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What was I going to do if it was positive?

I didn't have a job. I was staying in Aubrey's guest room. The man who would be this baby's father had put me out because he thought I was a liar. I was a liar, but for good reason.

I could already imagine trying to have that conversation with Justice. He barely wanted to hear my name. Now I might have to tell him I was carrying his child.

“Please,” I whispered, though I wasn't sure what I was asking for.

I thought about Golden and tears started to fill my eyes. I’d failed her and Keenan and I couldn’t afford to fail another one.

My GPS interrupted, telling me to turn right. I nearly missed the street because thoughts of my children were swarming my head. I couldn’t add another to the mix.

This can’t be happening now. Focus, Melody. I needed to get through this interview first. Afterward, I could stop for a test. Until I had a result, I didn't have anything to tell anybody.

The street was peaceful but not nearly as luxurious as the neighborhood that Justice lived in. Nor was it as rich in culture as Rita’s original house. I passed a woman walking a small dog, then slowed to check the house numbers.

My phone announced that I had arrived.

I eased toward the driveway, looking for somewhere to park. A car was already sitting outside the garage. There was room behind it, and I started to turn in.

Then I looked at it again.

Something about the car was familiar. I had seen it somewhere, but I couldn't place it immediately. It was a red Nissan Maxima.

I glanced toward the house, then back at the car.

I'd watched Storie get into that car when Kira came to pick her up. It had been parked at Justice's house.

My foot came off the brake.

“Oh, hell no.”

I pulled away before I had even finished turning into the driveway.

That was Kira's car.

I kept driving, checking the mirror as the house disappeared behind me. My heart was beating so hard I could feel it in my throat.

That bitch had set me up. That was definitely her car. I recognized the Marceline’s bumper sticker.

I was about to walk into something that could’ve killed me. I know this bitch blames me for Justice kicking her out of his life but that wasn’t my fault. But this was crossing the line. She was going out of her way to lure me into a trap.

The request had described everything I did for Rita. They wanted somebody who could cook, handle an older woman’s dementia, and be comfortable around children. Kira requested those specific things to get me in her clutches.

Well, not today, Satan. Crazy bitch.

I get it though. Justice’s dick is that good. But girl, get a grip and let it go.

I gripped the wheel tighter.

My stomach lurched but I sped away. I wanted to call Justice and tell him what just happened. But I couldn’t.

17

Kira

We’re so close to getting his bitch. The first thing I wanna do is strap her down and throw mice and roaches on her. I wanted her to feel a semblance of what I felt.

I eased the curtain back as Skye slowed in front of my townhouse. As soon as she gets in here, we’re ambushing her.