Chapter Thirteen-Anna
CHAPTER THIRTEEN-ANNA
I wander through the condo after I wake up alone.
Again.
An entire week has passed, and I barely see Nico. I’m so lonely, but I’m healthy and that’s a plus.
There’s a housekeeper who comes every other day. She’s older, friendly, and I like her very much.
But she is there to work, not to be my friend, and I hate taking up her time when I know she has her own family to go home to.
The doctor said everything looked great. All my tests were excellent. The baby is healthy, and we even saw him on the tiny little screen when they did the ultrasound.
It’s confirmed. We are having a boy .
Nico looked so proud when they told us. Of course, I teared up. Being pregnant was like being a giant walking hormone.
He didn’t seem to mind, though. Nico just wrapped his arms around me and held me tight against his hard, powerful body. He kissed my head, whispering words of praise I never expected, but really needed to hear.
We buried Sammy’s ashes in the plot where our parents were laid to rest. It wasn’t a real funeral. Just a short service.
Private. Small. Tasteful.
Exactly the kind of thing I could handle right now.
Sammy didn’t have friends. He’d spent the little time he had on earth feeding the monster that was his addiction.
So, it was just me, Giselle, Nico, Luc, and Angel.
I wept like a broken thing. Hiccupping and sobbing until Nico picked me up and carried me out of there.
He held me the whole ride home and put me to bed. Him carrying me was becoming a thing, and normally I’d be freaking out.
I mean, I’m a big girl. But Nico was bigger than me. Clearly, he could pick my chubby ass up like I was a sack of potatoes and not think twice about it.
I think I’m actually getting used to it. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it. Usually, he left me in the bed to sleep alone. But not that day.
Nico crawled in under the covers with me, and he just held me in silence.
It was exactly what I needed at the time. But I feel so confused now. I don’t know what to make of him.
This man. My husband.
Walking to the large closet I bite my lip and look through the dozens of new clothes Nico had me order.
Smoke and water damage ruined pretty much everything I had in my old place. I couldn’t walk around naked, so I gave in without a fight.
Besides, my belly is only getting bigger. And maternity clothes were cute as fuck.
July is just so fucking hot and sitting in the penthouse, no matter how luxurious is still just sitting around. I’m uncomfortable. I need movement.
The idea of going out alone isn’t really appealing, especially since the fire department confirmed arson. I mean, I don’t know who’d actually want to hurt me, but I can’t risk it .
So, until I broach the subject with Nico, I’ll stay put.
It’s a little better now that I found Nico’s rooftop swimming pool. I mean, his condo is technically the penthouse, but I didn’t know that meant he owned the roof amenities too.
I go to check in with Arnold, using the intercom on the wall.
He’s security, but his position is outside the front door. Nico won’t have anyone in the house while I’m here alone, and I appreciate that.
“I’m going swimming, Arnold,” I tell him.
“Roger that, Mrs. Fury. Want me to open the roof?”
“Yes, please.”
“You got it, Ma’am.”
I chuckle at him calling me ma’am. Hands on my back, I walk up the spiral staircase, a towel slung over my arm.
It’s only like nine stairs to the door leading to the pool, but I take them slowly. Ever since I got pregnant my equilibrium has been completely off.
I push the door open and smile as the ceiling retracts, allowing fresh air to swirl about, and sunshine to rain down on half of the crystal clear pool.
My cell phone chimes. I pluck it from the pocket of the robe I’m wearing and I read a message from Giselle.
Giselle
So, what does a girl wear when going to the Vipers’ Den?
Anna
What the what now? Why are you going there?
Giselle
Got into some trouble. See, I thought I was sticking up for your preggo ass and I kinda sorta showed up the other day and threw a glass of beer into some huge man’s face I thought was Nico.
I laugh out loud. So hard, I almost freaking pee. I could just picture my bestie, her green eyes flashing and curly black hair bouncing as she goes toe to toe with Angel fucking Fury.
Anna
Please tell me you didn’t sell yourself to my husband’s cousin.
Giselle
OMG. Get a grip. You’re the only Slutty McSlutterstein around these parts, Girl .
I don’t answer. I know she’s trying to be funny, but something about it just makes me sad.
Giselle
Anna. ANNA! God, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I’m not judging you. anyway, how is it?
Anna
How’s what? Being a slut? I wouldn’t know. I haven’t had sex in six months.
I tell her honestly, and now I’m crying.
Like a moron.
What kind of person gets sad because the man who basically forced her into marriage when he finds out he accidentally knocked her up after their one night stand, which coincidentally, he also instigated because her brother owed him money, won’t have sex with her?
I am so screwed up.
Giselle
Anna, I am sorry. I didn’t mean it. Are you okay? Please answer me.
But I don’t.
Giselle and I have known each other forever. She’s like my sister. So, she knows my moods. And after ten minutes of her trying to call me, she stops.
She knows I’ll call her back when I’m feeling less salty. Which could be an hour or a day or even a week. It all depends.
Sighing, I turn my phone off and tug on the belt to my terrycloth robe. I’m naked beneath it, but it’s not like I have anything to worry about.
Nico isn’t home. I’m all alone. And even though I bought a couple of maternity bathing suits, I don’t like how they feel.
I hate clingy fabric to begin with. But with this baby belly, it’s so much worse.
The water is warm, but cool enough to be refreshing in all the cloying heat. I sigh as I sink down to my shoulders. After a few minutes, I lie back, just allowing my body’s natural buoyancy to carry me.
The sound of water rushes in my ears as I float lazily. No raft or noodle, just me. It’s just something I always liked to do. I watch the clouds floating by and allow my mind to drift. I close them and focus on breathing. My body feels so light, suspended in the water. And I relax.
Something slams, the door maybe , and I startle, opening my eyes to find a pair of brilliant, glowing blue eyes staring back at me.
It’s Nico. And he is fucking furious.