The Prince and the Pawn

by Reid, B. B.

  “You done, Dr. Phil?”

  Of course, it all seemed simple to him. From the outside, without all the facts, one could never truly understand. From the inside, even with all the facts, one could never hope to explain. I looked over my shoulder in time to see Jamie shrug as he stared at his phone.

  “Have it your way, poor sap number two. I wake up next to my girl every day.”

  River began to cry, saving his uncle from a bloody nose. Luckily, Tyra had shown me how to prepare his bottle, so I washed my hands while Jamie babbled nonsense to him, thinking it would actually calm him down. I then grabbed one of the small bottles Tyra had stored in the fridge. Staring at the watery composition that reminded me of skim milk, my chest swelled, knowing Tyra’s body had transformed simply for the purpose of feeding my son. Feeling my mouth water and my gut stir for some reason, I set the bottle inside the baby warmer nearby and willed my dick to chill the fuck out.

  A moment later, pandemonium ensued.

  “Mayday! Mayday!” he screamed dramatically while holding his nose. “I think the little dude just shit himself!” Jamie quickly backed away, his eyes watering. “Fuck…what the hell do you guys feed him?”

  Abandoning the bottle, I rushed over, feeling out of my fucking element. I realized this was my first time taking care of River alone, and Jamie sure as shit wasn’t helping matters. I lifted River from his crib before carrying him over to the changing table.

  Tyra had made it look easy enough.

  “The tabs,” Jamie reminded me when I just stood there, scratching my head. “Pull the goddamn tabs.”

  You’d think we were defusing a bomb rather than changing a diaper. I did as Jamie instructed before slowly peeling the diaper away. I almost barfed. It sure as fuck looked like something exploded.

  “Dude…he doesn’t even look big enough to hold that much poop. What the hell?”

  I didn’t respond as I balled up the soiled diaper and tossed it inside the designated bin. River was wailing in earnest now, and I felt each cry inside of my chest. I grabbed some wipes and began cleaning him, but when I got to the diaper part, I stalled again. I could call an audible at the drop of a dime and lead an entire team to victory, but I couldn’t figure out how to diaper my own kid.

  “What is going on here?”

  Jamie and I looked behind us to see two nurses standing just inside the door. Seeing the diaper in my hand and my dumbfounded look, they rushed over to the changing table. From there, one of the nurses took over. I watched as she sprinkled powder on his butt, and then she patiently walked me through diapering.

  “I take it you’re River’s father?” she asked once I was finished.

  I nodded, though, at that moment, I didn’t feel like one.

  “Don’t stress it too much,” she said, reading the look on my face. “You’ll get the hang of it eventually.” I didn’t reply, and they didn’t stick around. When the nurses reached the door, I could have sworn I heard one of them mutter, “I told you that baby had milk in his coffee.”

  Jamie snorted, but I didn’t find a damn thing funny. He clapped me on the back and told me to lighten up. I shrugged him off before picking River up from the changing table. Although he wasn’t crying anymore, the frown on his face told me he still wasn’t content. Handing River over to Jamie, I made quick work of preparing his bottle before taking my son back to feed him.

  River was obviously greedy as fuck the way he suckled at the nipple and the hungry sounds he made. I wondered if he’d ever catch up in size to kids his age. It wouldn’t matter to me if he one day stood shoulder to shoulder with me or stayed pint-size like his mother. I’d love the hell out of him regardless.

  When the bottle was empty, I mimicked Tyra by patting him on the back. My palms turned slick with sweat as I worried that I might be too rough. That was until he gave an anticlimactic, though loud, burp. It was pretty impressive for his size. Not long after that, River was asleep again.

  It was impossible to concentrate on anything other than what the hell Tyra thought she was doing with that asshole downstairs. Jamie, on the other hand, had been prattling nonstop for the last thirty minutes, and I’d barely heard a word.

  “So, yeah, I found a few bumps on my dick this morning, and I was wondering if you could take a look at it for me. I’d ask Bee, but it’s not something you’d want your girl to see, you know?”

  I grunted my response. “Wait, what?”

