Flinch
Zoey opened her eyes, not wanting to wake. She was on the couch, leaning against Alex, who was texting with a tense expression on his face.
“Are you okay?” Her voice came out scratchy. She cleared her throat.
He turned to her, his frown disappearing and his eyes filling with concern. “Did I wake you?”
She shook her head. “I think it was the TV.”
“How are you feeling?” He set aside his phone.
“Who are you texting?” She craned her neck to see the screen.
“No one.”
“You expect me to believe that? You have to be texting somebody.”
Alex frowned. “You’re right. I just didn’t want you to worry.”
“Worry? About what?” Had he heard something from the hospital? She almost didn’t want to know. “Is everything okay?”
He took a deep breath. “I’ve been getting texts from someone who says Flynn wants to see me.”
Zoey’s heart skipped a beat. “Ariana’s abductor? He wants to see you?”
He nodded. “Unfortunately.”
“The man who almost killed her?” Rage pulsated through her body. “He’s contacting you?”
“Not him directly. He’s supposed to be in jail. That’s where he wants me to visit him. I don’t know what to think.”
“You still think he’s out?”
Alex’s brows drew together. “He is. I’ve seen him.”
“Someone who looks like him?”
“No! Not unless he has a twin nobody knows about—and that’s ridiculous. It’s him. I could never forget that face.”
“It just doesn’t make sense.”
“Tell me about it. Believe me, I’ve questioned my own sanity over this more than once. I know how it looks.” He took a deep breath. “But I don’t want you worrying about this. I’m going to ignore him. Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
Her stomach lurched at the thought of food. “Just tired.”
Alex kissed her cheek. “Why don’t we get you ready for bed? I should get some sleep, too. I have to get up early to drive to the academy tomorrow. Unless you need me to stay. I will if you want me to.”
She shook her head. “No, you need to go. I’ll be fine. I have to work, anyway. I’m going to talk to my boss about working from home part of the week.”
“Part of the week? You’re on bedrest, Zo. You can’t go in at all.”
She frowned. “I might start to feel better in a few days. My bleeding seems to be lighter.”
He shook his head. “No work. You heard the doctor—bed rest. Are you going to tell them about the pregnancy?”
“I’m going to have to, although they’re bound to figure it out eventually whether I say anything or not. Can’t hide it, especially not with twins.”
“True.” He looked deep in thought. “Do you want me with you when you tell your parents and Ariana?”
Pain pressed on her temples. “How are we going to explain this to Ariana? That these babies aren’t yours? That I was violated and—?”
“We won’t.” Alex enveloped her into his embrace. “We’re getting married and I’m raising them as if they were my own because they’re yours. There’s no reason for anyone to think they aren’t mine.”
“But I have to testify against him. What if they question the paternity then?”
“Why would they? You were engaged when he abducted you. There’s no reason anyone would think you weren’t already pregnant. He violated you, that’s all anyone needs to know. We’ll get married, then my name will be on the birth certificates.”
“But what if people ask about Dave being the father? What do I say then?”
“Tell them that I’m the twins’ dad. I’m going to raise them with you, so I am their dad. And besides, asking if he raped you is horrible. It’s none of their business!”
“What if the twins ask questions later? We can’t hide the truth from them if they suspect anything.”
Alex cupped her chin. “I doubt they will. Even so, we have plenty of time to worry about that. At least twelve years. Maybe more. For now, let’s just make sure you’re taken care of. Who’s going to watch you tomorrow?”
She pulled away. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“You’re not supposed to get out of bed.”
“Then why am I on the couch?”
“Because you’re resting. I’m going to carry you back to bed, remember?”
Annoyance ran through her. “I can walk.”
“I know you can. That’s not going to stop me from carrying you. Sure you don’t want something to eat before going to bed?”
“Not unless you want me puking.”
He shook his head. “No. Do you want me to see if the doctor can prescribe you something for the nausea? You need to eat something. Especially with two babies in there, taking their nutrition from you.”
“I’m still eating. Just not a lot.”
“Are you getting enough?”
“I think so. Especially since I’m not going to need any energy for walking around.”
He frowned. “You say your bleeding has gotten better?”
“It’s hard to tell, but I think so.”
“Well, I’ll take you so you can check.” He scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom. “Let me know if you need anything.”
She leaned against the counter and nodded.
Alex closed the door behind him.
Zoey took a deep breath and got herself ready for bed, trying to ignore the fatigue squeezing her.
“How are you doing in there?” Alex asked after a few minutes.
Part of her wanted to be annoyed with him, but she couldn’t help loving him more for all of this. He certainly didn’t have to stick around to help her raise two babies that weren’t his. Especially since it basically killed their dream of having more kids together.
“Everything okay?” He sounded worried.
“Almost done. I’m fine.”
She hurried as best she could, but found the longer she stood made her dizzy. Once done, she opened the door to find Alex two inches from her.
“How are you feeling? Did the bleeding stop? Do you need anything?”
She pressed a palm on the doorframe. “I just need to lie down. The bleeding has almost stopped. Almost.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good news.” Then he scooped her up again and carried her over to the bed and tucked her in. “How’s that?”
She rested her head on the pillow. “Perfect. Thanks for everything. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
“I’m here for you, Zo. No matter what.” He climbed on the bed and traced her jawline, gazing into her eyes.
Zoey swallowed, overcome by emotions.
Alex rested his hand on her shoulder and drew closer.
She flashed back to the woods. To Dave approaching her. Violating her.
She pulled back and gasped for air.
Alex jumped and let go. “What’s the matter? Did I do something wrong?”
Zoey blinked a few times. It took her a moment to realize she was safe in her bed. That Alex was with her. He would never intentionally hurt her.
“Zo?” Worry filled his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Alex. I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t be sorry. Don’t ever be sorry.” He pulled her close and rubbed her back.