I don’t like the sound of that at all. I put the tray on the table next to the bed and shift to look at him.
“Okay . . . I’m listening?” I can already tell I won’t be happy by the way he keeps looking at me with dread. “Axel?” I prompt.
“Okay. So I want you to remember that everything I do is to protect you. Got that?”
I nod my head, narrowing my eyes.
“Right. So I’ve had the guys keeping tabs on that fuckwad for a while now. So far, we haven’t had an inch to go on until last week when Locke finally found some irregularities in the company reports.” I go to interrupt him but he just shakes his head. “Do not ask me how we got those. You don’t need to know the particulars. Anyway, he’s been combing over those reports day and night and finally put it all together. Deep, baby. He’s been pulling thousands—I’m talking hundreds of thousands—right out from under the old man’s nose. Two days ago, Locke followed that trail right into Brandon’s pockets. Long story short, Locke sent a nice care package to dear old dad outlining and showcasing all the evidence. The last thing I heard from my inside guy was that old man went balls-to-the-fucking-wall mad. Police were called in and warrants sworn out for Brandon.” He studies my face, looking for any sign of displeasure with him for disregarding my wish to just let it all be. He won’t find any. As upset that I am at him for keeping his thumb on Brandon, I know why he did it—respect it even.
“And . . .” I add. “I know there is more, Axel, or you wouldn’t be sharing.” My tone is neutral but my body is wound tight.
“I had a guy on him. Not one of our men, but one who I know and trust. Brandon, at this moment, is unaccounted for. Police are looking for him. The boys are looking for him. I’m looking for him. He won’t hide from me. Hear me now, baby, I will find that fucking shit. But I need you to be safe. Stick close this week, okay? I know you aren’t happy about this, but it needed to be done.”
I reach out and grab his hand, giving him a small squeeze. “I understand. I’m not mad. A little upset maybe, but I understand where you’re coming from. If I’m honest, I don’t think I would feel safe knowing he was floating around there.” I give him a small smile, noticing that the worry lines have left his face.
“I’ll find him.” A threat. There will be no mercy from this man if he gets his hands on Brandon.
I snuggle into his side, and we spend the rest of the morning in our bed watching TV and just enjoying being together.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully. Housework and catching up on some of the things I have put off throughout the week.
I have been calling Dee all day but so far haven’t heard from her. Axel tells me to leave it be for the day. Chances are she isn’t able to come to the phone anyway. He tries to call Beck when I wouldn’t leave him alone but just gets voicemail. With a smile and a shrug of his shoulder, we go about the day. I decide to take his advice and just let her call me when she is ready.
I am still not feeling back to normal, so the night ends with us watching movies in bed before drifting off to sleep.
Monday morning starts off much like the morning before. Axel gives me a kiss before the sun is even up and tells me that he needs to go into the office for a few hours but will be back for lunch.
Rolling over slowly, I try to calm my stomach but am unsuccessful and dashing off for the bathroom a few minutes later. I spend the next thirty minutes dry heaving into the toilet before I am able to crawl back to bed. I drift off to a restless sleep not long after my head hits the pillow.
I jolt awake when a chill climbs up my spine. Throwing off the covers, I run down the hallway and stairs before crashing into the office. Pulling up my calendar, I start doing some math in my head. It doesn’t take me long before I am dropping heavily into my desk chair.
Holy shit. It can’t be.
I sit there staring out the window above my desk, watching the trees sway in the breeze and the water down by the lake ripple with the wind. It makes sense. That was been the week after the attack at my house. I remember taking my pill every day like clockwork but I was also been taking some heavy antibiotics.
Holy shit. I drop my forehead on the desk for a few minutes and allow myself a few seconds to freak out.
I pick up the phone on my desk and try calling Dee again but have no luck. It is still early, so I leave a message for her to call me as soon as possible. I disconnect the call before picking the phone up again and calling my doctor, making an appointment for a few hours from now.
On shaking legs, I make the climb back up the stairs and quickly get ready. I don’t even bother with my hair or makeup. I just throw on some jeans and a sweatshirt before dashing out the door.
I make it to the doctor by 9:30 and quickly sign in. I don’t have to wait long before my name is being called. I go through the motions with the nurse and then sit, wait, and silently freak out.
An hour later, it’s confirmed.
I’m pregnant.