  Jamie smiled, his tattooed hand falling from his belt. “Gotcha. You haven’t been listening to a fucking word I’ve said, have you?”

  “Of course not.” I ran my hand through my hair, feeling my jaw clench. I wanted to go downstairs and rip Tyra away from that asshole. If he had his hands on her, so help me God—

  “Let’s just go downstairs and see what’s up,” Jamie suggested, interrupting my murderous thoughts. When I sat back, refusing, he bent over laughing. “We both know you want to, dumb ass.”

  “Fuck her.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Did you? I mean other than when you were making Poopy F. Baby over there.”

  “No.”

  “That explains why she’s looking to get it from someone else. The girl’s got needs, too.”

  I groaned, wondering how much I should reveal about what happened between us last night. Jamie couldn’t hold water for shit. “We fucked up and fooled around, but then River woke up, and Tyra fell asleep before I could get him down again. “

  “So?”

  “She was asleep,” I reiterated when Jamie didn’t seem moved.

  “Was she willing?” I only shrugged in response. “I’m going to take that as a yes,” he replied. “If it happens again, put her on her knees. I guarantee she’ll wake up once your dick hits her cervix.”

  His lips twitched when I stared at him blankly.

  “Thanks, but no, thanks.”

  “Whatever, bro. It’s your dick’s funeral.” Jamie then turned and left the room without saying goodbye. A moment later, I was on my feet. I ignored his smirk when I rushed onto the elevator before the doors could close. “Good man,” was all he said as the elevator descended.

  I didn’t know what the hell I would do once I found her, but they both had better pray for an angel of mercy.

  MY STOMACH TWISTED AND TURNED with guilt each time my gaze landed on the yellow bruises marring the janitor turned friend’s handsome face. “Oliver, I can’t say it enough. I’m really sorry for getting you involved. I didn’t intend for this to happen.”

  Yeah? Well, what were your intentions? Do enlighten us, my conscience seemed to challenge.

  Dressed for work, he waved me off for the umpteenth time since we’d sat down. “It’s okay. What are a few broken bones if it means getting the prettiest girl to go out with me again?”

  Though I wouldn’t call meeting for coffee in a hospital cafeteria a date, there was no stopping the heat warming my cheeks. I was just grateful he agreed to meet me. “I don’t know about that.”

  “But you are beautiful,” he insisted. “Inside and out.” Oliver nodded toward the flowers I’d gotten him as one of my many apologies. “And I have to admit that it explains everything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You told me that your son’s father was the one to break it off, but he’s obviously not over you.” He then pointed to his face. “Why else would he do this?”

  “Well, that’s the other bit of bad news. He kind of knows you helped me destroy his car.” I cringed as I watched the color drain from Oliver’s skin. “He’s not going to press charges or sue,” I rushed to say. Even though Vaughn hadn’t told me so himself, I knew he wouldn’t because it meant getting me in trouble, too. Besides, it wasn’t his style. Oliver’s brutalized face was more Vaughn’s MO.

  Still, Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I should watch my back, huh?”

  I found myself without words. While I could guarantee Oliver wouldn’t face jail time or lose everything, I couldn’t promise that Vaug
hn wouldn’t come back for seconds just because.

  “I understand if you never want to see me again.”

  “If I’m honest, my head is telling me to stay away…” I felt my shoulders slump before he could even finish. “But my heart is telling me you’re worth the trouble.”

  He flashed a smile that I quickly returned.

  “I’ll make sure Vaughn won’t bother you again. It’s over between us, anyway,” I muttered though it felt like a lie. And not just because of last night. I wanted to believe Vaughn had assaulted Oliver because of his Lamborghini, but I knew better. Vaughn had hurt him because of me and because he’d needed to repair his ego. He fully expected to find me soaked in tears and wallowing in the destruction he’d left of my heart. I cursed myself because Vaughn had undoubtedly almost gotten what he wanted.

  Oliver’s gaze lifted as he looked at something over my shoulder. “Are you sure about that?”

  I was confused until I felt the presence looming over me and the goose bumps traveling up my arms. Jamie had already rounded the table to stand behind Oliver. I didn’t need to turn to know that it was my baby daddy from hell standing behind me.

