Of course, I like breathing, so I don't say it.
She was...emotional before, during, and after sex. More than I thought she'd be. And I don't want to set off tears. Or more anger. Or whatever.
I'm already a little wary of her declarations of forgiveness. It could be hormones speaking.
When the fuck do pregnancy hormones kick in?
I make a mental note to do some research.
Me
I know this isn't fun. Especially as we're supposedly starting with as clean a slate as we can get it, but, Lola, you have the guards, they'll do what they're told, and you can deal with it and have as much freedom as I can give you. It's the same as Lyndall gets, BTW. So, let her wait outside, let her wait outside the cubicle if you go to a public bathroom. She's doing her job, keeping you and the baby safe.
Lola
I can take care of myself.
Me
I'm sure you can, but not like they can. Even I can't do it without them. Or without having you under lock and key in the house.
Lola
Thank you for explaining. Just note my opposition.
And I breathe out the breath I didn't know I was holding.
Me
Noted.
I race down the subway stairs, using the phone to use my metro, and then I jump on just as the train doors start to shut.
It's not that long a ride, though the train's local, so it stops at each stop.
It gives me time to think. To go over the texts in my head.
But I was honest. And I don't think I'm being overwhelming or cloying.
She gets freedom, of a kind. It's the same as a president or a rock star.
Those people live with protection around the clock. Lola can, too.
She's having my baby, and I don't want anyone to hurt her, take her, or force her into situations she'll hate.
Yeah, she hates this, but it's small, nothing, really, in the grand scheme.
And I'm being honest.
I get off the subway and make my way to Cade's.
"Hi, Enzo." Vi lets me in. She hugs me, then grabs her bag. "I was on my way out. Cade is in the study. Bye, Enzo, and bring your girl by, okay?"
She's out the door in her suit, and I shut it behind her.
I take a step and stop.
These two love exhibitionism. I've seen things that make me shudder. So, while pretty Violet was dressed, who the fuck knows what they were doing?
