Page 136 of The Devil's Heir

"Oh, and why is that?" Jarek asks, annoyance evident in his tone.

He doesn't stop rubbing me, though. He simply pulls a blanket over me to cover up his hand. I giggle but slap his hand away and struggle to sit up. Jarek sighs, and holds his hand out to help me.

"Because Liliana needs to get fitted for her new clothing. The seamstress will be here any moment," my friend states, reminding me of the appointment I made myself.

"Damn it, I totally forgot." I sigh heavily and glance at Jarek. "Rain check?"

His head falls back as he exhales. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

Giggling, I lean in and reply, "Nope." I give him a peck on the cheek and stand.

"Well, if you need me, I'll be in my office, suffering."

I look downward and see the huge bulge outlining his pants. I feel bad, but he'll live. I meet Fran by the door but turn back to Jarek, licking my lips.

"Don't be touching anything until I can join you," I tell him seductively.

"Then I suggest you hurry back, pauper. A man of my stature can only hold on for so long."

I grin and send him a wink. I'm not sure where this new Lily came from. I've never flirted in my life. Maybe it's the pregnancy, but I've been doing it more and more. Jarek seems to like it, and I guess that's all that matters.

The baby shower starts at three, and it's a little before noon, so I plan on surprising Jarek by swinging by the office with lunch. Jackson parks out front and walks me inside the building with another guard, Devin. They flank my sides as my foot taps to the elevator music while we ascend to the top floor. My fingers mindlessly play with the charm on the new collar Jarek got me as I watch the numbers count up.

"Can they not get better music?" Jackson snickers.

"It's elevator music. It's not supposed to be good," I quip.

Both Jackson and Devin scoff.

The elevator dings, indicating our floor, and the doors open. I step out, still smiling, to an empty reception area. We walk down the hall toward Jarek's office, but then his door opens, and Lucinda steps out, buttoning her blouse. Her skirt is a bit wrinkled, and when I look over her shoulder, I see Jarek running his hand through his messy hair.

Lucinda stops short when she notices us standing there, guilt written all over her face. I shake my head and take a few steps back. I hear Jackson curse under his breath.

"Lily, don't assume anything. Go in there and find out what's going on," Jackson urges, but I continue shaking my head.

"Fuck that, and fuck him. She can have his sorry ass…" I turn and flee.

I'm not sure where I'm going, but I can't stay here. I was such a fool. I don't want to hear any of his excuses. Here I am, carrying his child, and he's out screwing his secretary! Apparently, I'm not enough for him, but he should have thought about that when he learned I was a virgin with barely any experience.

"Liliana!" Jackson calls out just as I get on the elevator. The doors shut before he can reach me.

I'm sorry, Jackson, but this isn't going to work anymore. I can't do this—I tried.

As soon as the elevator stops on the ground floor, I rush out, not caring who's seeing me dash out like a mad woman. I take a deep breath of fresh air once I'm outside, but then I spot a cab dropping off a passenger and rush over to it.

I jump in, not knowing where I'm even going. "Just drive, please. Give me a minute, and I'll tell you where to take me."

"Whatever, ma'am—it's your dime," the cabby states and drives off.

Thankfully, Jarek had set up a bank account for me, so I have money for a hotel, at least. I have no idea how long I'll have it. I know what I need to do when this thought comes to me. I tell the cabby to take me to mybank, and when he drops me off, I give what little cash I have in my purse and hurry inside.

I'm not dumb—Jarek will start searching for me soon. He won't have to look far because I'm sure there's another tracker in my collar, which I cannot remove without cutters, and I have no doubt there's one on my phone. I just want to get to a hotel so I can lock myself away from him.

Jarek will come for me, and I don't know if I have the strength to stay away from him. I'm hurt and emotional, and there's no telling how manipulative he will be—I'm hispossession, after all—and he doesn't take kindly to losing his possessions. He says he loves me, but I think today has proven that isn't the case.

I'm not sure whether the bank will allow me to take all the money out since I'm not the one who set up the account, but I walk up to the teller with confidence. I'm praying my nervousness doesn't show as I smile at the woman while resting my hand on my protruding stomach.

"Hello, how can I help you?" the teller asks, friendly enough.