BOUGHT: A Standalone Romance

by Glenna Sinclair

  I keep my tight grip on the knife, swiping at him with it. The blade misses his flesh by mere centimeters. He grins and moves forward again.

  “Stay back!” I yell.

  “Are you serious? You can’t kill anything. You’re harmless and scared.”

  “I am not scared of you!”

  That’s a hard lie to make convincing, considering the fact that I’m trembling. My hands shake as I hold the knife in front of me. Every time he takes a step forward, I drive forward with the weapon, daring him to test me, praying that he won’t.

  Nathan is right about one thing: I can’t kill. I could defend herself, protect my family, but killing? That’s not something that I have in me.

  Distracted by my thoughts, I don’t have time to react when Nathan picks up the vase by his elbow and slams it against my head. The pain is crippling. I grip my head, the knife falling to the ground as the world tilts.

  Blinking rapidly to try to clear my vision, I turn to grab anything for support. My fingers move through air, find nothing. Gasping, I fall to the floor. No, I can’t pass out, not around Nathan. I try to push myself up, but my arms are like lead, and they won’t move.

  I feel something connect painfully with my side. Although I can’t see what it is, the familiar pang of a boot to my side isn’t unfamiliar. I try curling up. Is he going to kill me? The thought of Kyle, alone and defenseless with this monster, makes me want to scream.

  My eyes start to close, but I force myself to stay alert. There’s a sound, and I realize that the front door is opening. Mary and Kyle? My heartbeat quickens. No, I don’t want them here for this!

  There’s a loud noise, grunting. Someone is fighting Nathan. I force myself to turn over, roll onto my back. Glancing up, I see Connor struggling with Nathan. I watch as Connor pulls back his fist, and it connects with Nathan’s nose.

  Nathan, of course, doesn’t go down easy. Then again, neither does Connor. They fight as I try to keep my eyes open. Stay awake, stay awake, stay awake. I order myself not to fall asleep. As my head begins to swim, I see Connor deal one final blow.

  Staggering, Nathan falls to the ground. I kick him with my foot, but he’s out cold. I want to laugh, but I also feel sick.

  Connor’s rushing over, touching my face. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” He stares at a spot on my forehead. “I’m calling an ambulance.”

  I nod, but I still can’t find the strength to speak. My vision finally starts to go black.

  Chapter Twenty

  I wake up to the sound of beeping. There’s white all around me, and I’m reminded of all those tales from Sunday School about the afterlife. I wonder if I’m a ghost. I shake my head. The world feels odd, out of sync. I reach a hand up to my head, remembering the vase that made contact with it. There’s something raised there. It hurts faintly, but itches beyond belief.

  My throat is so dry that I keep clearing it. There’s a cup sitting next to me, ice floating in it. I pick it up and chug it down, not caring that it hits my stomach instantly and sends a shock through my body.

  The shock feels good. The shock feels like I’m alive. Alive. I flex my fingers, wiggle my toes. I’m alive. The last thing I can remember is feeling like death was inevitable. Nathan will murder me, probably get away with it too, and then I look up and…

  “Look who’s awake.”

  I turn my head to the left, shielding my eyes from the sunlight that’s streaming through the window and worsening my blindness. Connor sits in a chair, a tired expression on his face. He pushes himself up quickly, puts a hand on my head gently. Leaning in, he places a kiss to my eyebrows.

  “How long was I out?” I ask, glad to find that my speech has returned to me.

  “Four days. A long four days. I’ll be right back. I have to get the doctor.”

  I grab his hand tightly. “Don’t leave me.”

  “I won’t.”

  He pushes the button for the nurse. Once he asks for the doctor, he goes back to stroking my hair, kissing my cheeks. I lean into every one.

  “I thought I had lost you.” He whispers the words against my skin.

  The doctor comes in then, breaking us apart so that he can check me out. After the standard shine a light, test a reflex, check the vitals, he nods. Connor looks at him anxiously the whole time, and I get the distinct feeling that if the doctor delivers not so good news, I’ll have to keep Connor from killing him.

