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“I’m well aware. This might shock you, but I know how to use the internet.”
“That is a shock, old man. Are you sure your retirement can handle it?”
Despite his obnoxious behavior, I can’t help but smile. “Unlike you, I don’t blow my money. I have investments. I can manage it just fine.”
“Spending money on others is my love language. Don’t knock it.”
“I’ll sell it back to you once you’re of age, if that’s what you need.” Then, another thought occurs to me. “Are you able to ask the court for a different trustee or conservator or whatever? Anyone but Kyle.”
“I hired a law firm to explore my options. They’re awaiting the trust documents.”
We stare at each other, the light and playful mood giving way to the inevitable.
“What are you gonna do?”
He wrings his hands. “Head to New York as soon as I get out of here.”
My gut clenches, and I take a deep breath to ease the anxiety of Aurora’s reaction. “Be prepared. She’s not taking this well. I’ve tried talking to her, but she’s… Be careful. Please don’t end up hurting her more. I mean it, Jax.”
“I’m not leaving without her. I’ll move there if I have to.”
Great. “No, you won’t. I’ll drag both of you back here. You’re contracted to me, don’t forget that.”
14
AURORA
I bolt out of bed,make a beeline for the toilet, and drop to my knees. My stomach turns and empties the small amount of food I managed to ingest in the past twenty-four hours.
Ethan left, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. Emptiness and regret slammed into me once I was alone with my thoughts.
Unable to hold my head up, I lay my cheek on my forearm to avoid directly touching the toilet seat with my face.
Pregnancy: glamorous, it’s not.
Another round of nausea strikes, and I clutch the porcelain. The wave finally recedes, leaving me weak and trembling, and I collapse on the tile. I need a strong coffee and to crawl back under the covers.
Too bad I have to work.
I shut my eyes, thinkingI’ll just lie here for a moment.
The door creaks open, and a shadow looms over me. A rough palm brushes my sweaty hair from my forehead.
“Damn,” Ricky curses. “You’re burning up…and pale.”
I emit a sound of agreement, and my teeth chatter.
“Okay, I’m taking you to bed.” He lifts me into his brawny arms with ease and carefully sets me on the mattress, pulling the blanket to my chin.
I snuggle into the sheets, the cool pillow a relief to my heated skin. “You smell like leather and winter,” I mumble, a bit delirious. “It’s nice.”
“Oh, yeah?” he chuckles. “That’s because I went for a walk to find you breakfast, and it’s nasty out.”
“Sorry.” I sigh remorsefully. “I’ll get up and eat in a minute.”
His knuckles press against my temple and cheek. “No, you won’t. I’ll bring it to you.”
“Your hands feel amazing. Keep doing that.” It comes out more provocative than intended, and I rush to clarify, “They’re icy.”