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Chapter Eight

Riley focused on thecharities and other time-consuming hobbies that she wrapped herself in so she would stop seeking affection from Rath. He didn’t seem to want to give it.

One of her hobbies was looking through files in search of a match for Ranna. Shopping for superheroes was something she couldn’t do back home, so she threw herself into it after the disaster of the theatre night.

Ranna kept trying to ask her what had happened, and Riley didn’t want to get into why she felt that Rath had pulled back and gone cold.

Rath was acting different, though. He set up a schedule for massage and maintenance of her hair and nails. Ranna was invited along on her spa days, so that was nice.

On their third week, Ranna asked, “What happened?”

Riley was getting her nails done and sighed. “I think it was because I made myself completely vulnerable, and he didn’t react the way I expected, so I pulled back. I don’t know how to get back to what I was like before that, and now we are trying just to find the balance we have left.”

Ranna asked, “You are still having sex?”

“Sure. Once in the morning and twice in the evening, like clockwork.”

“You are getting thinner.”

“Just morning sickness.”

“What?”

“Nausea as my body treats the baby as a foreign entity. It passes eventually in most cases.”

“What if it doesn’t?”

“I go to a med centre and get a stabilization shot. Or IV nutrition.”

Ranna blinked. “You are willing to do that?”

“If I have to get genuine affection from Rath via his children, I will use you and them to calm my soul.”

Ranna stared. “Oh, Riley.”

“I know. Pathetic. Attention whore. Take your pick.”

“Oh. That is what is depressing you. It’s you.”

Riley laughed. “That sounds about right.”

“Are you showing yet?”

“Not yet, thankfully, but the mark is spreading.” Riley smiled. “Your sibling is coming along just fine.”

“I am concerned for you. You need more.”

“I will make do with what I get. Eventually, I will have the baby to provide me with what I need. Hopefully. All babies are different. It may be that the baby likes him better, but it will need me for a while, and I am hoping that will be enough.”

“What will you do if it isn’t?”

Riley looked at her. “Maybe you will have kids who want a grandmother. I am trying to create a backup plan.”

“I am sorry that my father is an asshole.”

“He’s been hurt before. Now he’s just focusing on the material aspects of our contract.”