  “Everything looks fine,” the doctor finally says with a smile. “There was something in your bloodwork though,” he mumbles, looking through his computer. “Oh, yes. Congratulations, you’re pregnant.”

  I stammer. “P-pregnant? No, I’m not pregnant.”

  “According to your bloodwork, you are. We can bring in the ultrasound machine in a bit, take a look to see how far along you are. I’m guessing early stages, though.”

  Connor and I both stare at the doctor until he squirms in his seat. He gives a sheepish laugh.

  I glance over at Connor, but he’s still in a state of shock. That would explain a lot. My moodiness, the feeling sick, the constant hunger. I haven’t been pregnant in so long that I’d forgotten what it feels like. I swallow thickly.

  “And the baby’s okay?” I ask slowly.

  “The baby’s fine. We checked for a heartbeat as soon as you were here. Your baby’s heartbeat is strong.” He stands up. “I’ll leave you two alone. And Katie?” he says, using that name that I dread so much. “You were very lucky. Next time, please be more careful. If you don’t eat, these dizzy spells are inevitable.”

  Dizzy spell? Be careful? Pregnant?

  I shake my head, squeezing my eyes tightly. “What the hell is going on?” I mumble.

  When I open my eyes again, I look at Connor. He’s sitting in the chair again, but the shocked look is gone. In fact, he starts laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” I ask.

  “You’re pregnant!”

  “I know, but why is that funny? Have you finally lost it?”

  He shakes his head before he walks over to me and gives me a hug. Tilting my chin up gently, he places a soft kiss to my lips.

  “I’ve wanted a baby for a long time. This is the best day of my life.”

  I can’t help but share his infectious smile. Though it has been years, I never wanted children again. With Connor though… I stop that line of thinking quickly, the smile falling from my face just as quickly as it had appeared.

  “I almost forgot, I’m still angry at you.”

  Connor raises a brow. “I just saved your life and you’re angry with me?” He chuckles. “Only you. You’re the most difficult woman I’ve ever met. What did I do wrong now?”

  “I saw you with—”

  I’m cut short as there’s a knock on the door. Connor calls for them to come in, and the blond steps through. She gives me a big smile.

  “Good to see you awake.”

  “Her. I saw you with her,” I say flatly to Connor. “How long have you two been together?”

  The woman and Connor exchange looks, then burst into laughter. I gaze around in confusion. What the hell is so funny?

  “Angela,” Connor says, stroking my hair, “we’re not together. Trust me, I’m not her type.”

  I roll my eyes. “You’re everyone’s type,” I say, narrowing my eyes.

  “Not mine. I promise,” the woman says with a smile. “Let’s just say you’d be more my type.”

  It takes me a minute to understand what it means. Then it hits me.

  “Oh. Oh!” I say quickly. “You’re gay.”

  “Very, very gay,” she says with a laugh before she extends her hand to me. “I’m Max. Connor and I have been friends since kindergarten. We grew up together.”

  “How come I’ve never met you?”

  “I was out of the country for his sister’s wedding. Just got back in town a week or so ago, and he called me up.”

  “So,” I ask slowly, “what were you two doing that day?”

  Connor sigh
s. “It was supposed to be a surprise,” he says slowly. “I think if I don’t tell you, though, you’ll probably kill me.”

  He digs into his pocket and places a black box on my lap. I look up at him, my heart racing. Connor simply inclines his head towards it. Slowly, I pick up the box and open it. A sapphire the size of a small strawberry sits on top.

  “I was going to ask you on your birthday,” Connor says quietly. “I wasn’t really mad at you. I mean, I was, but only for like an hour. Then I missed you. After that, I called Max and asked her to help me set up the perfect night to propose to you.”

  I swallow thickly. “You’re not supposed to make people cry in the hospital,” I say, choking back tears that make my vision water.

