Page 62 of Protected By the Sinner

“I like my eyes,” I say, touching my cheek just below them.

She smiles. “I’m sure that handsome man of yours does too, sweetheart.”

I don’t know how much time passes between naps and reality. Every time I open my eyes, I check to see if the nurse is still there. Somehow, it calms me to know I’m not alone.

But through all these half-dreams and wakeful moments, one thing never leaves my mind.

I’m going to be a mother.

I run my hand over my belly.

I’m going to have a baby! Probably with the man I love.

I wish he were here. The doctor said he already told him about the pregnancy, since he was worried about my mental state.

He asked me some weird questions about the accident—like he thought I’d thrown myself in front of the car on purpose.

That’s insane! Who would do something like that? Especially knowing they were pregnant.

Is my boyfriend happy?

The doctor told me his name is Beau LeBlanc.

Is that French? And how do I even know that’s a French name?

Then I remember what the doctor said—memory fragments.

I won’t panic. God willing, everything will come back soon and I’ll be okay. Me and my baby.

With their father, I hope.

If I went as far as getting pregnant with the man who, according to the doctor, made sure I was well taken care of, then we must’ve had a strong connection.

Maybe I’m just letting fear get the best of me.

Chapter 27

Despite everything, I hadn’t planned on leaving her side today. But I couldn’t turn down a meeting with the man who was my compass through most of my teenage years—and has been all of my adult life.

He rarely comes to the United States, and even when he does, we don’t always meet. We can’t draw attention to our connection.

When he reaches out to me, it’s because there’s something that must be said in person.

He called not long ago and said we needed to talk, so I left Roman and four other guards stationed outside Amber’s hospital room until I return.

Only because I want to keep her under surveillance until she wakes up,I tell myself.

There’s no other reason I’d want to stay close to her, except to protect the wellbeing of my child.

I spent several hours in shock after the doctor gave me the news. I have nothing against kids, but I never pictured myself as a father. Not even in the distant future.

From everything I’ve gathered about the accident, Amber really didn’t look before crossing the street.

What the hell was she thinking, doing something so reckless?

She could be dead right now.

The thought weighs on me like a ball and chain strapped to my gut.