Page 76 of Thorns of Desire

“Where didyougo? And why was the apartment such a wreck?”

I stiffened. “You’re not there, are you?”

“No, I’m staying with…” She faltered. “A friend.”

I guess girls’ days in the apartment were done for. Isla was married, Amon snatched Reina, Phoenix took off, I left with Manuel, and now Raven had a mysterious friend she thought she was doing a great job of hiding. I’d stake my life on it being Aiden Callahan, the Irish mobster.

“So where are you, Athena? Did you find yourself an Italian daddy too?”

I snorted. “I got knocked up by an Italian daddy.”

I regretted saying it, but the words were out of my mouth and it was too late to take them back.

“You’re joking, right?”

I sighed. “I wish.”

“Jesus, Athena. How long have you been sleeping with him?”

I sat down on the bed, the landscape of shrubs, greenery, and the blue sea mocking me in the distance.

“I guess long enough to get knocked up.”

“So you’re keeping the baby?” Manuel’s reaction from last night flickered into my mind. He was just as shocked as I was by the news, but for some reason, he appeared almost happy about it. “Are you going to marry your baby daddy?”

“Man, you’re asking an awful lot of questions for someone who’s over there keeping secrets.”

“Pffft. Your shit’s more exciting. You’re gonna blow up like a balloon.”

“Geez, thanks,” I retorted wryly. “Nice to have your support.” My stomach growled and I decided this conversation was over. In fact, I almost regretted calling her. Raven was my best friend and I loved her, but sometimes she could drive you insane. “I have to go.”

She chuckled. “Why? Are you about to have wild, unprotected sex? Oh wait, you’ve already done plenty of that.”

“Are you?” I snapped, slightly annoyed. “Let me guess, Aiden Callahan?” The moment I uttered the words, I wanted to reach out and stuff them back into my mouth. “Listen, I’m sorry?—”

“He’s keeping me locked up in his penthouse.”

Confusion slammed into me. I wasn’t quite sure what we were talking about anymore. “Huh? You’re what now?”

A heavy sigh sounded over the line. “I ran into Aiden last night, and now he’s keeping me prisoner. The only reason I know about the apartment is because he sent someone to go get my stuff.”

“Do you want me to call the police?”

She snickered. “And say what?This crazy Irish dude kidnapped my friend, but there’s no evidence of it? And even if they do find any, they’ll never get close to him.”

“Jesus, now I’m kind of thinking I got the better deal.”

“I think so too.” I heard a soft sniffle over the line. “And, Athena?”

“Yeah?”

“You’ll be the most beautiful pregnant woman,” she said softly.

My nose tingled, finding myself getting emotional.

“Thank you,” I murmured. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. I’ll have to get myself out of this mess.”