  Connor laughs before he takes the ring out. “Will you marry me?”

  I nod, unable to say another word. He slips the ring onto my finger, and I can’t wipe the stupid smile off of my face. Out of all the things he’s remembered about me, I can’t believe he even remembered my general lukewarm feelings about diamonds. Sapphires though? I adore sapphires.

  Connor delivers a kiss to my forehead. I close my eyes and sink into it, the heavy feeling that has been in my heart since the day I saw them together disappearing. He wraps his arms around me.

  “I’ll leave you two alone,” Max says with a smile.

  She sits a tall cup of coffee down on the table for Connor. When she’s gone, I wipe my eyes. Connor runs a thumb under each of my eyes, helping me.

  “Hey,” I say. “Not to break this beautiful moment with unpleasantness, but what happened to Nathan?”

  “We won’t have any more trouble out of him.”

  My eyes go wide. “You didn’t—”

  “No, no,” Connor says, holding up a hand. “I simply made sure he wouldn’t be back to bother us. Don’t worry about it for now. You’re free of him, and you can do whatever you want.”

  Whatever has happened to Nathan, it’s be too good for him. Still, I’m glad to know that he’s gone. Connor’s words echo in my head.

  “I can do whatever I want,” I muse. “I don’t know what I want. I don’t have any skills. I’ve never been to college. What can I do?”

  “You can be my assistant.”

  I roll my eyes. “I will not play secretary for you. Besides, I’m pretty sure that only pays in bruises and soreness.”

  “Yes, but pleasant bruises and soreness,” he replies with a grin.

  I slap his arm. “Shut up. Maybe I’ll go back to school. I always wanted to be a veterinarian.”

  “You can do it,” he says, kissing my temples.

  Another knock sounds at the door. We both turn as Kyle and Mary walk in. Mary is carrying balloons, Kyle a big stuffed bear and a get well soon card. They both wear relieved expressions on their faces.

  “You’re up!” Kyle throws his arms around my neck, and I hug him tightly.

  “Yes, I’m up.”

  “Good,” Mary says with a smile. “The house is too quiet without you.”

  I chuckle. “Did you just make a joke at my expense? You must be feeling great today.”

  “Better than great. I feel perfect,” she says as she hugs me.

  “Thank you two for coming to see me.”

  “Of course,” Mary says. “I’m just so angry that I left you there all alone…”

  “Stop it. Everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Oh,” I say quickly, wanting to change the subject so Mary can’t feel bad, “this is Connor. Connor, this is Mary and my son, Kyle.”

  Mary laughs. “We’ve all met. Who do you think kept you company every day? Connor yelled at the doctor every five seconds and paced. Kyle and I read you stories.”

  “Hey,” Connor says defensively. “I did more than yell.”

  “He did. He sang to you. A lot,” Mary says.

  My eyes go wide as I look at Connor. “You sang to me? Sing to me now!”

  “Never,” he says flatly.

  “Jerk.”

  “Mom,” Kyle says.

  Both Mary and I reply. “Yes?”

  “I mean,” Kyle says looking embarrassed, “Angela. We got a dog!”

  “Did you now?” I say, shaking my finger at Mary.

  “He was so sad that you weren’t home. You should see his puppy eyes. They’re bigger than the dog’s.”

  “I’ll take good care of him,” Kyle interjects. “I promise. Connor said he would help me put up the basketball hoop too when we get home. He’s going to put concrete down and it’s going to be awesome.”

  I grip Kyle’s shoulders. “You’re going to hyperventilate.”

  He gives me a goofy grin. My family. All together in one room. There’s only one person missing from the group.

  “No one was going to tell me she was awake?” Zoey demands as she barges in.

  I laugh. “Right on cue.”

  Zoey slaps my hand sharply.

  “Ow! What was that for?”

  “Almost dying! What the hell am I supposed to do without you? I swear, I could just strangle you for doing something so crazy! I’m so glad you’re okay,” she says, her arms wrapped around me as she cries into my hair.

