SAVANNAH
When I wake up,the bruises on my wrist have turned purple. They look worse today than they did yesterday, dark and angry against my skin.
I pick up my phone from the bedside table. Twenty-three missed calls from a blocked number last night. No voicemails. Just call after call after call until I finally turned the phone off around 2:00 AM.
Ledger is already awake, standing at the windows in his suit, coffee in hand.
“Morning,” I say.
He turns and crosses the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. “How’s your wrist?”
“Sore. But fine.”
He takes my hand and pushes up my sleeve, examining the bruises. His jaw tightens. “I should have killed him.”
“Silas said you’re watching him. Using him to find whoever’s backing him.”
“I know what Silas said. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” He releases my hand gently. “I have meetings all day. Stay inside. Don’t go anywhere without telling me first.”
“Ledger, I can’t just stay locked up in here forever.”
“Not forever. Just until we figure out what’s happening with Mason and the Kozlovs.”
“That could take weeks.”
“Then it takes weeks.” He stands and adjusts his tie. “I need to know you’re safe. That’s not negotiable.”
I throw the covers off and stand. “I’m not a prisoner, Ledger. I’m your wife.”
“Which is exactly why you need to stay safe. You’re not just yourself anymore. You’re carrying our child. That makes you a target.”
“I’ve been a target since the day I married you.”
“And now they know you’re pregnant. That changes everything.” He moves closer, his voice softer. “Savannah, please. I’m not trying to control you. I’m trying to protect you.”
“It feels the same.”
“I know. I know it does. But I can’t lose you. I can’t lose either of you.” His hand covers mine on my stomach. “Just give me time to handle this. Please.”
“Okay,” I say quietly. “I’ll stay inside today.”
“Thank you.” He kisses me. “I’ll be home by six.”
After he leaves, I sit on the couch and stare at the city below. The penthouse is beautiful. Spacious. Everything I could want.
But it feels like a cage.
It’s been two days since Mason attacked me. Dr. Williams moves the ultrasound wand across my stomach. “Everything looks good. Baby’s measuring right on track. Heartbeat is strong.”
I watch the screen. Twenty-two weeks. Halfway there.
“How are you feeling? Any concerns?”
“Tired. Stressed.”
“That’s normal. But try to minimize stress where you can. It’s not good for you or the baby.”
Ledger squeezes my hand from beside me. “We’re working on that.”
