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How could I possibly deprive him of this? It’d ruin him. The kid has nothing but Aurora and hockey.
Does it have to be him or me?
I watch my child’s tiny, flickering heartbeat, silently vowing that regardless of the chaos, I will withstand any fallout to provide Aurora and our unborn child the love and protection they deserve.
Even if that includes Jackson.
TWENTY-SEVEN
JACKSON
The last twenty-fourhours have been a real test of my patience. Aurora was in the hospital for observation overnight while Ethan and I returned to LA.
Leaving her was rough, but it gave him and me time to discuss the future and what’s best for Aurora and the baby. Neither of us wants to complicate things further, and Ethan assures me he’s not trying to replace me, and for some odd reason, I believe him.
This morning, she was released after doctors determined her fainting was caused by anxiety. Again.
Her wrist is only bruised or sprained, and no concussion symptoms were noted. Her obstetrician will monitor her high blood pressure, also potentially brought on by stress. But thankfully, the baby showed no signs of distress and appears to be developing like a champ.
My father received a dislocated shoulder and some bruising when Ricky tackled him to the concrete. If I hadn’t been terrified over Aurora, Kyle’s screams would’ve been music to my ears. I offered Ricky a bonus, but he declined, taking blame for allowing the drunk asshole into the penthouse.
We both agreedno oneis allowed up without prior authorization. Aurora’s safety is our top priority.
Kyle might be the police commissioner of the nation’s second-most-populated city, but he’s more corrupt than any prisoner from Alcatraz or Ryker’s.
A special place in Hell awaits him, and if he ever lays a hand on Aurora again, I’ll deliver him there myself.
I purchased the penthouse mainly to keep him away from her—if she granted me another chance. I never even mentioned the property. How he figured out we were here is anyone’s guess. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had someone watching me.
Aurora loves the beach and everything the resort offers. When we were together, it was one of her favorite places to stay, and when the place expanded, I overbid for the cliffside penthouse to ensure it was hers.
Fate brought Aurora to the club the first night we met, and it couldn’t have been anything other than fate that brought her to Laguna the exact moment I was finalizing the contract. She’s my destiny, and I won’t allow anyone to ruin my second chance.
Which is why I agreed to split Aurora’s time with Ethan. I’ll spend the afternoon with her, and he’ll meet her tonight and take her house hunting in the morning.
At least, that’s the plan for now. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
For today, I reserved a cabana on the beach and arranged for a picnic. The weather is perfect—it’s a warm fall day, and the California sun is shining.
I can’t stop staring at her lying on the blanket beside me in nothing but a black bikini, showing off her cute baby bump.
Turning to me, she gestures to a group of spectators. “We’re garnering attention.”
I spot two photographers among the crowd, snapping pictures. “You want to go in?”
“No, but we could give them a show.” She flashes that mischievous smile. “You know, because we’re fake dating and all.”
I come up onto my elbows. “There’s nothing fake about us.”
“You didn’t want a public relationship last time we were together, remember?”
“I want it all. I don’t give a fuck about the publicity.”
“Are you sure about that, O’Reilly?” she challenges, getting to her hands and knees.
My heart races. I can barely breathe at the sight of her, let alone think. “Is this a test?”
Before I’m able to make sense of what’s happening, she’s crawling between my legs while biting her bottom lip, giving me a tantalizing view of her perfect tits.