  “This looks cozy,” Jamie said, the first as always to speak.

  “What it is or isn’t is none of your business,” I spat. “It’s private.”

  “That’s funny. Vaughn was just telling me about all the fun you two had in your son’s room last night.” Jamie sat down next to Oliver and draped his arm over the back of Oliver’s chair. “Shall I tell your friend here all about it?”

  “Are you serious, Jamie? Stop!” I didn’t dare turn and rage at Vaughn for fear that it would only prove my guilt. I was just glad no one could see the blush burning up my skin right now.

  Strong hands gripped my shoulders before Jamie could retort.

  “Stop?” Vaughn whispered in my ear while his furious gaze was fixed on Oliver. “I’m just getting started.” I couldn’t decide if the warning for Oliver or me. “Get up.” Slowly, his hands moved down to my arms, and I knew his order was for me.

  I knew if I didn’t obey, Jamie would spill the beans. I saw the warning in his eyes. The first chance I got, I’d make him pay dearly. And then I’d deal with Vaughn.

  Rising to my feet, I followed Vaughn to the other side of the cafeteria. Away from prying eyes and ears as well as the exit. Vaughn wasted no time pushing me in front of him and then trapping me against the wall with both of his hands planted on either side of me. My nipples hardened, and I just prayed they didn’t start leaking for the umpteenth time this morning. Seriously, having to pump several times a day to keep from looking like a contestant in a wet T-shirt contest was kicking my ass. I found myself short of breath at his close proximity as I thanked the thick material of my nursing bra for small favors. Vaughn was the first to speak, saving me from begging him to fuck me right here and now.

  “Have I not made myself clear regarding you and him?”

  On the contrary, I’m more confused than ever. Even more so than before he fucked my sister, and I didn’t think that was possible. “I don’t care how many times you spell it out for me. I’m not bending over for you anymore, emotionally or physically, Rees.”

  His gaze was full of disgust, even as his eyes narrowed. “So, you’re willing to lower your standards and make a fool of yourself just to prove a point to me?”

  “God, your ego—”

  “Tell me something, Bradley,” he interrupted. “After the diner, did he try to contact you?”

  “No.” I frowned, wondering what Vaughn was getting at. “Why would he after what you did?”

  “Because if he cared about you, it wouldn’t matter what I did to him. He’d want to know that you were okay. He’d make damn sure I hadn’t hurt you and to hell with the consequences.” My mouth opened and closed like a fish, but it didn’t matter because Vaughn wasn’t done. “Instead, he was only concerned with saving his own skin.” Vaughn’s hand lifted to play with the ends of my curly hair. “I could be hurting you right now,” his tone was gentle despite the underlying threat, “but that didn’t stop him from getting the hell out of dodge, did it?”

  Vaughn’s back was turned to the nearly empty cafeteria, so he had no way of knowing if that was true. Against my will, my gaze darted to the table where I’d been sitting. The table was empty except for Jamie, who was now sitting and whistling with his feet propped on the wooden table, and the flowers I gifted Oliver.

  “Look at me,” Vaughn ordered when my gaze remained fixed on Oliver’s vacated chair. The moment I looked into Vaughn’s green eyes, I forgot all about Oliver. “You must have lost a few screws if you think I’ll stand by and watch you offer my pussy to a coward.”

  “Because I’m only allowed to fuck cheating assholes, is that right?”

  “I may be a bastard, but I’m the only man who will ever get close to you. I suggest you get used to me.”

  I had the feeling he wasn’t referring to the sweet, attentive Vaughn I’d left behind but rather this alpha-hole standing in front of me. Still, he wasn’t the only one who’d changed, and he’d find that out soon enough. “You can’t tell me you don’t want to be with me and then force me not to date. Your phobia of commitment is the reason we’re standing here.”

  “No. My son is the reason we’re standing here,” he said, jabbing his finger at the hospital floor. “So, get the fuck back upstairs and take care of him.”

