Page 57 of Her Wicked Husband (The Huxleys #2)
Fiona
I slump against the pillows, my eyes still swollen. The room feels too big and empty without Bryce, but he said he needed to go out and update the family. Maybe Akiko or Lareina dropped by. Everyone else is probably busy with work.
I look at the pretty flowers—fresh Fiona roses in the vases along with stunning pink orchids. I smile a little, knowing exactly who brought the roses.
The door opens, and Catalina walks in, followed by Prescott, Akiko, Lareina and Jeremiah, who shuts it firmly. Before I can say hello, Akiko cries, “Oh my God, you poor child.”
“I’m okay,” I say quickly.
Lareina rushes over and hovers. “I…” She struggles to find words to express her outrage.
I reach over and squeeze her hand. I understand .
She turns her hand in mine and holds tight.
“‘Okay’? Look at the bruises on your face.” Anger and concern burn in Prescott’s eyes. “I’m going to do everything I can to make those two pay.”
“I’m disappointed Bryce went easy on them,” Jeremiah says with a scowl, then glances at Prescott. “Look what they did to her. They not only hurt her, but the baby as well. That’s double kidnapping and assault.”
Prescott purses his mouth. “We should add spikes to the cane design. That way it’ll hurt more.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not degrading the design just for that.” Catalina sniffs. “There are other things the family can do to punish those who hurt one of our own.”
“Two,” Lareina says. “They hurt two of our own.”
Catalina’s eyes chill. “True. Two.” She studies me, her eyes brimming with worry. “Do you need anything for the pain, my dear?”
I shake my head.
“If you need anything for any reason, you let me know.”
I’m stunned at how quickly Catalina’s entire demeanor shifts, but I’m glad she considers me worthy. “Thank you.”
“Bryce already gave a statement, but the police will need yours as well.”
“When?” I ask, my mouth going dry. How much do I have to tell them? Just what happened three days ago or everything—like what happened at Harvard?
Jeremiah rolls her shoulders. “Whenever it’s convenient for you. If they contact you directly, tell them to talk to your lawyer.” She stands even taller in her heels. “Me.”
“ You ’re my lawyer?” I glance at Prescott then back at her. Behind them, the door opens and Bryce, Ares and Josh slip inside.
She cocks an eyebrow. “Am I not good enough for you?”
“Nononononono.” I even shake my head, my eyes flicking to Bryce.
He moves over and puts a protective arm around my shoulders, lending me strength and comfort. “I just thought Bryce might want to be my lawyer,” I say, patting his hand.
“This isn’t his specialty. You want the very best— me .” Jeremiah smiles, her eyes flashing murder. If she were a prosecutor, Jude and Aaron wouldn’t get out of prison alive.
Akiko sighs. “Must we discuss unpleasant things right now? She should be allowed to rest. And get fed. What do you say to some fruit salad? I made some. ”
“Sure.” I’m a little hungry, but since I haven’t eaten in a while, I probably shouldn’t eat anything too heavy. And her portions are tiny.
“Great. I made a large salad. You should eat extra. For the baby.” She hands me a regular-sized bowl from the mini-fridge in the room.
Bryce, Ares and Josh stare, then glance at each other with are you kidding me looks.
I smile. At least it’s not a shot glass. “Thank you.” I take a bite of pineapple—juicy and sweet without any tartness.
“So when is the baby due?” Akiko asks after I swallow the first chunk.
“I don’t know yet. I haven’t had a chance to see an OB-GYN.”
Catalina tsks. “What is that boy doing, not taking you to see a doctor?”
“We just found out!” Bryce says. “But the doc who checked Fiona over said she’s about six weeks along.”
She nods. “Let me know the date. We need to make sure we have a cane for the baby.”
Tears surge, and I wipe my eyes before they can drip down. “A cane? The cane? My baby’s worthy of the family cane?”
Catalina frowns. “Of course. Every Huxley gets one.”
“Pietas et unitas,” Lareina says.
Bryce nods. “You’re family, Fiona. It’s about time you get used to what that means.”