by Aly Nichole
“Don’t, don’t get that look, please.” He took my hand.
“Your family is famous. Your family is like—” royalty. I shook my head. I’m just a single mother trying to survive.
Nathan put his hands into his pockets and slumped his shoulders. “I’m just Nathan, who’s a doctor. And I like being your friend.”
I meet his amber eyes. “I enjoy being friends with you, too.”
“Then please, just pretend I’m not one of those Valentines. Just your doctor and friend.”
My heart pounded against my chest. I knew my heart screamed, wanting more after spending all this extra time with Nathan and seeing him with my daughter. It won’t be hard to fall for him. “Okay, I’ll try.” And I’ll try to protect my heart and protect him from my shit show life.
He pulled me to his chest, hugged me so tight. My nose inhales cinnamon, and I tried hard not to moan.
“I have to go. I will talk to you tomorrow.”
I smiled and nodded. Jesus, this was crazy.
“Sadie, you have someone in your section.” My manager quickly told me on the way to the kitchen.
“On it.” I took a deep breath.
It was almost two weeks since Nathan laid the bomb of who he was and his family. I knew it was wrong, but when he left, I got on Google. I couldn’t believe how much had come up. Nathan was the third oldest of nine kids. And he wasn’t joking about the complexity of his family tree.
Nathan’s biological mother was Danella, and he and his one brother Ira shared the same mother and father. Liam had adopted Nathan and his brother along with several of the kids. Masen, Maddison, and Lillith are all biologically Liam and Danella’s. Jesus. I’ll have to ask Nathan more about it.
My mind flipped reading about his siblings. Nathan was related to Masen and Madison. The celebrity twins. Masen was an A-list actor, and Madison was a fashion icon. She was more popular than Calvin Klein and Chanel, and they were only twenty. Ira Valentine was the esteemed lawyer making waves in legislation. Mickey Valentine was a sports doctor and wanted by every team. Nearly all of Nathan’s family was stupidly successful.
When Nathan would text me, I did my best to put all the information I had found in the back of my mind and pretend he was just my friend and doctor.
My hand made small circles on my belly. I needed to stop thinking about it and focus on work. I pulled my notebook out and went to my new table.
My new table had Nathan leaned back in the booth, his arm slung over the back, and he was wearing sexy scrubs and a white coat. My eyes focused on him. I missed he wasn’t alone. Across from him was Liam, his dad. I didn't know how I missed who he was. The man screamed power in his dark blue suit.
Nathan was here again. It had become a habit of his to come in on Wednesdays. But for the last time, he was alone. Nathan was my friend and treated me like no man ever had. Liam joked the last time he was here. They are just people, just people. I took a deep breath and straightened my back.
Nathan saw me, and a smile lit his face. “Hey Angel, how are you doing?”
I wanted to melt into a puddle of goo. “I'm good. Nothing has changed since you checked in on me before my shift.” My pen tapped against my pad of paper.
Nathan’s cheeks heated. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
I felt my own cheeks turn red. I cast my eyes to my pad of paper.
“I used to pester his mom all the time when she was pregnant.” Liam’s voice was full of humor.
I chuckled as my hands shook. “So it’s a family trait?”
Liam winked at me. “Sure is, us Valentines are overprotective of those we care about.”
My eyes flickered over to Nathan. He was giving his dad a look I couldn’t decipher.
“Old man, are you going to order or make poor Sadie stand here longer?” He growled.
I placed my hand on Nathan’s shoulder and squeezed. “Don’t worry, Nathan. You can still text me every hour asking how I am. I enjoy humoring you.” I winked, flirting with him. It’s the hormones.
“The usual Nathan?” I asked, moving my hand from his body. I needed to stop. He was my friend, and I shouldn’t cross any lines and ruin it.
“Yeah, and give dad the same.” He grabbed the menu from his father’s fingers and handed them over to me. Nathan raised his brow as if daring his father to object.
I looked over at Liam. He had an indescribable look on his face. He met my eyes and nodded.
