“Not a single flirtation, from what I heard. He’s been waiting for you the whole time, even if he wasn’t aware of it.”
“How long do you think he’ll be willing to wait?”
“For you? A long time, I’d guess.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I know I’m right. That’s the thing about being pregnant. I sit down a lot so I get to observe people. Believe me, the past couple of months, I’ve seen everything the Ursa has to offer.” Lia sat up and grabbed her stomach. “Whoa.”
“Are you okay?”
“Elaine?” Lia’s breathing hitched. “We’re good friends, right?”
“Yeah.”
“So you wouldn’t mind if I just started peeing myself right here, would you? Because I think I just did.”
Elaine looked at Lia’s lap. Her maternity jeans were soaked down the length of her inner legs, and the wetness was starting to puddle on the floor. “You’re not peeing yourself. Your water just broke!”
“Oh shit. That’s what I was worried about.” She began to hyperventilate. “I’m not ready for this. Why did I tell Ry to go out with Connor? Shit, shit, shit! Can you text him?”
“He’s probably already picked up on your state of mind telepathically but sure. Don’t worry. He’ll be here. You can do this. I’ll text Josh, too.” She smiled in encouragement. “Your baby boy is coming.”
“My baby boy.” She started crying all over again. “I’m going to be a mom.”
“You’re going to be a great mom. Now breathe.” She stood and went to make the call in the hallway so she could speak freely without agitating Lia.
As Elaine whipped her cell phone out of her pocket, she was surprised to see a call coming in. She didn’t recognize the number. Perhaps Ryland was calling from somewhere inside the resort. “Hello?”
“Hello, Elaine. This is Royal Hill.”
She froze.
“I’m going to give you some instructions. I want you to listen carefully. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl.” He chuckled. “I’ve captured two of your friends. Marcelle Burgess and the good doctor are currently moldering in an underground cell.”
“You’re lying. Josh is at his clinic, and Marcelle is in Europe.”
“How strange. I’m sure I checked their ID on the way in. Oh well, if you’re so sure, I can just kill these two strangers right now and save everyone some trouble.”
“No!” She reminded herself to keep her voice down. “No, please. What do you want?”
“It’s rather simple. I want you. I’ll need you to pay me a little visit so we can discuss our future.”
“And if I don’tpay you a little visit?”
“Then I’ll butcher your friends. Don’t test me, Elaine. I have nothing to lose.”
“Where do you want me?”
“The abandoned highway rest stop at Exit 25. Do you know the place?”
“Yeah.”
“Be there at noon. Come alone. If I see you have company, I will tell my man to kill your friends.”
