Raging Heart On (Lucas Brothers #2)(73)

“It is? You could have called me to tell me. I know we don’t talk much, but I would have helped you. You didn’t need to come all the way here, especially if you don’t feel good.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so glad you’re being understanding about all this. Because, well… there’s a problem.”

“A problem?”

“Yes. I don’t really know how to tell you, or to tell anyone, really. And I feel just so lost, but I knew when White told me you were getting married, I had to tell you.”

“What are you talking about?” White asks at the same time I ask, “Tell me what?”

“That you can’t marry White.”

“I can’t?”

“She sure as hell can and she will.”

“She can’t. You see… my baby… it’s yours.”

“What the f*ck are you talking about??” White growls, but I know. It’s all coming down on me like the force of a brick wall crumbling on top of me. My heart hammers even harder, my breath becomes labored, my skin feels clammy, and the room starts to swim. I’m fainting. I know it, I can’t stop it, and the last words I hear before I hit the floor are words I never want to hear again from anyone except me.

“I’m having your baby, White. I’m pregnant with your child.”





CHAPTER 56


WHITE




I’m in disbelief as I watch Kayla become lifeless. It’s almost as if it is in slow motion. I grab her just before she hits the floor and quickly gather her in my arms.

“Lay her down on the couch,” Mom yells, but I ignore her. I ignore everyone. I take Kayla straight to my room and lay her on the bed. She looks so small and frail lying there, and fear—bone-deep fear—replaces the anger from earlier. Well, at least the anger directed at her. I can’t lose Kayla. I don’t think I could survive. She’s always been special to me, but since we’ve been together, she’s a part of me. She owns me. Mom comes in a minute later carrying a washcloth. I squeeze it to make sure she got all the cold water out and then place it on her face, slowly moving it around, willing her to come to. I hold onto her hand, refusing to let go.

“Should we take her to the hospital?” Black asks, and I look up to see him and Rachel come in.

“Get her out of here,” I growl, not wanting to see the bitch.

“White,” Rachel says, and that does it. I had been kneeling by Kayla, but I stand up quickly and go to the door, pushing my brother out of the way.

“Get the f*ck out of here. I don’t know what the hell kind of game you’re playing, Rachel, but you and me both know that kid in your belly is not mine.”

“White, you’re the only man I’ve been with in a long time. It is yours. I know you’re upset. I tried to tell you sooner. I was scared–”

“Bullshit! I didn’t sleep with your ass. I wouldn’t have done that to Kayla.”

“We’d been drinking. Things happen. We shouldn’t feel guilty about this. You and Kayla weren’t together and you can’t deny we’ve always had chemistry together. You have to see that this child isn’t a bad thing. We can have a good life together…”

“You are f*cking delusional. Kayla and I might not have been together, but I have always loved her and I would never sleep with her sister! Hell, if I hadn’t been so drunk, I never would have crashed on your couch with the way you kept putting little jabs in about Kayla. You disgust me. That’s the reason I left as soon as I woke up. Woke up. Alone. Clothes on. So pedal whatever garbage you’re selling somewhere else. I’d cut off my dick before I’d let it touch you.” I’m advancing on her with every word until she’s backed up a good ten feet. Once she’s out of the doorway, I slam the door in her face.

“Brother—”

“You watch her, get her the f*ck out of here, and see where she goes. It wouldn’t surprise me if she starts leaking shit to the press. I’m not sure what her game is, but I need this shit locked down.”

“You’re positive there’s no way…?”

“Not in a million years is that kid she’s carrying mine.”

“Got it. I’ll take care of it.”

“At least you have more sense than I was giving you credit for. I was starting to think poor Hamburger had more brains than you did.”

“Hamburger?” Black says, coming back into the room.

“Mom named her pet cow Hamburger.”

“Why does this not surprise me?” Black asks from behind me.

“Because you and Blue named him that first. It confused the little feller, so I just changed it to go along with you,” Mom grumbles. I can hear a thud and know she head-slapped Black. I know because she does that to all of us, usually twice a day.

“What’d you do with the bitch?”

“I got Jansen watching her,” Black says.

“Jansen? Oh, hell no. That man is so hyped up on my shakes, he could knock up a woman from fifty feet.”

“Jesus, Mom. Besides, she’s already knocked up,” Black growls.

“I’m not taking any chances. I’ll call the doctor while I’m out there and get him to come check our girl out.”