“Okay, I’ll put in the order.” I walked away quickly, baffled at what had just happened. I gathered what I had left of my nerves and walked back to the table with their drinks. But the only one there was Liam.
I sat the drinks down and grabbed the bottom of my shirt. My fingers rubbed the fabric. “Everything okay?” I tried to keep the nerves out of my voice.
Liam’s green eyes twinkled as he smiled at me. “Everything’s fine. Nathan had to take a call.”
I pulled my lip between my teeth and rocked my feet. There was nothing to keep me here. I didn’t know what to say to Liam. I had other customers to check on. With that thought, I turned to leave.
“My son rarely involves himself or gets smitten.”
My body turned back to him. Liam’s fingers were tapping in rhythm against the table. His eyes assessed me.
“I don’t ask him to do the things he does for me. I told Nathan he shouldn’t put himself out.” My fingers twisted in my shirt and pulled. His dad must think I was a gold digger, looking for a loaded husband and father for my kids.
He smirked. “I know you aren’t in it for the name or the money. Please stop looking like I am about to kick your puppy, or Nate will make my life hell.”
A shaky breath escaped me. “I’m sorry. I made the connection the other day and learned who he was. I don’t know why he wants to hang out with me.” I was rambling to a billionaire.
“I have a few guesses.” Liam’s eyes twinkled.
My mouth opened, ready to ask questions, but a shadow fell over the table.
“Hey, I have a patient in labor. I have to go. Can you grab the check, dad?” Nathan’s hand went to my lower back as he leaned over me to talk to his dad. His warmth radiated across my back. I wanted to lean into his strength.
I took a deep breath and let it out. Nathan was just a friend.
Liam rolled his eyes and waved Nathan off. “Go, I’ll take care of it.”
Nathan pulled me into a hug. “Can I come over tonight and watch some movies with you and Hailey?”
“Text me when you’ll be coming over.” I sunk into his embrace for a moment, wanting to enjoy his warmth.
He kissed the top of my head. “I will. See you guys later.”
My cheeks burned as I watched him leave.
“He gets his moves from me.”
I turned quickly to Liam, and my entire body heated. “Um, would you like a to-go box? I should probably have his order canceled. I wouldn’t want you charged for food that won’t be eaten.”
“No, I’ll have my lunch here, but if you could pack up his food. He can eat later at your place.” Liam smiled.
Hailey was snickering as we walked into our home. I loved hearing her giggling. It makes everything worth it. Every bone in my body ached and needed relief. But seeing her smile and giggling was everything.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw him standing in my kitchen.
“Hey, darling. I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Trey sauntered from where he was standing.
I pushed Hailey away from me. “Go to your room.”
Hailey ran, and the echoed slam from the door signaled she was safe for now. Trey was on me and pushed me into the wall. My head thumped against the plaster.
“I fucking know, you know where your shit bag brother is.” His stale cigarette smell washed over my face.
I pushed him away and moved away, putting my kitchen table between us. “I don’t know where he is.”
Trey’s snarled, showing off his yellowed teeth
. “You’re lying. How could you not know where your brother is?”
My body was shaking. I locked my knees and prayed I stayed upright. “I swear, Trey, I have no clue where Zac is. He ran out of here after you got what you wanted.”
His eyes trailed over my body and zeroed in on my stomach.
I turned away, hoping he would think I was fat instead of pregnant. “I don’t know where he is, Trey,” I whispered. Please let him leave. Please, God, don’t let him know I am pregnant.
Trey stalked me and placed his hands on my table and leaned toward me. “You’re either fat or knocked up.”
I sucked in a breath. “I’m depressed and stressed.”
He hummed. “I think I made a baby with you.”
“Dr. Valentine, are you leaving for the night?” The nurse asked me as she pressed her tits together and batted her fake eyelashes. Nothing ever changed here at night. All the nurses looked for a doctor to marry.
I sighed exhaustedly. My body ached from the hours of standing. My patient had to be taken for an emergency c-section. And it traumatized her. I felt horrible. It was not part of her birth plan, but we couldn’t wait any longer. Her daughter’s heartbeat was declining.
