Page 21 of Hold ‘Em Tight (Solidarity Academy #4)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

G etting out of the shower, a wave of heat hits me and my head spins as my stomach flips. I waddle over to the toilet and lose the small bit of breakfast that I managed to eat.

I absolutely hate being pregnant. I have no affection for this parasite that lives inside of me.

But it was the only way to get my Lenny to stay. I knew the blackmail I had wouldn't be enough, and this way, no one can hurt me either.

I know all about Mateo's cousin, but he can’t touch me thanks to this demon child.

Flushing the toilet, I move over to the sink and brush my teeth. I look awful. My hair is a frizzy mess, I've been getting acne, and I don't even want to talk about the weight I have gained.

I quickly pull out my makeup and fix my face to perfection before anyone can see me. I have been looking forward to today all month.

I just wish we didn't need to go to a stupid baby check up first.

Leaving the bathroom, I yawn and wiggle my ankle. It's fine now, but Lenny doesn’t need to know that.

“Ow, oh, shit, Lenny,” I scream at the top of my lungs, and wait for him to come help me. It doesn't take long. He's a good boy like that. Daddy said that I have trained him well, but I don't think that's true.

Since our engagement party, he's been more defiant. He actually had the audacity to sleep on the couch the other night. Leaving me alone, to fend for myself.

Let's just say he woke up to a surprise. It's a shame he's going to have that shiner for our baby shower.

But he just makes me so mad. Some days, I want to beat him, squeeze the life out of him, until there is no more light in his hazel eyes. Other days, I just wish he would hold me, love me, give me any type of affection.

Can't he see how much I love him? That I would do anything to keep him as mine. Maybe even kill…

Lenny helps me into the bedroom, then gets my outfit for today. I also have a bag packed for later. Just a few surprises. I am going to look like the perfect wife.

“I need the keys, so I can turn the AC on. It's hot today,” he says, and holds out his hand. I hesitate, before finally opening the bedside table and pulling out the lockbox inside.

With a press of my finger, it unlocks, and I toss him the keys.

After he leaves, muttering under his breath, I get ready. The baby kicks and I cringe.

“Stop it, demon child,” I grumble, rubbing my ribs. I swear this thing hates me as much as I despise it.

I can't wait until it's out of me, and then Janie can have it.

I have plans, and a baby won't stop me from achieving them. I can't be the perfect trophy wife with a baby in the way.

After I'm dressed in a sundress and shorts, with my bikini underneath, I grab my bag and purse, slip on the stupid flats by the door, then holler for Lennox’s dad.

“Hey,” he says, pulling me into a secret hug, then helps me down the stairs and to the front door.

“Thank you. I'll see you later?” I ask my lion and he nods, opening the door for me.

Lenny is behind the steering wheel, screaming along to some metal band.

“Lenny!” I scream and he jumps, looking over at me. He closes his eyes and sighs, before opening the door and coming to get me.

“Good boy,” I say, patting his cheek hard. He knows better.

My phone rings while we are on our way to the doctor. Lenny glances at me when I decline the number.

“It's just Daddy. I'll call him later. He's excited to be back at the university. To think that someone tried to fire him. They should know better.”

Yeah, those bitches got a wake up call when Uncle Bruno paid them a little visit. I wish I could have been there to hear their screams.

You never cross a Kondom.

“Missi, I must insist that you take it easy. You are at risk of preeclampsia,” the doctor says with a sigh.

This twit doesn't know anything! I bet her doctorate isn't even real.

“I am young, strong, and healthy. I'm not ‘at risk’ for anything, except maybe finding a new doctor,” I sneer, taking the paper towel from Lenny and wiping the sticky goo off of my stomach.

Oh, my God, is that a stretchmark? Stupid fucking demon spawn.

“Well, what do I know?” the doctor says with a grumble and looks at Lenny.

“No sex, and make sure she rests. Keep her calm. Going off her meds was the worst thing she could have done, and unless you want her to be hospitalized, or for your baby to be born premature, she needs to start taking better care of herself.”

“Hey, bitch!” I snap my fingers in her face until she looks at me. “You don't talk to him! He's not the one growing this parasite. I am. And I said we will be getting a second opinion.”

Stupid fucking bitch.

I climb off the table and don't even bother grabbing my shit. Lenny can get it. I stomp out to the car, wishing I could have a drink. I hate this!

I hate being pregnant. I can't do fucking anything. I have never, and will never, take orders from anyone. Even Daddy lets me do whatever I want.

The car unlocks, and I don't bother looking at Lenny as he climbs in the driver's seat. I hate that I can't drive, but this stupid stomach is getting in the way.

“Missi, I really think we should talk about this,” he starts, but nope.

