Chapter 15
Chapter
Fifteen
IVY
Iwake up cold.
Sitting, I look around my dark room, and the shadows start to jump out at me. I fumble for the light switch, and it takes me three tries to find the switch, managing to knock my phone off the nightstand in the process.
“Milton?” I call out into the quiet apartment, but no one answers.
Frowning, I get out of bed and grab my phone off the floor.
I have a text message from W.M. Blair III. I giggle as I open it.
“So formal and old man sounding, don’t you think, baby?” I rub my stomach as I read the message.
Had to run some errands, Hen. Be back soon to pick you up.
What time? I have a class at ten.
I glance at the time on the device and curse. I almost overslept. That never happens. Being late is not acceptable behavior. If Ivan knew…I stop that train of thought and grab my necklace.
The phone dings, making me jump.
On my way back now. We can go after your class. Can I watch?
He wants to watch me dance?
Sure.
I rush around and get myself ready, loading the music needed before starting the online class. I’m going through the second set of movements when my front door alarm rings, letting me know someone has entered.
I was expecting it so I wouldn’t stumble as I continued the class.
I chose my black leotard and white tights today. The white satin skirt that wraps around my waist has little black dots that shimmer in the light as I move. When the door to the room slowly opens, and Milton’s tattooed head comes into view, I put my finger to my lips so he knows not to talk.
He nods and points to the corner where I have a chair I use to put my pointe shoes on. I try not to laugh as he creeps slowly across my makeshift studio, trying not to make noise just for one of my students to comment on him when the mirrors give him away.
“Oh, who’s the stud?” I cough, trying to hide my laughter.
“Am I on camera?” I can hear all the ladies in class swoon.
“That accent!” I roll my eyes and clap my hands.
“Next position, ladies!” I lift up on my toes, stretch my arms above my head, and demonstrate the releve pose.
Whenever I have to do poses that involve showing my face, I wear a mask, which luckily isn’t that unusual in dance. I’ve never had one of my adult students ask why, but the little girls do all the time. I just tell them it’s fun.
Today, it’s one hundred percent true. Especially seeing the reaction on Milton’s face.
“Let’s go over the first half of the routine one more time before we end class for the day.” I press play on the music, and the room fills with a hauntingly beautiful melody as I take my mark.
I let my body take over as I fluidly move from one pose to the other, ending in the last releve I showed them. I grabbed my towel and water bottle as I watched them repeat what I had just taught them on screen.
“Yes, you got it. Shelly, you need to arch your back more on that last attitude. Well done ladies! See you on Friday.” I shut the laptop and turn to talk to Milton but smack myself in his chest.
“That was incredibly sexy, and I want to see you do it naked.” I push him away, laughing.
“Maybe, right now, I need a shower.” I walk out of my studio and across the hall to my bedroom.
“Can I wash your back?” I can hear the laughter in his voice.
“NO!” I call over my shoulder.
“Fine, I’ll make ya some lunch then. Hurry so I can feed ya before we go.” I swallow hard, wanting to argue, but nod and rush to shower as he says.
When I walk into my kitchen twenty minutes later, my nose perks up. My stomach rumbles, and I step up behind Milton to see what he’s making.
“Hope you like steak and eggs.” I grin as my mouth starts to salivate.
“Who are we feeding?” I laugh at the amount of eggs and fresh-cut fruit sitting in bowls while he flips the biggest steak I’ve ever seen in my life.
“The three of us, of course. Sit, I’ll serve you.” My ass hits the stool as I watch this strong tattooed biker in a kilt cater to me and fucking swoon.
My hunger morphs, and I cross my legs, trying to hide my reaction, but of course, he catches it. His eyebrow lifts as he watches me.
“Hormones?” He chuckles at my nod.
“No worries, Hen. I’ll take care of both your hunger. Now, eat up. I’m eager to see the bairn.” Wait, what?
“See him?” He scoops out a healthy serving of eggs on a plate and strips of perfectly cooked steak before handing it to me with a fork.
“Aye, I’ve got the ultrasound machine all setup. We packed it away after Glitch had the baby.” I shake my head, amazed, and start to eat.
“You keep saying him. Have you not had one yet?” I swallowed and reached for the glass of orange juice that was sitting for me.
I take a long drink and clear my throat.
“Blood test a few weeks ago told me the sex. I don’t really like surprises, so I needed to know so I could prepare.” I take a bite of the steak, and he nods as he chews.
“Have you got any names picked out?” This line of questioning makes me anxious.
“No, I still wake up most mornings and forget I’m pregnant. I don’t really feel different. I’m not showing, don’t get sick, I haven’t felt him move…” I trail off with a hand on my stomach, suddenly happy he pushed me to do this today.
What if something is wrong?
“That’s typical, Hen. Don’t worry until I tell you there’s something to worry about.” I blow out a breath and finish my plate in record time.
“Ok, let’s see how this helmet fits.” Milton reaches into a bag on the counter and pulls out an all-black riding helmet with a reflective front visor.
He opens it and lifts it over my head.
“Ready?”