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She glances between the guys. “Would you like to talk alone?”
“I’m fine.” Why is it so hot in here? My face is on fire. “It’s better.”
“Good, because there’s something else we need to go over.”
Fuck, I knew this was coming.
“Would you like to discussthatalone?”
Ethan collars the back of my neck in an unmistakable gesture that he’s not leaving. I peek up at him, and his stern expression says precisely that. I glance at Jackson. His eyes are filled with remorse. Still, he brings my fingers to his lips, easing some of the fear racing through my veins.
“No, it’s okay. They can stay.”
“By this stage of the pregnancy, I like to see over ten pounds of weight gain. You’ve gained around five. You’ve gained less than a pound since I saw you last.”
“I’ve been eating.” It comes out in a whisper, and I attempt to swallow the golf-ball-sized lump in my throat. “But I’m throwing up nearly every day.”
Jax caresses my hand. “It’s true, and not only in the morning.”
“Unfortunately, that’s a myth.” She scrunches her nose in apology. “Try frequent small meals, find what you can keepdown, and get plenty of rest.” She punches something into the iPad. “I’ll have the nutritionist contact you.”
All I can manage is a nod.
“Now is not the time to restrict calories.”
“I’m not, I swear. I had a rough few weeks. I’ve been sick and sleeping a lot.” My eyes well up. Harming my baby is the last thing I want.
“The baby needs nutrients to develop and grow, which he’ll take from you if you’re not replacing what’s required. That leaves you tired and depleted. He’ll be growing rapidly from here on out. You need to rest and eat properly.”
Ethan answers with complete confidence and a hint of bite. “She will.”
“Other than that, your blood pressure is a tad high. It could be dehydration or stress on the body, but we’ll continue to monitor it. Now, it’s time to see your baby.” She smiles. “The tech will be in soon.”
Once the door shuts behind her, Ethan captures my chin, bringing my face to his. He remains silent, but his piercing eyes tell me everything. He’s pissed.
“I’m eating. I promise.” My voice trembles, and a tear rolls down my cheek. “Ricky prepares meals and Jax cooks.”
“You have one month in New York.That is all.By your next appointment, you will be under my roof. Am I clear?”
I don’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Do I have a choice? He looks downright murderous. It’s kind of hot, though.
“Good girl.” He kisses my forehead then glares at Jax. “And you…”
“I know. I know. I have no intention of leaving her side. I’ll ensure she eats, rests, and is blissfully happy.”
30
ETHAN
“He’s so tiny.”Jax watches the ultrasound video on his phone for the millionth time on our way to eat. “You can see his heart beating.”
The three of us are in the back, Ricky driving. I attempt to feel jealous of Jackson’s excitement over this pregnancy, but I can’t find it within me. He’s fiercely happy, and I don’t have the heart, or lack thereof, to extinguish that. With everything that concerns Aurora, he’s one hundred percent invested. Why wouldn’t I want that? She needs our support.
All went well with the ultrasound. The baby is perfect, measuring slightly bigger than expected, making me feel terrible for my behavior. I’ve turned into an irritable bastard since my run-in with Kyle. It doesn’t help that I haven’t told either of them about his threats or my own father. I’ve been tight-lipped about many aspects of my life.
Aurora smiles at Jax, her head on his shoulder.