“And I think you should mind your own fucking business and begin driving. I can't be late to my own party now, can I?”

He shakes his head but keeps his mouth shut. Good boy. Maybe he is learning.

Finally, the moment that I've been dreaming about. It's all about me, and no one can say otherwise. Daddy didn't even give me a budget. I can do anything and everything I want.

Lenny helps me into the cheer house and I quickly change into my outfit. Damn, I look hot!

The caterers have already set up and left, and my party planner—Missy, with a y—did a fantastic job of getting the patio the way I wanted it.

There are twinkle lights hanging, and hot pink decorations with gold all over. The pool has been turned into a paradise, with a floating bar, and hot guys in speedos to wait on my friends’ every whims.

Now, all we need are guests. “What time is it?” I ask Lenny as he sulks in a chair by the back door. He sighs, pulling out his phone.

“Practice should be ending soon, Missi,” he grumbles, then looks at me.

I watch as his eyes trail from the pearls around my neck, down to the skimpy little bikini I’m wearing, showing off my bump perfectly, before ending with the see-thru sarong that's wrapped around my waist.

I know I look hot. I even managed to squeeze my swollen feet into the four inch heels I had bought for our engagement party, but never got to wear.

“Don’t you think a pool party for your baby shower is a little much? Especially having it here at the cheer house? We aren’t welcome here anymore, Mis.” My temper rises at being reminded of how that bitch and her harem kicked me out.

“This is my house, my team, and it always will be, Lenny!” I snap, curling my lip at his audacity.

Just because that bitch kicked me off the team, it doesn’t mean I’m going to disappear. I own the Black Widows, just like I own Lenny.

“Right, I'm sorry. Take some deep breaths. Remember what the doctor said.”

“Don't you ever bring that bitch up to me again.”

He stands and comes over to grip my arms, looking down at me. I can see the worry in his eyes, and it pisses me off that all he cares about is this parasite and not me.

“Let's just have a nice time and then we can go home and talk. We need to come up with a game plan. Classes are going to be an issue if…” He waits for me to snap at him before continuing. “If you do end up on bed rest.”

I nod, just to get him to drop it, because it’s party time! I can hear the girls have returned, and it's not long before Fatima, Felicia, and Ursula are joining me in the pool on the floaties. One of the hot bartenders hands me a mocktail and I smile.

“Babe, I can't believe you had the party here. That’s the perfect ‘fuck you’ to Rylee and the others,” Ursula laughs, then snorts. I smirk and twirl the tiny umbrella in my glass.

“How else was I going to make sure they came? Plus, I know Lenny would really like them to be here to support us and our little girl. He’s been so low since Adonis and him fought.”

I fake frown. I think I look sincere. Oh well. A few guys from the football team start getting into the food and I groan as the thing inside of me kicks. I probably should eat something.

I hand my glass to Urs, and shout for Lenny. “Baby, help,” I whine and pout. He rolls his eyes and I glare at him, but he comes over, getting into the pool to drag my floaty to the stairs. I am not getting my hair wet.

He helps me, carrying me to the lounger next to my gifts. He turns to leave, but I grab his hand. “Lenny, let’s open the gifts,” I say and he nods. My girls all join me, and soon I am covered in baby clothes and supplies.

I toss them all aside and keep opening the bags. While Lenny thanks everyone, I search for anything for me. Did these bitches seriously not get me a present?!

Lenny places his hand on my thigh and leans in to whisper into my ear, right when Rylee and Teo walk outside with the others. I smirk and giggle, as if he’s giving me a loving caress and not telling me to behave.

Inviting that skank and her guys is just the icing on the cake. I don’t even care about gifts now.

Lenny moves away and looks over to them. I watch as his eyes glaze over. “Help me up,” I snap and he listens. “Good boy.” I smirk, place my hand on my stomach and glide over like the pregnant queen that I am.

I grab Len's hand, digging my nails into his wrist as I smile wide.

“I’m so glad you were able to put our differences aside to celebrate our little girl,” I say with a gleam in my eyes.

Rylee swallows and nods, then looks at Adonis. He steps closer and shoves a gift bag at Len's chest.

“We can't stay for long, but we wanted you to have this,” he says to him, ignoring me. Um ex-fucking-cuse-me.

“Right, well, we appreciate it.”

“Sure, whatever you say, witch. We will just be over by the food.” They walk off and I turn to storm after them, but Lenny stops me.

“Just don’t, okay. You won. Leave them be, Missi.”

“Fine. Then kiss me and I’ll leave your precious friends alone.” Lenny sighs, then leans down and presses a quick kiss to my lips.

It’s a short one, but it hit the mark. I glance over at Teo and Rylee and smirk.

They should have known not to challenge me. I always get what I want.