Page 83 of Frankie and the Fed

“Lena Castle.”

“Ethan Wolf,” she says in a sarcastic tone, and I tilt my head.

“How can I help you?”

“Can we go up to talk in private?”

“I’m on my way to the office, and I’m running late. Say what you have to say.”

“I think it’s better if we do it in private,” she insists.

I don’t move an inch, and she gives in and sighs. “I’m pregnant.”

Fucking hell. No way. “Okay, what does this have to do with me?” The mask of indifference comes over my face.

“It’s yours.”

“It can’t be mine. I used a condom. I always use a condom.”

“Condoms are not always reliable. I only slept with you.” The look on her face is as cold as mine.

“You’re a liar. I don’t know what you’re trying to get from me, but you won’t succeed. Do a paternity test first. Until then, don’t come here again.” An offended expression comes over her face. I think there are even tears. For a slight moment, I feel sorry for her, but then I remind myself she’s known to be a conniving liar. She slept with someone else because it can’t be mine.

“Send me the test results.” I turn around and go back to the parking garage to get one of my cars. I clench my hand into a fist, the nails digging into the flesh, but I keep my emotions concealed.

Only when the car door closes behind me, do I allow myself to let it out.

“Fuck!” I scream, pounding the steering wheel with my fists.

Why did she turn up? It can’t be mine. Just can’t be. I’ll make her take a test, and that’ll be it. She’ll have to crawl back into the hole she came out of and leave me alone. No one needs to know about it.

I shake off the emotions from the unexpected encounter and set off.

How did I think I wanted children if the idea of this woman being pregnant turns my stomach?

I imagine Ayala holding a baby with blue eyes. Not repugnant at all. It’s just Lena. I only want Ayala, with or without children. I don’t need anyone else.

And I decide to make another stop on the way.

CHAPTER34

Ayala

“Hey, Ryan,” I answer. He rarely calls me directly.

“Good morning. Do you know where Ethan is? I called, and he didn’t answer. Is he with you, by any chance?”

“No. We were supposed to drive to the office together, but he forgot something and went back.” Should I be worried? He always answers Ryan.

“Well, I wanted to tell you both at the same time, but I’ll tell you first. It’s his problem if he didn’t answer,” Ryan says. “The Summers dropped the lawsuit against you.”

“What?” I almost shout, and all heads in the office turn to me. “What do you mean?”

“All the demonstrations helped more than expected. They couldn’t leave their house for several days because of the crowds of protestors. They were afraid. I’d say, in the end, the desire to destroy Ethan wasn’t worth the hate they got from the public. Everyone’s screaming about them knowing their son was an abuser while they did nothing. There’s even a rumor his father got fired.”

“Ryan, this is amazing! You don’t know how happy you’ve made me. I was so scared.”

“I know. That’s why I’m telling you, even though Ethan himself hasn’t heard it yet. Look, that doesn’t guarantee they won’t decide to sue again in a few years. But at least for now, you’re out of the storm.”