No one followed me.
Through a haze, I went upstairs. Past the bedroom. Past the bed. Into the bathroom.
I locked the door.
Only then did I let the tears fall.
A child was growing inside me, and I was surrounded by predators.
I thought about my teenage years in the scheme. University—when I’d felt almost safe. Then my working years as an adult. Functional. Independent.
Until my father reappeared.
I grabbed some toilet paper and wiped my face, blowing my nose.
They wouldn’t hurt a baby.
Their baby.
But they could use it to control me.
Was that any different from now?
A soft knock on the door made my head snap up.
“Ella,” Rowan said quietly.
He didn’t knock again.
“I—I just need a minute,” I said, but my head was spinning.
“It’s not a game, Ella. We all want you—and everything you come with,” Rowan said after a few seconds of silence.
What about whatIwanted?
Fuck.
WhatdidI want?
I tossed the tissue into the bin and dragged my hands through my hair, staring at my reflection. I lifted my vest and tugged my shorts down, turning sideways.
It could be natural weight gain.
I shook my head.
Not with the amount of come they’d put inside me.
Anger crept in slowly, a low, steady burn.
I snapped the lock open and shoved past Rowan.
They were all there.
Nick—serious.
Alec—amused.
Rowan—concerned.
