“One, for flipping me the bird,” I say, stepping closer to him. “Two, for stealing my best friend and scaring the life out of me.” I get up to his chest. “And three, well shit, there is no three. I will drop three because you have put a smile on her face I’ve never seen, so I can forgive you for some of your bad behavior.”

He laughs and wraps an arm around Autumn. “Whatever you say, babe.”

I lift my hand and I flip him the bird.

I just know we’ll be good friends.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

I don’t tell Reign that night.

That would be because I pass out cold when the sun goes down, and there will be no moving me from my bed.

I decide to go to work the next morning, and I try to keep my stomach sealed for long enough to get me through the first part of the day without being sick. The doctor told me salty crackers and water in the morning, so I managed to nibble some down before heading in.

Reign called a meeting first thing, which is the absolute worst thing that could have happened. Being that I’m stuck in a room with men and women who are talking far too loudly and they’re all eating pastries and delicious things that now make me feel as though I’m going to lose my stomach at any second.

That’s why when the plate is passed my way and the smell fills my nose, I find myself leaping out of my chair, hand pressed to my mouth.

“Tia,” Reign says, turning to me from his position at the head of the table. “Are you okay?”

I shake my head, running from the room. I barely make it out of the office space when I drop to my knees and throw up. Shame fills my body as I lose the water I drank only an hour ago. Tears tumble down my face as I desperately try to stop the vomit rising up in my throat.

“Shit, Tia.” Reign is by my side, his hand rubbing my back.

“Get me the cleaner,” he barks to someone.

I sob loudly, pressing my hand to my mouth.

“You need to get a second opinion. You’re fuckin’ sick and I’m not going to sit back and watch it,” Reign says, helping me to my feet. “I’m taking you right now.”

“No,” I protest, my voice shaky. “Reign, no.”

“Tia, you’re sick. You’re going to pass out if you keep throwing up the way you are. You’re going to the hospital.”

“I said no, Reign,” I cry, trying to tug my hand from his as he leads me down the hall.

“Argue as much as you like, hate me if you will, but I’m not letting you continue on like this, because I care about you.”

“Reign—”

“Don’t argue with me.”

“Reign—” I try again.

“Tia, for fuck’s sake, you’re going to the hospital.”

“I’m pregnant,” I screech, losing it. “You goddamned stubborn asshole. I’m fucking pregnant.”

His hand drops from mine so quickly it’s like he’s been burned. He stops in front of me, not facing me. I can’t see his eyes, but I can see how stiff his shoulders just got. I stop breathing for the few minutes it takes him to turn and stare at me.

“What did you say?”

“I’m pregnant,” I whisper.

I can see the emotion flashing across his face, and I can almost hear the wheels in his mind turning.

“Mine?”

My shoulders straighten. “Of course it’s yours, Jesus, Reign.”

He just stands there, staring at me, clearly in shock. “Are you sure?”

“Am I sure I’m pregnant, or am I sure it’s yours?”

“Both,” he rasps.

I grind my teeth together. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“I thought you were on protection, or I would have fuckin’ used a condom.”

“I was, but it ran out and with everything that was going on, I didn’t realize my time was up.”

He reaches up, running a hand through his hair. “Shit, fuck.”

Not exactly the reaction I wanted, but it could be worse.

“I need,” he begins, taking a deep breath, “I need time. Go home, Tia. I can’t . . . I can’t do this right now.”

That burns.

Nodding my head, knowing it’s best not to push, I turn and walk slowly down the hall. My vision blurs as I climb into the car he organized for me, and the entire way home I manage to hold my tears in. Confusion and fear fills my veins as I get out and numbly walk to my front door, my heart breaking.

What if he doesn’t want our baby?

~*~*~*~

I’m curled up on the couch, arms around my knees, head dropped between them. I’ve stopped sobbing, but my heart continues to feel empty and broken. Reign hasn’t called; it’s been three hours. I guess that’s all I need to know. My mind twists in confusion as I try to think about my next steps. I don’t even know if there are steps to take.

Maybe my best option would be to leave.

A pounding at my door has my head lifting from their warm spot on my knees. I stare at my front entrance, knowing it’s not Reign. He doesn’t knock, he just enters. With a sigh, I shove to my feet and walk over, opening the door to reveal a brooding, angry Selena. It takes me a moment to process that she’s standing at my door.

“What the hell?” I mutter.

“You little whore!” she screeches, her face scrunched with rage. “I knew you wanted him back, but going to this length to get him is low, even for you.”