Barely Breathing

by Ancelli

  “Ouch, that’s cold.” She backed away and took it from him.

  “I can’t believe she did that.”

  “I can…but it’s the last time she’ll get away with touching me.” She placed the ice over the swelling.

  “I’m sorry.” He gazed into her eyes.

  “You sound like Johnny. I’m okay. I’ve been hit harder than that and survived.” She showed him the scar on her leg.

  It was the scar she’d gotten from the car accident. “Really.”

  They both laughed.

  She arched a brow. “She didn’t seem surprised to see me pregnant.”

  “She wasn’t. She must have found the letter.”

  Sophia put the bag of ice on the night table.

  He stood. “Helen did say she stopped by that day, but I thought if she did read it she would’ve confronted me.”

  “What about the phone calls, the messages. Does she have the password to your voicemail?”

  “She could’ve gotten it. I wouldn’t put anything past her.” He paced. “Fuck, what else did you say in those messages?”

  Her face showed uncertainty. “If she listened to your messages, then she knows I was running away with Cara.”

  “Before she left, she said you were a criminal, and I wondered why she would say that.” He thought for a second. “She wouldn’t.”

  “She’s a woman scorned.” Sophia stood. “She’ll eventually turn me in.”

  “Not if you turn yourself in first like we agreed.” John strolled up to her.

  “I thought we were going to wait until the baby was born.”

  He took her hand in his. “Yes, but what if we can’t wait that long? We need to do it soon.”

  “Maybe if I turn myself in now…”

  “I didn’t mean tonight. I’m not ready…I don’t want to lose you.” He caressed her cheek and leaned forward, capturing her lips.

  She pushed him away. “John, what are you doing?”

  “We can make this work.”

  “It’s too soon for you to even be thinking of entering a relationship.”

  “My marriage was over more than a year ago.”

  She just gazed at him.

  “I need you.” She was at a loss for words but never broke eye contact with him. He cupped her face. “You’re all I think about.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “My feelings for you started that night in the cabin, and continued throughout the months we were there for each other. Sophia, you were there for me.”

  “I would’ve done that for anyone.”

  “You would’ve made love to anyone, too?” he asked, moving closer to her.

  She just gazed at him.

  “I didn’t think so.” He gave her a feathery kiss on her lips, and pulled back. “What I feel for you might’ve started as concern, but over time has turned into something special.” He backed away. “And I know you feel it, too. That’s why you ran from me.”

  They stared at each other and then they heard a loud banging on his front door.

  “Stay here.” He closed her bedroom door, and marched to the front. “I’m coming,” he yelled, opening the door.

  “Sir, is Ashley Delgado here?” Two cops stood at his door.

  John jaw tightened. “Who?”

  “Ashley Delgado.”

  He swallowed. “There is no Ashley Delgado here.”

  “He’s lying. She’s in there with my son,” Amy said from behind the two uniforms. “I can’t believe he would have a criminal around my son.”

  John gave her a dirty look.

  They were going to come into his home, and he stepped forward. “Do you have a warrant?”

  “Sir, she’s a fugitive,” the younger cop stated. “You can be charged to aiding and abetting.”

  “You can’t come into my home without a warrant,” he said in a stern voice.

  Amy stared at the cops. “If you leave and anything happens to my son, I’m suing the department, do you hear me?” she yelled.

  “Sir, if you don’t cooperate, we will have to come back with a warrant for your arrest.”

  “Then you’ll arrest me, because you’re not entering my house.” He went to close the door in their faces, when Sophia appeared.

  John shook his head. “No, not like this…”

  She moved forward and kissed his cheek, making Amy furious. “I’ll be okay.”

  “Ma’am, are you Ashley Delgado?”

  “Yes,” she replied, never breaking eye contact with John, and then she mouthed, “Thank you.”

  The tall cop grabbed her hands and put them behind her back, and cuffed her.

  “You don’t need to do that,” John said.

  They ignored him, and tightened the cuffs. “Ashley Delgado, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Carolyn Delgado. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law—”

  John rushed in front of her and cupped her face, then wiped away her falling tears. “I will meet you there. I promise I will be right by your side.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “Don’t say a word until I get there, okay?”

  “Okay.”.

  “Sir, we have to leave.”

  He watched them escort her away, and afterward, Amy just stood there with a smirk on her face. “Give me my son.”

  “Amy, you just sent an innocent, pregnant woman to jail. Why?”

  “She’s a criminal, that’s why.”

  “You don’t even know half the story. You just put Cara’s life in jeopardy.” She gave him a surprised look. “If anything happens to her or my child, I’m coming after you.”

  “You’re putting that bitch and her baby before me and Johnny?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “No one comes before Johnny, but you? I couldn’t care less.” He slammed the door in her face.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Sophia sat in the interrogation room with her hands over her face, doing exactly what John had told her to do—nothing. She hadn’t said a word.

  A cop opened the door. “Your lawyers are here.”

