Chapter 39
ASPEN
Iwake to an empty house. That is not unusual.
Blade works hard, and he works a lot. Now I understand why the Reaper’s favorite place is the bar. It’s the one place they can let off steam and rid their minds of the carnage their life brings on repeat.
Luckily for me, Blade prefers to rid his demons inside me, and I’m a willing participant.
Groaning, I head to the bathroom yet again to pee. The downside of pregnancy, for sure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My hand smooths over my swollen belly as I whisper to our baby.
“Not long now, little one. I can’t wait to meet you.”
My heart bursts with emotion as I imagine our life together. One baby will undoubtedly turn into two, then three, possibly four. There is no doubt in my mind about that.
I finish up and take a shower, wondering how long Blade will be gone this time.
Sometimes it’s days, and they are the missions I hate the most. It’s lucky I’m not alone in waiting and as I drag on a loose-fitting dress, I tie my hair in a sleek ponytail and head off to find that damn fried chicken I’m addicted to.
It’s another beautiful day. The sun is high, beating warmth on my skin, and the birds are singing in the trees.
I smile as Britney heads my way in a gentle jog, revealing she’s working out, and she slows as she draws near.
“Hey, Aspen.”
She chugs from her water bottle. “I sure hope I look as good as you when I’m eight months down the line.”
She winks. “But not just yet. I’m having far too much fun to walk home from this party.”
Britney loves this life too much and is a favorite among the Reapers for her sass and humor.
She’s also incredibly gorgeous, and I wonder what will happen in her future.
She appears in no hurry to leave, and I don’t blame her, really, but surely she wants more than this.
No matter how tempting more is around here.
“I’ve got to do another circuit, otherwise I’d stop to chat.” She pauses and adds, “Have you heard from Sunday?”
My smile drops, and I don’t miss the anxiety in her expression.
“No,” I shake my head. “Last I heard, she was busy with college and had a part-time job in a salon. Then again, you know, Sunday. She would say it was sunshine in a rainstorm.”
“Yeah. You know–”
Her smile dims, and I finish her sentence. “He’s a stubborn pain in the ass.”
“What is it with him?”
She blows out a breath. “He’s been sulking since she left all these months ago.
He won’t glance at another woman, just sits propping up the bar, drowning in misery and working out.
You’d think if he didn’t want Sunday, he would have replaced her in his bed, but that man is so deep in his own shit he can’t dig himself out. ”
I would laugh, but the situation isn’t funny. Blade is worried about his twin, and I understand why. Since Sunday left, Razor has become even more of a loner. He doesn’t show any interest in the whores and prefers to spend his time drinking with Blade or working out.
“He’ll figure it out.”
I’m confident of that, and she nods.
“I would like to help him with that because, fuck me, that man is a beast, but his heart walked out of here nine months ago and hasn’t returned. Surely, there’s something we can do to help him.”
I love that she wants to. All the women here have hearts of gold, as well as the Reapers, and I love that about living here.
She sighs and jogs on the spot. “I should go. I’m cooling down before I’ve finished. Catch you later, Aspen.”
She jogs off through the trees, and I resume my walk to the cafeteria. Lou’s fried chicken has got me through this pregnancy and calls to me most days.
As I draw near, I notice Bonnie and Ashton heading my way. They are each carrying a baby strapped to their chest, and I smile.
“Hey.”
They smile their greeting, and I peer down into Ashton’s precious bundle, and my heart shifts.
“He’s perfect.”
I coo over the perfect baby and slide my gaze to the similar bundle in Bonnie’s arms.
“She’s just got off.”
Bonnie sighs, her eyes heavy with lack of sleep.
“Ashton took pity on me and we’re doing a few circuits of the paths.”
“Tough night?”
I’m sympathetic and she groans. “My nights merge into days. I’ve forgotten what sleep is anymore. When one sleeps, the other is awake. I’m exhausted.”
Ashton nods sympathetically. “I’ll mind them both so you can sleep. I love them so much and I have nothing on today.”
She glances my way and appears concerned. “Did you catch the news?”
“Yeah, it sucks.”
Bonnie huffs. “That bastard. It’s obvious they got to the jury. Nobody actually believes he’s innocent. It’s a crime that he was released.”
My nerves prickle at the mention of that man, and I shiver inside. “Knowing him, he’ll pick up where he left off. Hopefully, he’ll be careful, and now his face has been all over the press, women won’t believe his lies.”
“It never works out that way, honey.”
Ashton sighs. “We’ve all met men like Gideon Fox; hell, it’s why we’re here. Every woman in the compound has a sad story to tell about their beginnings, and that will never change.”
“But he can’t be allowed to get away with it. That’s what I hate about the justice system. It’s strewn with loopholes that criminals jump through to freedom. The poor victims are left with the memories while the perpetrators move on to their next victim.”
“You don’t want to worry about Gideon Fox, Aspen. His time will come.”
Bonnie’s baby cries softly and shifts, and I note the panic in her eyes.
“We should keep moving.”
“To mine.” Ashton’s tone is fierce. “You need to sleep, Bonnie and I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll watch the twins today. You grab some sleep while Snake is at work.”
“If you’re sure.”
The gratitude in Bonnie’s eyes offers me a glimpse of my immediate future, and I smile. “I can help. I’d love to get in some practice.”
Ashton grins. “Sure. Come and find me once you’ve eaten. I’ll be at home. It will be nice to catch up.”
Her smile is warm, and I fully understand why Ryder King is besotted with his wife. She surely is the sweetest woman in this entire compound and so beautiful it almost hurts to look at her.
Bonnie yawns, and my stomach reminds me of my mission, and I take one last lingering glance at the two sleeping babies and thank God that the Reapers rescued me from my imminent death and brought me to heaven.