Page 89 of Pastel Kisses
Her question hits like a storm surge, but I don’t answer. Instead, my hand instinctively comes to rest over my belly, shielding the life growing inside me. My mind spins, searching for a plan.
My phone is in the other room. Jaxton’s is still in his pocket. Security should be stationed right outside the door—Vic had said the housekeeper would only need ten more minutes. Hopefully, he’ll come check in soon. If not, my only chance might be to run.
I shift slightly in my seat, eyes darting toward the door—calculating distance, timing, possibility.
She notices.
“Where do you think you’re going?” she sneers, stepping over Jaxton’s still form, blocking my path like a sentry guarding the gates. “So, I hear congratulations are in order. Engaged, are we? How sweet.”
The sarcasm drips from her words, thick and poisonous.
I draw a breath, steadying my nerves. “Thank you.” The words are simple, but they’re a spark. Her face tightens immediately, her breath sharpens, and I know I’ve struck a nerve.
She’s unstable, but predictable when provoked. I need her off balance—distracted—if I’m going to find any kind of opening.
My eyes search the room subtly, scanning for something—anything—I could use. A vase. A heavy book. I just need one moment.
We move in a slow circle around each other, a silent standoff. She lashes out with no warning, and her hand connects with my face—enough to make my lip sting and taste the faint trace of blood. But it’s not enough to stop me. I square my shoulders.
“How did you get away, Sarah?” I ask, voice even. “I thought I ended this the last time.”
The expression she gives me is pure theatrics, rubbing her head as if recalling an old memory. “You almost did. I was out cold. Sirens were closing in, but I got out. I slipped through the back, dizzy as hell. But I survived.” Her eyes meet mine, and something shifts. “And look at you now. The comeback queen.”
She claps, slow and sarcastic, like this is all some performance for her amusement. “You got out. The guys brought you back. They love you.” Her voice drops an octave, bitterness flooding her words. “Only because of the baby.”
Those five words ignite something in me. A fire that wipes away the fear.
“They love me because they choose to,” I say. “And they would do anything to protect this baby—and me.”
Sarah tilts her head, her gaze narrowing. “Let’s see how far that love goes.”
I start edging closer to the doorway, calculating the risk.
“Don’t.” Her voice turns sharp. Her hand moves behind her back, and she pulls something out—metal, slim, and far too familiar.
“Make a sound,” she warns, “and I swear, I’ll make sure Jaxton never wakes up. Do you want that kind of grief?”
I freeze. My heart pounds like a war drum in my chest.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask, voice low. “You know they’ll never choose you—especially now.”
Her eyes flash, hurt and rage twisting her features. “Theydidlove me,” she hisses. “Before you came along. We were supposed to be everything. We were supposed to be a family.”
“Then why didtheyaskmeto marry them?” I ask softly.
She falters. Just for a second. Then, her expression hardens.
“We’ll see if you make it to the altar.”
She lunges.
Pain blooms through my hand as I try to deflect the swing of her weapon. It stings, but I don’t let it stop me.
I refuse to go down without a fight—not now, not ever.
I try to steady my breath, even though every nerve in my body is screaming. Pain pulses through my hand, but I push through it. My voice, though tight, doesn’t shake. “You can take your anger out on me all you want,” I say, meeting her gaze, “but you’ll never have what we have. Love built on lies doesn’t last.”
Her expression twists, fury flashing like lightning in her eyes. That fragile hold she has on composure snaps. “You just don’t know when to shut up,” she spits, stepping closer, her tone rising into a sharp, frantic pitch.
