Page 41

FORTY

Inaya

I was sleeping blissfully until pain pulled me out of my deep slumber. When greeted with the comfort of my husband's gaze, the reminder that I'm not alone was calming even with the pain. The pain passed as quickly as it came, but mine and Dante's assumption was the same. I was in labor. The lights going out wasn't a good part of the plan, but I had faith in Dante's and my knowledge to get us through this.

I was also aware that, as a first-time mother, I could be in labor for several hours. We had a high chance of making it to the hospital in time for delivery.

My fear rose when Dante announced that he needed to leave the cabin. Sometimes I still marvel at the fact that the man who was once my biggest fear is the one I want by my side.

I grab some essentials, then return to bed to look at my watch. The amount of time between contractions is promising. The rain rages on outside and a lightning strike briefly illuminates the cabin, displaying the outline of a person.

I jump from the surprise of it, since Dante went in the opposite direction.

“Dante's bitch and bastard,” the guy, who I presume is Carlos, sneers from his spot. “You're the only one our father cared about until you turned into a bitch in heat.” My heart beats erratically as fear chills my body. I want to point out that I'm Father's only child, but it's not like it'll help the delusion that Father created. Dante was much scarier than Carlos, but the envy in his voice is a very dangerous thing.

“He'll kill you,” I warn him. I could tell him to go to hell with Father, but I'm trying to stall for time. Carlos is obviously a lost cause. He won't be able to turn it around like Dante.

“Not before I kill you.”

A part of him must know surviving is not an option. His shadow moves closer just as another contraction hits me. I clutch my stomach and roll to my right side in pain since my lower back aches in ways I didn't know was possible. I'm annoyed and scared due to the bad timing of such debilitating pain.

As he leans over, my breathing evens out as the pain begins to subside. His scent is sour, like dirt and sweat as his clammy hands wrap around my neck.

“I only waited for your contraction to end so all of your pain comes from me.” The pressure on my throat makes me gag a little. “Shh…it'll all be over quickly.”

I hit him and claw at his hands so I can move. The idiot chuckles while not paying attention to my right hand that’s snaking under my pillow. I needed him close, but this is too close for comfort.

The lack of air is making my head hurt, but I finally get a hold of one of the items I grabbed the moment Dante left. Carlos thinks that time is not on my side, but it's not on his either.

Somehow, I feel the heat of his blood splattering my body before I hear the gunshots. Carlos falls to the ground as another contraction takes over. Luckily, I manage to keep the gun pointing in his direction.

The front door crashes open, announcing Dante before he runs in with his flashlight on.

“Inaya!” The fear in his voice makes me sad that the contraction has wrapped me up in silence.

He rushes over, using the flashlight to check me for injuries. My pain eases, and I whisper what he wants to know. I'm okay. As my senses return to normal, I realize that although the rain continues to attack our bungalow, it's not as aggressive as it was before. Also, Carlos’ labored breathing is acting as a background noise to the rain.

“Part of me feared that you didn't read between the lines,” he admits.

“I may not contain your super memory, but I can retain information,” I joke wearily.

I'm also glad our nonverbal communication was working. When he had me practicing at the gun range, he explained that I'd need to listen to what he says and how he says it in dangerous situations.

The way he spoke earlier suggested that he didn't think something was right, and if he's suspicious, then so am I. The gun was just in case, but I'd hoped that I wouldn't need it. Carlos proved otherwise. I wasn't thinking about killing Carlos or anything like that; I just needed him to let go of me.

Dante

The fear that shot through my body when I heard the gunshots was unlike any fear I've ever felt before, not even in Father's hands.

I'm relieved that Inaya is fine, but pissed that he tried to hurt her. I take away the gun that is still clutched in her hand and move to where Carlos lies.

“I told you your emotions would end you one day. Too personal. Sloppy,” I point out like I'm giving him a life lesson. “Bested by a woman in labor.” Pathetic. I bend down and start checking Carlos for weapons. “I should let you bleed out and give you time to think about the stupidity that got you here, but I promised to kill you for messing with my family.”

I don't say anything else since I've already said too much. I'm not much for speeches or monologues.

I'm also not interested in continuing to be violent in front of my wife unless it's necessary. The moment her next contraction hits, taking her eyes and mind off us, I snap his neck. Once I find out what his friend knows, I'm sure he'll suffer the same fate.

Inaya’s whimper pulls me out of my thoughts. My wife needs me. I held her hand through her contraction, then found and destroyed the signal blocker.

Texts from Andrea flood in, listing all his suspicions. I opt to call.

“Hello?” It's one word, but I can hear the relief in his voice.

“One package is ready, and another is being packed.”

“Okay, I can call my courier service to pick them up for expedited delivery. The rain has calmed enough for travel.”

“Good to hear because Inaya is in labor.”

“Shit, you should have led with that! I'll collect the twins and be on our way.”

I just nod and my thumb hovers over the end call button before my wife's words come to mind. Putting the phone back to my ear, I do what she'd expect.

“Thank you.”