Chapter 5
Five
Andre
“What did you say?” I demand just trying to process her words.
Tinsley rolls her shoulders back, leveling her icy blue eyes on me. “Before the fall today, I was pregnant. After I fell, I thought everything was fine until I started cramping, which could mean I’ve lost the baby.”
I stand there with my jaw on the floor, just blinking at her, trying to process all the emotions currently coursing through my body. When I land on one I know and can hold on to the easiest, I do—and what happens next is what I deserve.
“Seems your brother was right to be concerned. I wonder what your parents would think if they knew you were running around spreading your legs for any and everyone.” I sneer, anger boiling hot in my gut at the thought of another man doing the things to her body that I did and still dream of doing again.
The words aren’t even completely out of my mouth before she strikes.
Tinsley doesn’t slap me for my words. No, my Tesoro punches me.
I hiss, stepping back and cussing at the pain exploding across my face.
When I look back at her, I expect her to look shocked or even embarrassed about what she just did—but no, what I see is righteous anger and pure heartbreak.
Then, in a manner that I’ve only seen very few people do—all emotions are gone.
It’s like looking at a shell of a person who would rather put you to ground than deal with you.
“Thank you, Mr. Kardoni, for providing me transportation to the doctor. If you wouldn’t mind leaving, the next procedure to be had is private.” Her tone is so sickly sweet I’d be shocked if she didn’t have a cavity.
I drop my head back, staring up at the ceiling and trying to stop the spinning in my head.
I finally look back at her stone-cold face.
Balling my hands into fists, I give her a nod before turning to leave through the office.
My men automatically step in behind me without a word.
My head is spinning, my emotions are beyond turbulent, and nothing is currently making sense.
As I slam through the backdoor and out into the cool December day, I’m able to take a breath.
“Fuck,” I hiss with my hands on my hips.
“Yep,” Bryce states flatly.
Spinning around, I glare at him. “Something to say?”
He smirks at me. “Nope.”
“Goddamn it. I just fucked this all to hell,” I groan, looking down at the ground.
“You did,” Bryce supplies.
“Fuck you, Bryce,” I deadpan.
“As tempting as that offer is, I can tell you I am not your type.” His tone never changes, like he’s just bored with every conversation.
I flip him off and start pacing beside the car, trying to process what has just happened.
“Boss, we’re out in the open and there aren’t enough men here to make sure everyone is covered,” Bryce tells me.
“What the fuck am I supposed to do? I don’t truly know her.
We spent one night together months ago before I knew who she was.
Now she’s hiding in my house and taking care of my grandfather.
She was hired because I couldn’t stand the thought of her being anywhere else.
FUCK!” I shout because I know I sound like a rambling lunatic.
“Andre, you brought her on because she graduated at the top of her class. Do I believe that there was and still is alterative motives behind the reason, yes.” Bryce steps up beside me dropping his voice, “What I’ve learned from my assignment and taking out the trash is that we both know whatever bullshit you spewed back there in the office was just that—bullshit.
Don’t let fear be the reason you can’t be happy. ”
“She’s a Reeves, there will never be happy. Silas would never approve,” I mumble.
“Are you sure about that? Silas sure seems to have taken a liking to her, and as much as you think you’re hiding it, we all see the way you watch her.” Bryce slaps me on my back before stepping away. “Even better, I don’t recall any other nurse having a man on her full-time.”
“Fuck you, Bryce,” I call as I turn, going back into the building.
I return to the door of the room where I left her and knock gently, then wait for an answer.
After what feels like a lifetime, the nurse pulls the door open.
I step in, looking around the room for Tinsley, and find her lying on the exam table with a white sheet over her lap.
She’s looking at a large screen to her right showing what looks like TV static.
Dr. Hannah pushes some buttons on the machine, and the room fills with a quick whooshing sound.
My eyes move from the TV to Tinsley and back, where I still don’t understand what I’m seeing.
Tinsley lets out a sob, and my feet are moving.
I cup her cheek using my thumb to wipe away the tears. “Tesoro, is everything okay? Why’re you crying?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t lose the baby,” she finally whispers.
Looking between her and the TV confused, I ask her, “How do you know?”
