Page 165 of Lovely Venom

When I glance at Cristian and find him watching me, I understand that feeling. Because he’s become my anchor too.

The conversation continues, eventually drifting back to the topic of Elias.

Both men seem slightly more relaxed as Cristian asks Andreas questions about where Elias spends his time. He also wants to know about his hobbies, associates, and where he might camp while he’s hiding out.

Andreas answers the questions gruffly, but honestly, as far as I can tell.

I’m sure it’s strange for him to cross into enemy territory and provide information about one of their own, but he seems willing to help. He even divulges that Elias would often meet with Tiffany, which is how he suspects the notes were being delivered to my dressing table. Cristian says that makes sense, considering they never saw Elias on the cameras backstage.

Everything is going well until I spear a piece of pineapple onto my fork and bite into it. As I start to chew, something about it feels off. More than off, I realize, as it becomes sickly sweet in my mouth and the smell suddenly overwhelms me.

I love pineapple. I’ve always loved pineapple. But this isn’t the first food my body has rejected recently.

I discard the half-chewed fruit into my napkin as discreetly as I can manage while my mouth waters and my stomach churns.

“Sorry, I just have to use the restroom.” I rise from my seat, excusing myself quickly.

Playing it cool until I round the corner, I run to the nearest bathroom and hurl myself over the toilet—just in time to throw up my entire breakfast.

“Oh, God,” I whimper.

“Don’t tell me my brother already got you pregnant.” Mariella sighs from the door behind me.

I close my eyes and groan in response. I’ve been trying not to think about it, but the signs are all there.

Truthfully, I don’t know how to handle any of it, but I guess the first step is acknowledging it.

“I guess Rafe wasn’t kidding when he said the Vitale men are potent,” I grumble.

“You want to do a test real quick?” Mariella asks.

I blink up at her and nod, because I have to get cleaned up anyway, and I guess there’s no time like the present to face reality.

Mariella takes me to her wing, and once I’m finished with the test, she offers me a new toothbrush and some toothpaste.

I brush and rinse my mouth while we wait, and it doesn’t take long for the truth to reveal itself.

“Definitely pregnant,” Mariella says.

We both stare at the test, and after a long minute of silence, she glances over at me.

“How are you feeling about it?”

“Shocked,” I admit. “But I shouldn’t be. It’s not like we didn’t know this was going to happen.”

“It might take some time to sink in,” she tells me. “But I’m happy for you. You’re going to be an incredible mother, Chantel.”

“Thank you.” I tear up, blotting at my eyes with a tissue. “Can I expect these waterworks to happen all the time now?”

“It’s a possibility.” She laughs. “I also recommend eating small, frequent meals. Hunger can make the nausea worse.”

“Okay.” I blow out a breath.

I’m growing an entire human inside me, and now that it’s confirmed, I’m not sure I’m even qualified. Do they actually just let anyone become a mother? I feel like there’s some kind of test I should pass, and I’m wholly unprepared.

“Take things one step at a time,” Mariella suggests, recognizing my overwhelm. “Today, all you need to do is relax. I’ll make some ginger tea for you.”

“Thank you.” I offer her a smile. “But can we make it to go? I need to get back to the courtyard.”