Page 35 of Full Out Fiend

“Okay.” I nod, pull in a shaky breath, and bury my shock. This is about doing what’s best for her and the baby.Ourbaby. “It’s your choice. I’ll support you in anything you choose. I’m all in. I want to be there for everything.”

She squeezes my hand, and I swear the tiny gesture simultaneously tugs on my heart.

“You’re the only person who knows,” she explains. “I wanted to tell you first, but I won’t be able to keep it a secret for long. I’m already so sick… I’m not ashamed, and now that I’ve told you, I don’t want to hide it.”

Random medical shit surfaces as my brain works overtime to recall all the information I know about pregnancy. If she’s only six weeks along and she’s already experiencing morning sickness, her HCG must be really high. Has she made a prenatal appointment yet? Has she started taking vitamins?

I shake my head to calm my racing thoughts. Now isnotthe time to mansplain prenatal care to a pregnant woman.

She opens her mouth to speak, but her words aren’t what I hear next.

Him. His voice echoes down the alley, and suddenly, our private moment is not so private.

“Daphne.”

Immediately, she drops my hand.

The interruption—especially at a moment like this—is annoying, but the sight of both Adley assholes sauntering toward us makes me livid.

“What are you doing out here?” Anthony demands.

Why the fuck does it sound like he’s scolding her?

She heard him, but she’s ignoring him. She holds eye contact with me, and as they get closer, she gives me the slightest shake of her head.

No? No what? I can’t exactly ask for clarification. She said she hasn’t told anyone else yet… so I’ll play along as long as she’s safe. As long as he doesn’t try to pull anything. If he thinks he’s going to stalk through this alley and take her away from me, he’s got another think coming.

“Is this what I think it is, Daph? Did you think you could call off our wedding, then let this guy lure you into an alley? I guess I didn’t need to go all the way to Vegas to find a whore.”

Her eyes grow as big as saucers. I clench my jaw and instinctively form a fist.

But neither of us has a chance to react before Andrew interjects.

“This is too good. It’s just too good! Fuck, Daph. Are youwiththis guy? You have no idea who this dude is. Wait until you see these videos,” he chirps excitedly.

For fuck’s sake. These assholes are about to ruin everything.

I know exactly what’s on those videos. I know how it looks. I know what I once was. Who I strive every damn day not to be.

I told Daphne I was in. That she could count on me. She smiled at me, that sweet, beautiful smile. She was going to let me in. I almost had a shot this time.

But once she sees those videos…

Fuck.

I ruin everything. I ruin it before it can even begin. I never stood a fucking chance.

“Did you drive yourself here, Daph?”

She doesn’t answer him—she hasn’t even turned around yet or taken her eyes off me—but when her shoulders slump forward, I know we’re officially done.

Anthony doesn’t wait for her response before he speaks again. “Say goodbye to your friend. I’ll take you home.”

Desperate for her to stay, I reach out. But she’s already stepping back, stepping toward him, before I can make my case.

I keep my eyes glued to her face—searching for any indication from her that this isn’t the end.

But I’m a fool. She’s walking away already—and she hasn’t even seen the damning evidence that’ll keep her away for good.