  John and Jason entered the room.

  He tried to smile when their eyes met. The cop stepped out and closed the door. They sat in front of Sophia. The first thing John did was grab her hand and kiss it.

  “We’re working on this,” Jason said. “Jerome is on his way.”

  She didn’t say anything. She just stared at them both.

  “I called your dad.” John squeezed her hand.

  She pulled away. “Why did you do that?”

  “I promised your dad I would take care of you. This wasn’t part of the plan.”

  She glared at him. “Please tell him not to turn Cara in…”

  “He won’t.” He wiped her tears. “You’ll be reunited with her.”

  “How?”

  He couldn’t tell her the plan; she would never approve of it. She’d find out really soon. He and her father wouldn’t allow her to spend even one night in jail, no matter the cost.

  There was a knock on the door, and an African American man strolled in with his badge around his neck. He was medium-built, shorter than John, with a goatee.

  “Marcus!”

  “Ashley.”

  He closed the door and walked over to her, and picked her up into a hug. “Oh God, all these years! You’re okay.”

  She didn’t hug her ex-partner—ex-lover—back.

  He pulled away. “Ashley, what were you thinking?” He sighed. “I told you to wait. I told you we would get him.” He rubbed her arms. “It’s so good to see you.” He kissed her cheek. “Where’s Carolyn?”

  “Sophia, don’t answer that question,” John said, watching their interactions.

  She must have seen the question in his eyes.

  “This is Marcus Weston, my ex-partner.”

  “We were more than that.”

  “Did he also tell you he is here to transport you back to Miami?” John pitc
hed in.

  She observed Marcus. “I was going to tell you, but…”

  “When?” John glared at him. If the cop wouldn’t have said it himself, he could tell there was something between them.

  Marcus turned to her. “Ashley, I do have to take you back to Miami. I’m just doing my job.”

  She gave him a smirk. “Your job…”

  Marcus grabbed his cuffs, but John stepped forward. “You’re not taking her anywhere.”

  “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do?” Marcus snapped, his jaw clenching.

  “I’m her lawyer. I’m going make sure no one takes advantage of her.”

  “Calm down, gentlemen.” Jason stepped between them. “We’re representing Ms. Delgado.”

  John pulled some papers from his briefcase. “Due to her medical condition, she can’t fly.” He placed them on the table.

  “But I can drive her there.”

  “Not according to her doctor. She’s in her third trimester, and might have complications.” John gazed at her, worried. She was too quiet.

  “Look, I don’t care what your papers say. I was sent for her, so she’s coming with me.”

  “I will not let you put our baby in danger!” John’s jaw tightened.

  “Your baby?” He glared at her. “After all these years, you’re having a baby with this pig?” He raised his voice, startling her. “You told me you couldn’t have kids.”

  He could see her chest going up and down with each heavy breath. “Please stop!” She rubbed her stomach. “My baby will always come first.”

  “Sophia, our baby will be okay. We have a court order—”

  The arresting officer came in and un-cuffed her. “All charges have been dropped. You’re free to leave.”

  Marcus was clearly dumbfounded. “What?”

  “Someone else confessed to kidnapping the little girl. She is safe.”

  “So I came here for nothing,” Marcus said, pissed.

  Jason and John stared at each other and nodded.

  Her breathing became even more labored. John ran to her side. “Calm down, baby. Easy.”

  “Who, who?” she asked the cop.

  “Antonio Delgado.”

  “No,” she cried. “No! Why would he do that?” She held her stomach. “He had nothing to do with it.”

  Marcus and the cop watched her. John grabbed her in his arms and whispered in her ear. “Please stop. Your dad sacrificed himself for you. Don’t let it be in vain.”

  She pushed him. “Don’t touch me,” she grumbled, but he held on to her.

  “We did this for you.” He turned to Jason. “Can you finish her paperwork?”

  “Yes. Let’s get her home.”

  Marcus stepped in front of them. “Where is she?”

  “I don’t know,” Sophia answered, stepping carefully past him and out of the room.

  Following her out, John tried to touch her, but she smacked his hand.

  “Do not touch me.”

  “Sophia, we did this for you.”

  “You didn’t do this for me!” she yelled.

  He was hurt. “You really think that?”

  She gave him a dirty look. “My dad will not survive one night in jail. He’s a retired chief of police.”

  “Your dad will not spend more than a night in jail simply because of who he is.” He stepped in front of her. “Your dad has the best damn lawyers money can buy.”

  She stared at him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “The courts gave temporary custody of Cara to your mother. No one knows where they are.” He took her hand in his. “Now let’s go home.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  By the time Sophia and John arrived at his condo, she felt much better because she’d gotten to talk to her dad. He was spending the night in jail, but his connections owed him some huge favors, and he wouldn’t be inside much longer. His lawyers were going claim he’d gone through temporary insanity and had done what he did in the best interests of the little girl.