  “You’re such a baby,” I mumble, trying to hold back tears myself.

  “Yeah, yeah,” she says, wiping her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  “Me too,” I say with a grin.

  “Holy shit!” She grabs my hand. “Look at the size of that ring! Wait? Are you engaged? When were you going to tell me that?”

  “It just happened!”

  Zoey slaps Connor’s arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Connor holds up both of his hands, a grin on his face. “I’m sorry! I will atone for my sins.”

  “Damn straight.”

  “Zoey, my son is here.”

  She turns on her heel. As soon as she sees Kyle, she wraps her arms around him tightly.

  “Oh my god! I’ve only ever seen pictures. He’s so adorable!”

  “You’re smothering him with your boobs,” I say flatly.

  Zoey pushes him back slightly. “Sorry, kid.” She messes up his hair. “You’re just too adorable.”

  Kyle’s face bears a big, goofy grin.

  “I’m going to go down and get you some real food,” Zoey declares.

  “That would be nice. I’m starving.”

  “Can I go with you?” Kyle asks quickly.

  “Sure!”

  They disappear out of the room. Once the door is closed, I shake my head. Looks like Zoey has a new fan.

  “I think he’s in love,” Mary says with a laugh.

  “Just what I need.”

  “I’m going with them. See you in a little while.”

  I nod. Once it’s just the two of us, we both sigh deeply. Connor wraps his arms around me once more. Reaching up, he traces a spot on my head. I graze it with my fingers and can feel the closed wound.

  “Stitches?” I ask.

  Connor nods.

  “Is it bad? I bet there’ll be a big ugly scar. I finally get married, and my pictures will be marred by a giant scar.”

  “I think your scar is sexy,” Connor says with a wide smile.

  “You think every part of me is sexy.”

  “I do.”

  “Even my jiggly bits?”

  “All of your jiggly bits.”

  I laugh. Connor moves to the other side of the hospital bed, kicks off his shoes, and curls up next to me. There’s not very much space for him, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He strokes his fingertips against the side of my face, soothing me. My eyes grow heavy.

  “Hey,” Connor says quietly, his eyes gazing into mine. “I love you.”

  I smile softly. “I love you too.”

  It’s comforting to know that things are changing. Nothing will be the same, and while that still frightens me, I can’t help but be intrigued by the possibilities. Connor slips his hand between mine, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand lovingly.

  Yeah, I c
ould get used to this.

  ~ END of BOUGHT ~

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  Billionaires In Love

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  Chapter 1

  What do you say when you see your nemesis standing right outside your door?

  “Hi,” I croaked and wrapped my arms around my middle.

  I didn’t want to croak. Croaking was the last thing I needed to do when I faced this man. So I tried again. “What are you doing here?”

  Oh, God! Was that my voice? That breathless ‘I’m about to swoon’ version?

  This was too much.

  “You knew I was going to find you,” he said quite flatly.

  “Why on earth would you want to do that?”

  That was better. Still croaking, but not as bad. Instead of sounding like a geriatric toad, I sounded more like a teenage toad. That was better, right? That gave me some confidence.

  I straightened up and pushed my chest out. His eyes immediately dropped to my boobs, and it felt as though some high voltage laser had singed them. My brain was a little muddled, and I could feel my nipples hardening to pebbles right before his eyes. This was crazy.

  “Maybe because of that.”

  He flicked his hand toward my chest in reply to the question I had forgotten I’d asked. But then, as his eyes widened a little, I realized he wasn’t pointing to my chest. He was actually gesturing toward the small, round bump that my belly had become over the last few weeks.

  I was fifteen weeks pregnant. And he was the father.

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

  “You’re here because of the baby.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What else? Did you think I wouldn’t find out? That I’d let you walk away with my flesh and blood?” There was no amusement in his eyes. They were chilly and staring at me quite dispassionately.