“That’s not what this is about, and you know it.” She was so sick of him manipulating everything to his advantage.
“That is exactly what this is about, but you're too stubborn to admit that you can't do this by yourself.”
“I admitted that when I asked my mother if I could move in with her.” She rolled onto her back, glaring up at him. “I’m rich now. Remember? I could’ve easily gone to a hotel or bought a place, but I knew I’d need help. I just don’t want to do this with you.”
“Too fucking bad because she's my daughter, and I'm going to take care of her. You can't shut me out of her life.”
“Unlike you, I wouldn't do that.”
“Fuck, Alison.” He put his hands in his hair and pulled. “I wouldn't have done it. Those addendums were added before I knew what this was. I’d never hurt you like that. Never.”
“You can say that all you want, but the truth is you did.”
“I did no such thing. I offered to destroy the contract.”
“But only if I did what you wanted. Our entire relationship has been nothing but a giant game of chess to you. You’ve positioned me and moved me and manipulated me until you got everything you wanted. You can keep trying to maneuver me to your satisfaction, but it won’t work because I’m not playing anymore.” She turned onto her side, trying to keep the sobs silent as tears rolled down her cheeks.
CHAPTER 17: Harker
Harker groaned as he rolled over, the baby’s whimpers cutting through his sleep like a frigging siren of doom. Doom for any rest. He winced as he forced his eyes open. It felt like they were full of sand. He hadn’t gotten much sleep in the hospital and tonight had been worse. The baby had been up most of the night which meant so had they. Irene’s fussing was starting to boil over into a squall. He crawled out of bed, gently lifting the baby from the crib.
“What? No. Huh,” mumbled Alison as her eyes fluttered open.
“I got her.” He placed Irene against his shoulder, patting her back, but the kid was having none of that. She started crying louder and louder. He was still amazed that a tiny thing like her could make that much noise.
“No. I’ll do it. Sorry.” Alison pushed herself up and leaned against the headboard.
“I’ve got her. Go back to sleep.”
“But she's hungry.”
“I'll use what you pumped last time.” He stood.
“That was hardly anything. That's not going to satisfy her.”
“She is a good little eater.” He kissed the top of the baby's head, loving her scent and the downy softness of her hair. Irene wailed louder. He grimaced. That he could live without. “Go back to sleep. I'll change her and feed her. If she wants more, I’ll wake you.”
“Thank you.” Alison’s gaze met his, her eyes filled with warmth, but it was for the wrong reason.
“You don’t need to thank me. She’s my child too.” He walked out of the room.
CHAPTER 18: Alison
Alison woke and sat straight up. Harker and Irene weren’t back yet, but it had to have been longer than a few minutes. There was no way that little bit of milk would’ve filled Irene. She must’ve just needed a diaper change, but if that were true, where were they?
She started to crawl out of bed but stopped. She took a deep breath, enjoying the few minutes of peace. She loved her daughter, but the last few days had been exhausting. She got out of bed and walked down the hallway to the bathroom. Good Lord, she was a mess. Her hair looked like she hadn’t brushed it in days and her face was pale except for the huge dark circles under her eyes. She looked like a raccoon who’d been caught in a tornado. She was surprised that Harker hadn’t taken one look at her and run in the other direction.
She brushed her hair and teeth before washing her face. She still looked like a raccoon, but at least now, she was a well-groomed one. It was the best she was going to get until she got some real sleep. She headed down the hallway. Harker and Irene were probably in the kitchen. She stopped half-way down the stairs.
He was stretched out on the small couch, his body twisted so his legs touched the floor. Irene was on his chest, her little face peaceful in sleep. Alison swore her womb contracted. He was such a good father. He’s a good man. Not perfect, but he could be a good husband. She wanted to listen to that voice, to believe it, but she couldn't. It was her hormones talking, her instincts to find someone to help her take care of her baby. The fact that she was still in love with him didn’t help.
“Hey.” His eyes opened. “What are you doing up?” he whispered. “She fell asleep after I changed her. I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Thanks, but I can take her now.” She took a few steps and then paused…“Unless you’d be okay if I took a shower.” She’d almost kill for a few minutes alone in the shower.
“I don't mind at all.” His eyes sparkled. “Actually, I was going to suggest that.”
“Hey,” she laughed. “You don't smell so good yourself.”