  “Where’s Johnny?” she asked, sitting down.

  He sat next to her. “He’s with his mother.”

  “You got him to calm down?”

  “Not really, but I told him I needed to help you.” He touched her bruised cheek. “I know tonight has been stressful. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  She placed her hand on his. “Now that I know my dad and little girl are safe, I can breathe much better. I’m sorry for the way I treated you.”

  “Just in case you don’t know it by now, I care about you.” He cupped her chin. “Let me finish telling you what I started before the cops arrived.”

  “I care about you, too. That’s why I need to move out.” She looked away.

  His hands dropped. “Why?”

  “John, I don’t want to cause any issues with your son. He needs to come first.” She pushed herself up. “Amy is going try everything to make your life miserable.”

  He stood. “My kids will always come first.” He touched her belly. “All charges against you have been dropped now, and she doesn’t have anything to use against me, so let her try her best.” He entwined his fingers with hers. “I won’t let her come between us.”

  She gazed into his sparkling eyes. “It might be to soon for us to try.”

  “It’s not. My marriage was over way before that night.” He stared into her eyes. “Amy tried to be a good mother, but she didn’t want to get married. I convinced her. We were both two players, but then she got pregnant and all my views changed. I wanted to give our son what I didn’t have when I was a kid.”

  “Is that what’s happening now?”

  “No.” He smiled. “I learned my lesson. I don’t have to be in a relationship to take care of my children. I want to explore what we have between us. I want to learn everything about the real you.”

  She squeezed his hand with her own.

  “Remember what you told me? Live for today and not for tomorrow.” He kissed her.

  “I’m finally living for me.” She smiled absently and sat on his couch.

  When she turned to look at him, he was getting down on one knee. She was surprised, he wasn’t crazy enough to be proposing. “Will you be my roommate?”

  She started laughing. “I’d love to be your roommate.”

  He kissed her hand and sat next to her.

  “What’s up with Marcus?”

  She thought for a second. “He was my partner, and after a while we got involved.”

  “Was your relationship serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “What I saw tonight didn’t show that.”

  She gave him a half smile. “I ended things between us long before I took off. Our relationship was doomed the moment I found out I couldn’t give him what he wanted.”

  “What was that?”

  “A baby.”

  John arched his brows in confusion.

  “I got shot in the line of duty, was told by doctors that it would be nearly impossible for me to conceive because of where the bullet hit. Marcus’ biggest wish was to become a father.” She sighed. “After he found out I couldn’t have children he treated me like trash, and became verbally abusive. The last straw was when he pushed me and then raised his hand, saying I wasn’t a real woman because I couldn’t give him what he wanted.” She curled her lip. “That was the day I got suspended from the force again for whooping his ass.” She laughed.

  He put his hand on her belly and rubbed her stomach. “You were a real woman even if you couldn’t have a baby. So this baby is our miracle.”

  She placed her hand on his. “Yes, it is.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Sophia came back from her morning jog rubbing her tummy. From the drive, it looked like someone was trying to get into John’s condo, and then she recognized him. “Marcus?” She took off her ear buds.

  He turned around, a little startled. “Ashley.”

  She wiped her sweat from her forehead. “It’s Sophia now. What
are you doing here?” she asked between breaths.

  “I came to see you.” He moved toward her.

  “How did you get this address?”

  “What’s up with all the questions?”

  She arched her eyebrow, waiting for his answer.

  “The precinct.”

  She placed her arms over her stomach. “Marcus, what do you really want?”

  “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

  She just glared at him.

  “Ashley, what’s up with all this hostility? I’ve always cared about you.” He placed his right hand in his pocket. “I should be the one hurt.” He looked at her stomach. “You told me you couldn’t have children.”

  “I told you what the doctors told me. And it doesn’t matter now. We can’t change the past.” She gave his wedding ring a long glance. “I see you found someone to give you what you wanted.”

  He rubbed the gold band. “You left me.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not jealous in any way.” She arched her eyebrows. “You wanted to make me into someone I’m not.”

  “And what was that?”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore. Congratulations on your marriage.” She passed by him on the way to the door.

  “Where is Carolyn?” Marcus asked.

  She turned, now even more suspicious.

  “I want to make sure she’s safe.”

  “My daugh—niece is safe where ever she is.”

  He stepped closer to her. “I know your dad didn’t take her. He’s covering for you.” She backed up a little.

  John remembered that cocky cop from the police station, and he also remembered what Sophia had told him about their relationship. She looked exhausted, like she had just gotten back from the gym, but that couldn’t be, she was too far along. For some reason, she was backing away from the guy. Every muscle on alert, he got out of his car. “What’s going on?”

  Marcus stepped back and glared at him. “None of your business.”

  He wouldn’t let that fool get to him. “You’re standing on my property. It’s my business.” He cupped Sophia’s face and kissed her. “Is everything okay?” he asked against her lips, staring into her eyes.

  “Yes. He was just leaving.”