“I’m checking in on Jane one last time, then I will.” I tapped on my tablet to approve the instructions for her and a few other patients.
“Okay, Dr. Valentine. Have a good night.” She twirled her hair with her finger.
“Oh, I will. I planned on staying with my wife and watching a movie with our daughter.” I winked. The nurse’s jaw dropped.
I snorted. That should keep her the fuck away from me, and if I was really fucking lucky, she would spread it to the other nurses. Keep the god damn vultures away from me.
I walked into Jane’s room. Her face was slightly pale, but she was sitting up staring at the little portable crib where her son was sleeping.
“Hey Jane, how is Payton?”
“Good.” Her eyes stayed on the crib.
I moved closer, checking her charts and Payton’s. Everything looked in order.
“How are you feeling? Any pain? You’re due for some pain management.” I moved to her bedside.
She gave me a tired smile. “I’m okay, Dr. Valentine.”
I raised my brow. “Don’t be a martyr. If you are in pain, take something for it.”
Jane nodded. “I will.”
“I’m leaving for the night, but the nurses know to call me if you or Payton have problems,” I reassured her. I wasn’t on call, but I always made sure the nurses reached out to me if there was a problem with my patients. It was a control issue I had, but I didn't give a fuck.
“Thank you for everything, Dr. Valentine. Have a good night.” Jane moved her eyes back to her son.
I left her room and went to the locker room to get my things and texted my Angel to let her know I was on my way. I hoped she didn’t mind that it was eight. Sade knew I wanted to hang out with her.
Sade was my Angel, and she brought up feelings that were long gone. The feelings I had for her were more than friendship, but I didn't want to scare her away. I saw the look in her eyes when she figured out who I was, who my family was. I wanted her to be confident in our connection.
I checked my phone, and there was no response from her. She knew I wanted to come over. I headed her way. It was only a twenty-minute drive.
I pulled into a parking spot outside her apartment. I checked my phone and still no response. Not to second guess myself, I grabbed my crap and went up.
The closer I got to her place, I heard shouting, and it was coming from Sade’s apartment. I didn’t stop. I opened her door. My eyes scanned her home, and I saw my Angel backed into a corner of her kitchen. She was ashen, and her eyes pleaded for help.
“Where the fuck is Trisha?” I growled. My body hurt so fucking much, but I had to get out of bed. I needed to see Trisha.
My dad pushed me back into the hospital bed. “She’s on a ventilator.”
My body froze, and I looked into my dad’s eyes. “Our baby?”
I looked at the man who was casually leaning against the table. He was looking over his shoulder at me.
He had brown eyes and weird blonde hair that was oily as shit. His pants hung low and wore a gaudy chain around his neck, a street thug. What the fuck was he doing in my girl’s place?
“Hey Angel, everything ok?” I shut the door and walked further in. I weighed my options. How quick I could get to her before any damage to her could be done?
The dude snorted. “Angel.” He pushed off the table. “Oh, darling, this guy has no idea what kind of slut you are, does he?”
My hands clenched up, don’t hit him, don’t fucking hit him. I looked to Sade, and her eyes were to the floor. Her hand clutched her shirt.
“I think it’s time for you to go.” My tone gave no room to argue.
“I’ll be back to talk to you later, darling.” He sauntered past me and attempted to shoulder checked me; instead, he bounced off me and stumbled.
I smirked. Dick did not know who he was fucking with.
“Fuck you.” He slammed the door on his way out.
I turned to Sade. “Are you okay? Did he touch you?” I moved closer to her.
Sade didn’t answer me, and she wouldn’t look me in the eye.
I placed my forefinger under her chin and forced her to look at me. “Angel?”
She finally brought her eyes up to mine. They were red and wet. “I’m sorry.”
I shook my head and guided her to a chair. “Nothing to be sorry about, Angel. Did he touch you?”
As stealthy as I could, I examined her. I pressed my fingers to her wrist, my eyes scanned for any injuries.
