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“I didn’t say that.” Niko pours another glass. “He’s not coming because he does want you.”
“That doesn’t make sense.” Elena sat next to me, taking my hand. “Maybe he doesn’t realize that you’ve changed your mind about the life he leads.”
Twice now, I wanted him to stay and twice, he walked out.
I realized that this whole nightmare was over. “Does this mean I can go back to my life?”
“No.” Lucy put her hand on her hip. “You’re going to go to Liam, give him hell. And if he’s still an asshole about it, then yes, you can go back to your life.”
By then, I knew what was what. “He’s made up his mind.” I didn’t want to cry in front of these people. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bed.” I turned to Elena. “I’m happy everything turned out for you.”
“He’ll regret this,” Lucy said.
“Jesus, woman, you’re not going to get rid of him, are you? Not after what we did to save his ass,” Donovan asked Lucy.
“No. It will be worse. He’ll live the rest of his life missing Kate. Missing his child. It will be the pain he deserves.” Lucy gave me a hug. “But if you’d like me to punch him in the throat, I will.”
“Thank you, but I doubt that would change anything.”
The memory of last night plays over in my head as I have tea and toast in my room this morning. The pain in my chest makes it hard to breathe, but after a night of anguished tears, I’m done crying over Liam. It was foolish for me to fall for him, although I can’t regret it. Even with this pain I know I’ll feel the rest of my life, I’m not sorry for what happened. How can I be with this little person growing inside me?
When I finish breakfast, I shower and dress, then I pack what few things I have. I carry my bag downstairs and once again go to Niko’s office. This time, I knock, and he calls out for me to come in. He’s sitting alone at his desk.
“Are you okay?” The concern in his expression is genuine.
“I will be. I want to go home.”
“Maybe you should give a little time so we can make sure none of Babichev’s men?—”
“Liam will do that. It’s his sole mission in life.” I can’t hide the disdain I feel for him.
He studies me. “Alright, but I’ll have some of my men stick around for a bit?—”
“No, I’m done.”
“That’s non-negotiable. Look, I’m pissed at Liam too, but I made him a promise to protect you.”
“Fine. When can I go?”
“Donovan and Lucy are planning to return to their place this afternoon. I’m sure you can ride with them.”
“Thank you.”
That was two weeks ago.
When I first returned home, I felt out of sorts and considered packing up and moving. San Diego sounded nice. Or maybe somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. But after my neighbors reached out to me to see if I was okay and invited me to a block party, I realized I’m in a good spot.
Since then, I’ve forced myself to return to a normal life. I’ve kept the manager that Lucy hired for the shop so that I can easily go to doctor appointments and take some time off when the baby comes. I’ve started preparing a nursery for the baby, which I learned last week at my doctor’s visit is a girl. I’ve been going through baby books, making a list of names. I have a long list. Sophia. Eva. Innessa. Larisa. Mina. And a whole lot more. For a split second, I wonder what Liam would like but then immediately ignore the thought.
More money showed up in my bank account that I knew was from Liam. I considered refusing it or giving it to the policeman’s fund but ultimately put it into an account for the baby’s college fund.
The most difficult time of day for me is night. Lying in bed, thoughts of Liam invade my mind. Maybe I should confront him like Lucy says.
The worst is when he shows up in my dreams, sweet, sexy, and irresistible. By morning, I’m able to forget the good and remember the bad. There was so much bad, it’s amazing I even fell for him.
This morning, I’m having tea and yogurt with fruit, sitting on my back porch. I’m assessing the yard for a swing set. I know it’s early for that, but I love the idea of my little girl playing back here.
My phone rings, and checking the ID, I see it’s Elena. I go back and forth on whether or not I should maintain my friendship with her. I don’t want to get caught up in the messiness of the life she leads. Other times, I cherish her support, so I answer the phone.
