Page 60 of Billionaire Hunt

Chapter 12

“Wake up, sleeping beauty,” Erik said.

I struggled to open my eyes. I was so tired. So tired.

“Thanks for dropping me off,” I mumbled as I maneuvered out of the car. Erik extended his hand to me and I took it. I was too tired to tell him off.

I tried to wake myself up and I looked around. I realized that I didn’t know where we were.

“Where are we?”

“My other condo in the city. It was close to the hospital.”

“I’m not staying in your condo. Take me home.”

“You don’t have anyone at home who can take care of you.”

“So what? I can take care of myself.”

“Come on, Misha. Let’s not fight.”

“We’re not fighting,” I said matter-of-factly. “I’m just telling you what you need to do and what you need to do is take me home.”

“You heard the doctor. You should have someone with you just for a little while. And you’re all alone in your apartment. “

I narrowed my eyes at him. “And what’s wrong with being alone?”

“Everything!”

“What?!”

“I mean, nothing, but in this case, you shouldn’t be alone and I wouldn’t feel right just leaving you.”

“Really? You didn’t have a problem doing it before.”

He had to visibly retain control of his anger at my comment. “I’m not trying to fight with you. I just want to make sure you’re not alone so soon after leaving the hospital...anything can happen.”

I stared at him and said, “I’m not pregnant.”

“What?” he said, clearly confused.

“If that’s why you feel some sort of misguided obligation toward me then you might as well know the truth now. I’m not pregnant.”

He swallowed hard. “The accident--you didn't--did it--”

I shook my head. “I didn’t miscarry either. My period actually came on the week after our little evening of ill-repute.”

He looked relieved and for some reason that hurt me to the core.

“Did you hate the idea of being tied to me so much that you’re thankful I’m not pregnant?”

He reached out to touch me and I hit at his hand. “It’s not like that at all--”

“I’m not naive---”

“I didn’t say you were---”

“I know a look of relief when I see it!” To my surprise, I was crying now.