Neither of us speak as our waitress brings us our beverages. I take a long pull of the shake and groan.
Chocolate is better than sex!
“I don’t know about that,” Spike counters. “I happen to think sex is pretty fucking spectacular.”
My cheeks warm. “Said that out loud, didn’t I?”
“Yep,” he says. “My turn?” I nod and take another sip. “I’m sorry for being such a dick and not being someone you could turn to.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know what to believe, Ivory. I look at you and see nothing but sincerity, but Glitter lied to me about being pregnant with my kid, and here you are saying you’re pregnant with my kid, too.”
“Aubrey’s baby isn’t yours?” I ask, shocked.
“She’s not pregnant at all,” he snips. “Fucking lied to trap me.”
I reach across the table and squeeze his hand. “I’m so sorry, Spike. That’s unforgivable. No one should ever play with someone’s emotions like that.” I pause as he stares into my eyes. “I know you have no reason to believe me, but I’ll consent to a paternity test after my son is born. We can do it once he’s healed from his surgery to prove to you that he’s yours.”
“Our son,” he states firmly.
“Our son,” I agree.
The waitress delivers our food, and we eat in comfortable silence. Spike’s eyes widen in shock when I finish everything in front of me.
“Damn woman,” he says, pulling out his wallet. “You could put all my brothers to shame.”
“Hey, I’m eating for two,” I whine.
Spike stands and pulls me out of the booth. “Now what do we do?”
“I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Dr. Wilde is going to do another ultrasound.” I play with the hem of my shirt, not wanting to meet his gaze. “You can come with me if you want, but I’ll warn you, Aubrey works there.”
He tips my chin up. “We don’t have to worry about her,” he assures me. “I want to go with you.”
“Okay,” I say breathlessly. Suddenly, I don’t really feel like being alone. “Do you, uh, wanna come back to stay at my house?”
The corners of his mouth curve up. “Really?”
I smack his chest. “Not for sex, perv. It’s an early appointment, and I don’t feel like being alone after rehashing all of this stuff.” I shrug nonchalantly. “You’ll sleep in the spare room, of course.”
“Of course,” he mocks but not unkindly. “Sure, I’ll stay.” He tugs me into his chest. “Someday babe, you’ll be screaming my name again,” he promises.
I wink. “I know. It’ll be in the delivery room when I’m cussing and damning you to hell.”
Spike throws his head back and laughs.
For the first time in months, things are bright.
I hope, for our son’s sake, Spike will be the dad he’ll need.
CHAPTER 25
SPIKE
ONE MONTH LATER…
“Is she coming out for breakfast?”
I pour myself a cup of coffee before moving to the table in the kitchen where Abyss has a feast spread out. He’s been making huge meals every morning since Ivory started staying here. She made the mistake of complaining that she was starving one day, and he’s made it his personal mission to make sure that’s never the case again.
“Nah. She’s still sleeping.”
