Page 83 of Filthy Rich Daddies

But instead?

They handed him to the FBI. They chose justice. They chosehonesty. They choseeach other.

I sit there for a long minute, letting that settle, even as the board files out, muttering to each other, adjusting ties and murmuring apologies.

Dean looks over at me and lifts an eyebrow. “You okay?”

I nod. “Yeah. Just…watching.”

“What do you see?”

“Three very smug men.”

Colin grins. “Accurate.”

Tic almost smiles.

The board members vanish, and the door finally clicks closed. And then it hits me. A pain. Sharp and low.

I gasp.

Colin notices first. “Sweets?”

I press a hand to my stomach. “It’s—it’s fine. Just a?—”

Another cramp hits. Stronger this time.

My legs go weak. I stumble, and Dean is at my side before I even process it, one arm around my shoulders.

“Thalassa?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper. “Something’s wrong.”

30

ATTICUS

The moment Thalassa stumbles,the floor drops out beneath me.

It’s subtle—just a falter in her step, a shift in her breath—but I see it. I see everything.

Dean catches her first, but I’m already moving before he finishes saying her name. Her face is pale. Her hand is gripping her lower abdomen. Pain, sharp and sudden. I know the look.

I’ve seen it before.

“Something’s wrong,” she whispers.

My heart seizes.

Not again. Not this time. Please.

Dean’s voice goes tight. “Hospital, now.”

Colin’s already grabbing keys, flinging open the office door. I’m at her side, lifting her gently, ignoring the cold dread crawling down my spine. She’s trying to be brave, but she’s trembling. I don’t think she even knows she is.

I carry her to the elevator, bride-style. Every second feels like a countdown.

We don’t wait for the valet. Instead, we race to Colin’s car. He throws the car into gear, Dean in the passenger seat, me in the back with Thalassa lying across my lap, her head cradled in my hand.