Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
The possessive way that man looked at me creeped me out. For a moment, I didn’t think he was going to allow me to return to Texas. I was so relieved when he said he had to leave on business.
However, the way he kissed my forehead before he left sent cold chills through me. I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. However, it was his parting words that left me raw and filled with fear.
“Don’t make me do anything else I don’t want to. I’ll forgive you this once. I think you’ve learned your lesson.”
Dez left me with no doubts about who killed my father. The cold look in his eyes told the truth and dared me to speak on it. I think Cam should know about the baby, but I don’t want to place a target on his back.
Maybe if I tell him, we can run together. I don’t know what Dez will do when he finds out I’m pregnant. At this point, running might be my only option.
CHAPTER 37
Shocked
Maribel
It’s official. I didn’t win the trip to Paris. Although I don’t think that would have worked out. Dez would have found a way to track me through those tickets.
When I disappear, it needs to be without a trace. I sit in my rental car, staring at the baseball team facility. If Cam is serious about helping me, I need him and his help.
I chew on my lip. I’m nervous about telling him about the baby. I don’t want him to think I’m trapping him into anything.
Our baby needs to be safe. If Dez finds out I’m pregnant, I don’t think any of us will be safe. I suck in a breath and build up my courage.
“It’s now or never. You’re running out of time. You can feel it,” I murmur to myself.
I watch as the team jogs off the field, heading into the facility. Caleb comes into view first and not that far behind him is Cam. I rush out of the car to catch Cam before he disappears into the building.
“Cam,” I call out to stop him.
He turns and a smile comes to his face. I swallow hard as I almost change my mind and turn to run. Instead, I force my feet to keep moving forward.
“Can we go somewhere and talk?” I say softly.
Concern fills his eyes. “Yeah, of course. Come inside. There’s a meeting room we can sit in.”
I nod and follow him into the building. Once inside, Cam places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to sit down in one of two chairs that are facing each other. I sit and fidget in the seat nervously.
“What’s up? I was going to call you to talk before flying out for the draft. Is everything okay?”
“I was wondering if you still want to help me,” I push out before I chicken out.
“Of course I do. That’s why I was going to call. I leave for the draft with my family in the morning.”
“Wait, you entered?”
“Yeah, long story. I figured I’d see what happens.”
“Oh,” I say, looking down into my hands.
“Mina, what’s wrong, baby? You’re making me nervous. Did something happen with that asshole?”
“No and yes.”
“Listen, I have a plan for you. I can’t go, but I can get you somewhere safe if you need it.”
He can’t go with me. I start to panic. Why can’t he go with me?
This was a bad idea. I’m totally screwed. How am I going to raise a baby on the run by myself?
“Mina, tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out in my panic.
I watch as his face turns white as a sheet. I’ve never seen him look this white. His skin is always tanned from all the time he spends outdoors.
I stand and begin to back away. This was dumb. He doesn’t owe me anything.
This was my stupid mistake. He doesn’t need to put his life on the line for me. I will figure things out on my own.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here. This was a mistake. Forget I said anything.”
I turn and race back to my car. I can hear him calling after me, but I don’t stop until I’m behind the steering wheel of the car, speeding back toward my apartment.
I need to pack my things and make a plan. Tears are streaming down my face, making it hard to see the road before me. My phone begins to ring, but I ignore it.
I fell in love with Cam. Never once has he told me he loves me as more than a friend. I had gotten my hopes up for nothing. He doesn’t want me or this baby.
I feel so stupid. As I stop at a light, I place my hand over my belly and take a breath. I have to figure this out for him or her.