Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“That’s not happening. You are not a part of my baby’s life. I won’t allow it.”
“You won’t have a choice. I told you, I’m not giving Dom up. We’re all going to have to be adults so we can co-parent. Whatever issues we have, the child is innocent.”
“You’re dreaming. I'm not letting you near my child.”
Nicole laughs. “Gabby, you act like you have power here, and you don’t. You won't be able to stop it. There’s not a court around that will keep a child from the stepmother, especially one like Thea who checks all the boxes the courts demand.”
“Stepmother?” Gabby bites out. Her face flushes with anger. If looks could kill, Nicole would be dead, and I wouldn’t be far behind. “You’re not married to Dom. What lies are you spreading to get his parents on your side?”
I carefully fold my results again and put them in my pocket. I don’t want her to take them out of my hand. Then I hold out my hand, showing the engagement ring Dom gave me. “We’re not married yet, but we soon will be.”
“You stupid cow! You're trying to ruin everything here! I won’t allow it!” Her voice is so shrill that it pierces the air. She reaches out to hit or shove me—I’m not sure of which. “I won’t allow you to ruin this for me, you bitch!” Nicole jumps in between us—trying to protect me from her. She scratches the side of Nicole’s face before she draws back, trying to go around her to get to me.
Nicole slaps the side of Gabby’s face. The sound rings out and immediately stops Gabby’s yelling. “Gabby, stop this. You’re not supposed to be fighting in your condition and Thea shouldn’t be, either. The number one priority here is the babies.”
I hold my head down. Now, I’d like to be the one to strangle my soon-to-be-mother-in-law. The last thing I wanted today was for Gabby to find out I was pregnant. I don’t trust her as far as I can throw her. I wouldn’t put it past her to try to hurt my baby. In reaction to that thought, my hand goes against my stomach.
Gabby’s face fills with shock. “You’re pregnant?” she asks, her voice quieter. I see a pain in her eyes. I can tell how much the thought of me carrying Dom’s baby hurts her. If she were a different person, I could almost feel sorry for her. She’s not, though. Everything that is happening results from her actions and so is the pain she’s feeling right now. If I were a better person, maybe I’d feel charitable toward her. I mean, if she hadn’t fucked up, I’d never have had a chance with Dom. I don’t, however. I’d be more than happy if she would just disappear from our lives—and yes, I know that’s a horrible thing to say since she’s carrying Dom’s baby, too.
God, my life has become a soap opera.
“Yes,” I admit.
“You’re pregnant,” she whispers, and pain fills her voice this time.
Before any of us can say more, I hear the familiar roar of the pipes on Dom’s bike. I look up to see him parking on the street. He immediately scans the area in front of the clinic, jumps off, and makes a beeline for me. He goes around Gabby without looking at her and takes me into his arms. I can’t say a word because his lips are on mine, kissing me hard.
I’m in shock and can’t even fully enjoy the kiss before we’re breaking apart. His gaze goes to his mom. “What happened to your face?”
“It’s nothing. Gabby and I just had a small disagreement.”
Dom turns to look at Gabby then. “You scratch my mother’s face with those damn fake nails of yours?”
“I didn’t mean to. She got in the way,” Gabby answers like a robot. I swear she’s pale as a ghost. I’m thinking she could be in shock.
“So, you were trying to hit my woman? Do you have a fucking death warrant?”
“She’s not your woman. I told you if you wanted to be a part of this child’s life you were going to have to kick her to the curb. I won’t allow that bitch to be a part of my child’s life.”
“Fine.”
“Fine?” I squeak out, just as Gabby gets this fucking self-satisfied smile on her face.
“Dom!”
“Get out of our territory right now, Gabby. My father has already contacted yours. You aren’t allowed here anymore. If I see you around Thea, my mom, or anyone that is important to me, I will end you, and you won’t like how I do it.”
“You can’t do that. This is America and I can go anywhere I want. You lay a finger on me, and my father will wage a war.”
“You see, I knew that would be your response. You wouldn’t think twice about starting a war between the clubs. It wouldn’t bother you to be the cause of people dying. You’re the most selfish person I’ve ever met. Thank fuck Thea gave me another shot. I’ve been more than half in love with her for years, but I pushed her away because of a stupid promise to you that you held over my head.”