Aeromancist, The Beginning (SECOND EDITION) - Charmaine Pauls Page 0,4
around. “That time I was away, when I had to leave for business, you conceived during that week.”
“Oh, no.” Shaking her head, she backed up a step. “Don’t you dare.” She was close to tears again, fighting to contain them. “I did what I believed was right. I told you the truth. If you’re not man enough to handle it, get out of my house.”
For the first time, he appeared uncertain.
“Why would I have told you if you’re not the father?” she asked. “I didn’t ask you for anything. I don’t need your money and I sure as hell don’t need you in my baby’s life.”
He regarded her with a pained expression. “You’re right. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I’ve had enough. Please see yourself out.” She turned. “Have a nice life.”
He grabbed her arm. “I want to believe you, but I’ve never lied to you either. Whatever is happening,” his throat moved as he swallowed, “you need to have an abortion.”
His words were like a knife jammed into her heart. She jerked her arm free and stepped outside his reach. Her voice was tremulous. “I can’t believe you just said that.”
Moving fast, he gripped her shoulders. “I want tests done.”
Tests? It was clear he didn’t trust her. It was even clearer he didn’t want to be a father. This was a road she’d have to walk alone. What had she expected? Had she believed he was going to give her an explanation and confess his love? He’d only promised her thirty days. Nothing more.
“I’ve got this under control,” she said. “Just go.”
He shook her gently. “Like hell you do. You will have an abortion, do you hear me?”
Such cruel words. The air was gone again. Her chest heaved.
“Katherine, breathe.”
She tried to drag oxygen into her lungs, but the simple action she’d always taken for granted was ineffective.
“Let me help you,” he said, dragging her closer.
She pushed him away. She didn’t need his help. She could do this on her own.
“Kat!” Diana rushed across the floor. “What have you done to her?” She gave Lann an accusing look. “Just as well my gut told me to come back.” Taking hold of Kat’s shoulders, she pushed her down onto the couch. “This has been happening a lot lately. I think you need to see a doctor.”
Kat didn’t need a doctor. It was just a small panic attack. In and out. Easy. When she made an effort to relax, her lungs filled again.
“You should really go,” Diana said, shooting daggers at Lann.
He walked to the couch, but Diana placed herself between him and Kat. “Can’t you see you’re upsetting her?”
He appeared indecisive, but after a moment he turned and left. The door shut quietly behind him.
Diana went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. “Drink.”
“Thanks.” Kat took a few sips and left the water on the table.
Diana plopped down next to her. “You’re pale. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“It’s nothing. I’m upset, that’s all.”
Diana didn’t look appeased. “Maybe you should get a restraining order.”
Kat rested her head on the backrest. “What a grand mess.”
For once, Diana sounded scared. “We’ll figure it out.”
Kat’s phone rang early. Wiping her hands over her eyes, she looked at the screen. It was an unlisted number. She pulled the pillow over her head, deciding to let it go to voicemail, but it started ringing again five seconds later. Maybe it was a die-hard journalist who was hard up for a story that was now like old, warmed up food. Changing her number had helped, but some reporters still managed to get it. Facing the breakup with Lann on social media and through the gossip columns had been hard. It wasn’t easy being dumped in public, in front of the whole world. That’s what you got for dating a mysterious millionaire.
She took the call with a tired greeting. The voice that sounded on the other end wasn’t who she expected.
“Katherine, please don’t hang up.”
She sat up. “How did you get this number?” Did she really have to ask? “Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
He sounded genuinely concerned. “How are you?”
Tired. “I’m good.”
“We need to talk.”
“There’s nothing left to say.”
“Katherine, this is important. Let me come over, or let me fetch you and bring you here.”
She groaned. “I already told you, you’ve got nothing to fear. I’m not expecting you to—”
“What I need to say can’t be said on the phone.”
“There can’t be more to say.”
“There is.”
She rested her hand on her forehead. “Fine. I’ll listen