Page 89 of Seduction

***Ellen***

“Baby girl.”

Aunt Nita pulls me into her arms the moment we enter the kitchen. Raven wraps hers around me from behind.

“I can’t imagine what the last few days were like for you,” Nita whispers.

Raven nods. “Yeah, sis. You shouldn’t have gone through that alone.”

“I wasn’t alone,” I assure them.

They release me, Raven moving to stand next to Nita, who says, “We’re your family. It’s our job to worry and be there for you no matter what. Don’t ever shut us out.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“Good. I have to head back to the club, but I’ll see you later.”

I nod, kissing her on the cheek before she leaves. Raven regards me with uncertainty, taking my hands in hers.

“It wasn’t too long ago that you helped me when I was going through my shit. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

“I know, Raven. I just… I was freaking out. I didn’t want to do that to you guys, especially you, in your condition.”

“I’m fine.” She shakes her head, laying a palm on her stomach. “If this kid is anything like his daddy, he’s tougher than nails.”

“True,” I agree as I look down at her little bump. “His mother, too.”

“And his auntie.”

“Thanks, babe.”

“No need.” She releases me, heading to the fridge. “I’m hungry. You want something?”

“I’m good. I’m gonna go find Mikey.”

“Cool.”

I make my way to the bar, where I encounter Mikey entering with Razor and Venom.

“Momma!” he cries out in excitement when he spots me.

I swing my son into my arms when he runs up to me, hugging him to me tightly.

“Hey, baby! You been a good boy for Auntie Raven?”

“Yes!” His eyes go wide in amazement. “Auntie Raven has a baby in her tummy.”

“That’s right. That baby will be your cousin.”

“Cool! Do you have a baby in your tummy, too?”

“No,” I answer, sitting on the couch between Razor and Venom, positioning him on my lap. Razor, true to his name, pulls a disposable from his pocket and begins running it up his cheek.

“You should get one. I want a baby brother.”

Venom snickers next to me. “You should tell Einstein, little man. I’m sure he can help your mom with that.”

I give him the stink eye, but he just chuckles, amusement lighting up his gray eyes.