“I’m okay. He pushed me against a wall, but it was nothing.” Sade murmured.
I took a deep breath and let it out. “All right, is Hailey okay?”
“She is. I had her go to her room.” She wiped her cheeks.
“How often does this happen?” I grew more concerned about their safety. If he just busted in here whenever. What if he comes and she goes into labor?
Sadie did not meet my eyes. She twisted her shirt.
“Sade?” I tried to remain calm.
“This was the first time he was in my apartment.” Sade finally answered.
I stared at her. I knew there was more. “But he has been harassing you in other ways?”
She nodded. “My brother owes him money. And Trey thinks I know where Zac is.”
I sat down across from her. I took her hand and squeezed. “And you don’t?” I knew if someone was after one of my siblings, I would never give up where they were.
Sade looked at me, her blue eyes dulled. “He showed up once, and then he was gone. Zac didn’t want to tell me anything. All he said was he was going to get Trey off my back.” She snorted. “And you can see how that is going.”
I hummed. Sade’s brother wasn’t doing shit from where he was sitting. “Have you bailed him out before?”
Sade turned her head. “Yes.”
I couldn’t shake how the guy called her a slut. How much shame was coming off her when he called her that. “Have you slept with him?” I knew I couldn’t ask outright if she had sex to get her brother out of trouble before.
The tears streaked down Sadie’s face. “It was just the one time. I—” Her hands covered her face, and she cried.
I pulled her to me and forced her to my lap. My arms wrapped around her. I hoped I gave my Angel the comfort she needed.
Her tears soaked my shirt, and I held her tighter. “It’s okay, Sade.”
Her body shook, “I was just—I just wanted Zac to be okay. They had a gun on him! They said I just had to sleep with Trey one time, and Zac would be okay.”
My eyes closed. Fucking people. I knew guys like this Trey were fucking scums, but that was fucking cruel. I should have hit the fucker.
“You did what you had to, Angel,” I reassured her by rubbing my hands up and down her back.
We sat together for a few. I heard Hailey coming out of her room. Her little face peaked around the corner, and her eyes widened when she saw me.
“Hey, princess.”
“Nate! Are we going to watch movies together?” She skipped to me. Her little body trembled with excitement.
I squinted my eyes. “Have you been good enough to watch a movie?”
Hailey nodded her head. “Yes, I been super duper good.”
I snickered and buried my face in my Angel’s hair. “All right, go pick one out, and you, Mommy, and I will make popcorn.”
Hailey clapped her hands and ran out of the kitchen.
“You don’t have to stay.” Sade climbed off my lap and grabbed stuff for popcorn.
“There is no place I would rather be,” I told her. And it was the truth. I didn't want to be anywhere else than right here with her and the little girl giggling in the next room.
My Angel looked at me. She pursed her lips. “If you say so.”
I chuckled, standing up, and stretched my arms above my head. I felt her eyes on me. The corners of my lips quirked up. “I do.”
We finally made our way to Hailey, who had picked out a Marvel movie for us to watch. I flopped down on the couch. Hailey climbed out onto my lap and snuggled. Sade tucked herself into my side and pushed play.
It wasn’t long before Hailey was out. I played with her hair and inhaled her sweet scent. During the movie, all I could think about was their safety.
That fucker just waited inside for her. I let out a controlled breath. “Maybe you and Hailey should find somewhere else to stay.”
Sade leaned away and scanned my face. Her shoulders slumped, and she absentmindedly rubbed her stomach. “We have nowhere else to go.”
“You can stay with me.” I shouldn’t push her. I knew she wouldn’t feel comfortable staying with me. But god, there were too many horrible scenarios flashing in my head.
Sade rubbed her finger across my knuckles. “No, we’ll be okay here.”
I ground my teeth. All I wanted to do was grab them both and lock them up at my place and away from the slimy creep. But realistically, that would push her away. And if I tried to persuade her anymore, it would make things worse. “Promise you will call the police, then me if this happens again.”