Dr. Hannah looks over at me, softening a little. “The whooshing sound you’re hearing is the baby’s heartbeat. It’s very strong, and I’m not seeing anything to indicate you’re losing the pregnancy.” She goes back to clicking on the machine.
Tinsley finally looks away from the TV, seeming to finally realize that I’m there. “What’re you doing here? I thought you had left.”
I kiss her forehead before I say anything else, allowing myself to take in the way she seems to quiet my world before she sends me away again.
“I’m sorry for being an asshole. I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever leave.” Placing my forehead on hers, I continue, “I just needed to walk away so I didn’t continue to spew bullshit in my shocked state.”
Tinsley takes a deep breath, closing her eyes before she turns back to the TV, not saying anything. My heart sinks because I know that it’s going to take time and, shit, loads of groveling to remove my foot from my mouth.
“There was blood in my underwear,” Tinsley tells Dr. Hannah.
“You are measuring about nine to ten weeks. This means that you can still have some spotting, especially after a traumatic experience like falling down the stairs.” Dr. Hannah finishes whatever she’s doing and steps away from us.
Tinsley starts to sit up, so I wrap my around her back to help her. She gives me a small smile but doesn’t say anything.
“I’m going to have Nurse Chelsea take some blood. This will allow us to see what your hormone levels are. I’m going to recommend bedrest until you’re at least twelve weeks or until you see your OBGYN,” Dr. Hannah tells her, coming back over to sit next to the exam table.
“Would you be able to provide me with a list of OBGYN offices in the area? I’ve only lived here since October and have been working. I’ve been unable to explore the area,” Tinsley tells her, still twisting her hands in her lap.
“I can absolutely give you that information. Do you have any other questions or concerns for me?” Dr. Hannah asks her.
“I think I’m okay right now,” Tinsley smiles the first genuine smile I’ve seen all afternoon. She looks back at me. “Do you have any questions for her?”
I shake my head, still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that Tinsley is pregnant and if the math is right, there is no way that the baby belongs to anyone but me.
Hell, even though I’ve fought it before today—as of this moment forward—Tinsley and her baby are mine.
I kiss the side of Tinsley's head as my phone starts ringing.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull it out and see Vito is calling me.
“I’m going to be right outside taking this call. Let me know when you're done and we’ll head home, Tesoro.” I kiss her on the temple before turning to walk out of the room, my head still spinning.
“What’s going on?” I ask him as I answer the phone.
“Do you not know how to answer the fucking phone?” he demands.
I pull the phone away from my ear, looking at it confused before placing it back and replying, “Have you forgotten who you called, Vito?” I growl.
Vito snorts. “I know exactly who the fuck I called.”
“Vito, at this point in my day, I suggest you choose your next sentence wisely and cautiously,” I snap.
Vito growls, “Kingston called. He wants to come to the farm and speak to you face to face or no deal.”
“Who the fuck is he to be making demands? You said it was delt with,” I hiss.
“Everything was fine when I left. After that, the deranged brother decided I was shady and didn’t like me, so now they’re demanding to come to the farm to solidify the deal.” Vito’s tone of annoyance is clear.
“Shit, when will they be here?” I question pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Kingston said he would be in touch, and the next time he calls it would serve you well to answer.” Vito's tone is mocking, but the undercurrent of deadly intent is there.
The door behind me opens, and I turn to see Tinsley standing there, still looking a little pale.
“Remind him that threats are never received well,” I growl before hanging up the phone and sliding it into my pocket.
Then, I hold my hand out for her to take.
She slides her hand into mine, and I gently pull her into my chest, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close to me.
“Are you okay?” she mumbles into my chest.
“It’s nothing to worry about. Are you ready to go? Is there anything else you need to do before we leave?” The need to get out of here and back to the farm so I know Tinsley and the baby are safe is like an itch I cannot scratch—intense and persistent.
Tinsley must feel the tension and concern rolling off me because she rubs my back gently before stepping back. “I’m good to go. Do you mind if we stop somewhere and grab a bite to eat?”
I smile at her. “Let’s get you fed and home to bed.”
Her smile is so big and filled with happiness and eagerness. We turn and I catch Bryce's eyes at the end of the hall, noting that they are stone cold—meaning Vito has also talked to him. This means we’re covered, but it also means that there is a real threat close by.