Page 3 of Hold 'Em Tight

I’m pregnant. There's a life growing inside of me. I should be overjoyed. I should be telling the guys that they’re going to be dads.

How can I though when one of them isn’t here?

Why aren't we good enough? Why couldn’t he love us enough to let us be there for him, to trust us with his heart? Why couldn't he let us help heal him through his pain?

Something isn’t right.

So much isn’t fucking right.

CHAPTER TWO

“Do not even think about it, Lennox. Don't forget about the little film I have,” Missi sneers, pulling her phone out of her designer purse.

“You're a bitch,” I mutter, and she smiles, showing me her teeth.

“Yeah, but you're stuck with me, Lenny boo,” she coos, and I can feel her claws digging deeper into my arm.

“I haven't forgotten. Leave Rylee and Mateo alone.”

“I don't know why you have to hate me. You loved me once. Now, you're so mean to me!” Missi sniffles, then begins to cry and throw a fit.

I ignore her, staring longingly at the door. Rylee is long gone, and the others chased after her. My heart aches because I can't follow. Not that she’d even want me to.

This was never supposed to happen. I told Colt to come alone. Why were they here?

Everything is fucked now and I'm trapped. Ever since Missi stormed into my room and showed me the videos, I haven't had a moment's peace.

She's moved into the manor, and into my room. She monitors my phone, and I can't even piss alone these days.

I should have known she'd pull a stunt like this. I glance around the gym for one last time, taking in the memories of when I was happy here.

Missi is angry texting someone while giving me the stink eye, still crying.

“Let's go,” I mutter, then walk toward the door.

The sobbing stops, and I watch as Missi wipes her eyes and gives me a smile.

“See, Lenny, if you ask me, I did you a favor. That little bitch will never look twice at you again now. I should have been an actress.” She sighs, then rubs her stomach. Bile rises in my throat every time I'm reminded of the baby.

My baby.

The thought makes my stomach turn.

“But I’ll settle for Mrs. Crane,” she finishes, and I close my eyes. I'm trying so hard to hold it together. My hands shake, and I could really use a drink.

Pulling out her phone once more, she dials a number and my stomach turns. Not that there is anything inside of it to expel.

“Hi, Daddy,” Missi coos into the phone, and I roll my eyes.

When she grabs my hand, digging her freshly manicured nails into the skin, I don’t even flinch or fight as she drags me to the door, and then to my car.

I’m numb. I’m destined to stay in this perpetual Hell, and I can’t even blame anyone. I did this. I ruined everything.

I climb into the passenger seat and Missi takes the wheel. She’s already planning for me to buy a new SUV. Said we need more room for when the baby comes, but I know she’s just trying to get rid of any memories of the guys and Rylee.

Fuck, I am never going to unsee the hurt and betrayal flashing in her green eyes. I’ll be haunted until the day I die.

Missi flips on her playlist and starts belting out the lyrics to some pop song after she ends her call. My ears bleed from her shrill voice. She sounds like cats fighting on top of a chalkboard, as they scrape their nails into it.