  I forced myself to stay in place even though that was exactly what I wanted to do. “No,” I said as I folded my arms. I knew River was fed, dry, and safe. Reluctantly, I admitted it wasn’t just because of the wonderful NICU staff, but because Vaughn was already proving to be a great father.

  Vaughn took a threatening step forward, leaving no space between us. All I could see were his green eyes and his perfect teeth as his lips pulled back in a snarl. “You either march back up there on your own two feet, or I drag you back by your hair. The choice is yours.”

  My eyes narrowed and my fists balled, ignorant of the fact that he stood a foot taller than me. “I’ve moved on, Rees. You got what you wanted, and I learned a valuable lesson. Why are we even fighting about this? Who I date is none of your concern. River is your concern.”

  “Save it.” His aggressive tone had me shrinking back against the wall for safety. “You haven’t moved on. If you had, you wouldn’t be two seconds from getting your ass spanked.” As if to prove his point, Vaughn’s hand dropped to his waist. “If you’re not back upstairs with my son by the time I count to one hundred, the belt comes off.”

  My jaw dropped because he had to be joking.

  To my eternal humiliation and anger, I learned a moment later that he wasn’t.

  “One.”

  Needless to say, I heeded Vaughn’s warning even though every fiber of my being screamed at me to rebel. I just wasn’t sure if it was to show Vaughn that I couldn’t be bent or to push him over the edge and force him to deliver his promise.

  I didn’t need a spine. I needed therapy.

  And the part of me that wasn’t fantasizing about Vaughn bending me over his knee hated him for opening my eyes and making me see a different side of Oliver. No, it wasn’t his job to play the hero, but I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that he hadn’t at least tried to defend me. Vaughn was three years his junior, yet my son’s father had sent Oliver running with his tail tucked between his legs and all without lifting a finger. Or fist.

  Upstairs, I found River sound asleep as I knew he’d be. I didn’t mind. Even before I allowed myself to love him, there had been nowhere else I’d rather be.

  Not even Harvard.

  The spring semester would be ending soon, but I hadn’t allowed myself to overthink about school or the fact that I’d have to withdraw. I’d simply cross that bridge when it came. I could always take up nursing when River was old enough. Even though it didn’t come close to my dreams of heading my own surgical department one day or maybe even an entire hospital, it was hard a
nd fulfilling work. I had the nurses here to thank for showing me as much.

  After an hour of sitting and twiddling my thumbs, I moved around the small room, cleaning and organizing. After picking up the bottoms Vaughn had slept in last night, I grabbed his duffel, ready to stuff them inside when a near-bursting folder caught my attention. I allowed myself only a second to debate whether I should look inside before I flipped it open. What seemed like hundreds of photos came tumbling out.

  Every single one of them was of me.

  I DIDN’T BOTHER FOLLOWING TYRA to make sure she’d gone back up. She wasn’t just book smart, after all. She knew exactly when not to test me.

  “Dude,” Jamie swore the moment we were alone. His pierced eyebrows were damn near touching his mahogany hairline. “You’re lucky. If you still had your Lamborghini, she’d be outside keying it right now.”

  Nine months ago, I would have snorted at the idea of a good girl like Tyra not toeing the line, but she’d proved me wrong. I had the feeling before we finally reached some understanding that she’d do it again.

  “Then it’s a good thing I don’t.” I left the cafeteria and made my way to Wren’s room with Jamie hot on my heels. I knew this when I heard him whisper over my shoulder.

  “Are you afraid she thinks he’s hotter than you?” He chortled in my ear. “Maybe even better in the sack?”

  “Fuck off.”

  “At least I’m fucking,” he retorted before veering off after catching sight of Lou perusing the vending machines. I shook my head as I kept going. Sometimes, I cursed the fucking day I agreed to be friends with Jameson Buchanan.

  I reached Wren’s room and started to push inside when I stopped. Through the cracked door, I heard a familiar voice speak.

  “I’m so sorry,” my best friend pleaded, making my brows rise. Ever McNamara was not one who apologized often. He destroyed my first bike doing stunts when we were kids, and I still hadn’t gotten an apology out of his ass. “Not just for almost getting you killed but for everything.”