Wrapped in Chains - Nicola Jane Page 0,34
actually, I’m pregnant with your baby and I have no idea what to do because I just started a trainee job at the hospital as a nurse. The shifts are killing me and I can’t stop feeling sick. But how’s life with you? “Yeah, all good on my end. Call him—he’s worried.” I disconnect the call and pinch the bridge of my nose. My life is a mess.
A week passes. I’ve done my first full week as a nurse and I’m exhausted. I had my pregnancy confirmed by the doctor. Five weeks. Five bloody weeks. I don’t know if I’m still in shock or if I’m in denial. All I know is every time I think about it, a wave of sickness hits me and I get all anxious and dizzy.
I arrive at Gia’s dad’s restaurant. We agreed to Friday night dinner now that I can’t drink. She’s already sat at a table waiting for me and I smile as I approach. “Finally. I’m starving,” she says, hugging me.
“Sorry. I had the third degree off my mum.” Frankie senses that something is wrong and keeps pestering me to talk. She’s always been good at finding stuff out from me, but this is too huge.
“I take it you didn’t tell her?”
I shake my head and fill my glass with water from a jug on the table. “I’m not ready for them all to know. I can’t stand the fuss and the accusations that’ll follow.”
“You said no one knows about you and Chains, so lie. Tell them it was a one night stand.”
“And when exactly would that have happened? They know where I am all the time.”
“They didn’t know that night,” she says and shrugs.
“Because Chains was the one who was supposed to be watching me.” I laugh.
“My beautiful wife to be,” says Vinn as he approaches. Gia rolls her eyes, but I smile. He’s only teasing, but I like that he tries to make me feel special. As he glides towards our table, the heads of women all around us turn to watch him. He’s mesmerizing. “How is my baby?” he asks. I gasp and Gia almost chokes on her water. “Is Diesel protecting you?” he adds. I let out a sigh when I realize he means the puppy he gave me.
I smile awkwardly. “Yes. He growls whenever a man comes near me. Did you teach him that?” I ask. It’s true. If any of the guys come too close, he snarls at them.
“I’d like to think so, but sadly no. Maybe he just knows how precious you are.”
“Stop, you’re making me nauseous,” mutters Gia.
“Did Gia tell you her good news?” asks Vinn brightly, ignoring his stroppy sister.
I look at Gia and she’s scowling. “No,” I say.
“She’s meeting the man that my father thinks is a good match for her,” he says proudly and my eyes widen. Gia had spoken about an arranged marriage, but I didn’t think it’d happen for some time. “He’s from a good family.”
“That’s great,” I say, faking a smile. “Will your father find you a wife also?” I add.
“Oh, Vinn gets a say in who he marries,” snaps Gia bitterly.
“So do you,” he mutters. “My wife was chosen many years ago,” he adds, giving Gia a warning glance. “She’s arriving from Italy soon.” My smile this time is genuine. Vinn will make a good husband. He’s thoughtful and kind. Whoever she is will be lucky to marry this god.
Once he’s gone, I turn my attention back to Gia. “Fuck, G.”
“I bet he’ll be a fat, balding little fuck with a small dick,” she hisses.
I can’t help the laugh that slips out. “Let’s pray for an Adonis then, with rippling biceps and a huge cock that hangs like a horse,” I say, holding my hands in prayer position. It gets a smile from Gia.
The next morning at breakfast, Riggs is staring hard at me. “What?” I ask.
“I heard you throwing up this morning. Now you look fine. Did you eat something bad?”
My first proper morning sickness hit me hard and I spent a good hour over the toilet. “Maybe.” I shrug. “Did you get hold of Chains?”
“Yeah. I’m sending some of the guys to Manchester to look over the club there. Things ain’t good.”
“Is Chains safe if they're looking for him?” I ask.
“No, but he can look after himself. Mum said something’s on your mind.”
I slam my fork down. “Christ, can’t I eat breakfast in peace? I’m fine, okay. I’m fine.”
“You don’t sound fine,” he pushes.
“I want