cheese melted in her mouth. More French toast landed on her tongue before she realized everyone watched her.
Renji chortled. “Wow. I am so disappointed in you, Zoe.”
Zoe’s mouth was full. Syrup covered her lips as she watched the smiles on the other side of the table.
She quickly stabbed the hash browns with her fork and then brought it close to her lips. Cheese stretched from the plate, creating a long string that broke when she shoved the bite inside her mouth.
Hank’s eyes widened. “You sure you can handle all that, Zoe?”
Zoe set her fork on the edge of the syrupy plate of French toast. She wiped her mouth with her cloth napkin. Her cell phone rang. She leaned down and pulled it from the side pocket of her purse. A heavy cramp hit below her navel. “Ohhhh…” She hunched over. “Oh, this contraction’s…strong.” Her stomach churned. “I’m going to be sick.”
She rose and waddled toward the bathroom, squeezing between tables and around chairs, hand over mouth. Eyes watering, she found an empty stall in the bathroom. It took some doing, but she finally lowered herself to the greasy floor.
Everything she’d eaten came up and out fast. Sweat beaded her brow. Groaning, she leaned back against the stall, palm on her burning temple.
Her cell phone rang again. Zoe pressed the Answer icon on the touch screen. “Who is this?”
“Zoe.”
Her clammy skin rose with a chill. “Nicholas?”
“Pretty Miss Zoe stepped into the restaurant for breakfast,” he said. “She went off and left her apartment unlocked. Didn’t think she’d mind me hanging out until she got home.”
Tears welled in Zoe’s eyes. “I’m calling the police.”
“I can’t figure out why people keep all their personal info out in the open. I mean, really…bank passwords, credit card numbers…doctor’s receipts.” He growled. “I go in hiding for a few months to come home and find out you’re pregnant. You didn’t tell me. I am not happy about this.”
She shivered, ill sensation working its way up again. “What do you want from me?”