Page 130 of Luci’s Lullaby

Emerson wrinkles her nose. “Tell her.”

“Tell me what, Charlee?” Reese stares at me.

“Alden and I only argued once, at the hospital.” I pick at my nail. “It was Sam. She told me she would make sure Alden lost Luci if I didn’t leave.”

“Is that all she said?” Reese scoots closer to me.

I shrug. “Nothing else I didn’t already know. Alden needs to get a contract and to get one, he didn’t need me around. Women were everywhere and all over him. It was a constant fight that night with them, and they wouldn’t take no for an answer. How is he supposed to be faithful to me?”

“He loves you, he’d remain faithful,” Reese says.

“I don’t know that, Reese. He hasn’t even said he loves me.” My chest tightens with the thought of it.

“He rarely tells me.” Reese bumps my shoulder. “I still think you should consider talking to him, and don’t worry about Sam—she’ll get hers.”

“What about his contract?”

“She’s suing him, and I’m sure she’ll try to use Luci against him. She’s already used you to hurt him.” Emerson grimaces.

I pick at my nail. “What’s he going to do?”

“He’s home. He’s going to straighten things out, and we’re going to do our best to get out of the contract,” Reese reassures me.

“What about Luci? I will beat her ass if she messes with them.” I grind my teeth.

“Get her, Momma bear.” Emerson snickers.

I set my jaw. “Make no mistake, I’ll beat her ass over Alden too.”

“He needs his kicked.” Reese smirks.

“Or at least spanked; he’s got a good ass.” Emerson giggles.

I raise my hand in the air. “I volunteer as tribute!”

“Ohhh, I’m gonna tell him you want to spank him.” Emerson wiggles her brows.

“Gag! I shouldn’t be surprised after the things he has planned for you, if he can get you back.” Reese’s eyes are wide.

There’s another knock on the door and we glance at one another. I stand and walk to the door. I peek out to see a woman. I swing the door open.

“Can I help you?”

“Is Alden here?” the brunette asks. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end; this isn’t good.

“He isn’t here at the moment; may I help you?” I cross my arms.

“Yeah, tell him Jessica came by and left him this.” She hands me a piece of paper. “He’s going to be a daddy.” She turns and struts away.

I slam the door and fall back against the wall as the room begins to spin. “What the fuck?”

“Let me see that?” Reese takes the paper and opens it.

“No way, she’s has to be lying,” Emerson says as Reese pulls her phone out of her pocket.

She quickly dials a number. “Hey, we have a problem.”

“It isn’t true, Charlee.” Emerson rubs my arm as I fight the bile rising in the back of my throat.