Page 176 of The Betrayal

“Her blood work is clear, along with her swabs. She will be okay Keaton, she will heal from this.”

“Will she?” I drop my head, trying to hide the tears that creep over me. How do I tell her that because of him, she lost her babies.

I shake my head side to side.

Kyra's hand is on my shoulder, and I take comfort that she is with me.

The sound of someone clearing their throat has me lifting my head and turning to look behind me. Kaleb stands in the door, and I can see the heartbreak etched into his expression.

“I'll give you some time alone, I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” Kyra stands, her lips turned down as she looks at Arizona then slips past my brother.

“I am so sorry,” Kaleb just about manages as I stand, throwing myself into my big brother’s arms. This was not the life we planned. This was not what was supposed to happen. But life is a cruel mistress, sparing no one. I choke, his hand rests on the back of my head as he comforts me like a lost little boy and only then, do I let the tears I have been fighting, fall.

CHAPTER SEVENTY

ARIZONA

I swallow, my throat tightening as I do. I am gasping. My lungs burn when I inhale deeply, my eyes fluttering open when I see a male doctor standing over me. My hand is being held, a thumb rubbing back and forth. I slowly turn my throbbing face to see Keaton, eyes glassy and my heart somersaults in my chest.

“Arizona,” the male’s voice floats across the room and I lazily drag my eyes to him. “Can you hear me?”

I nod. The pain that shoots through my body makes me stiffen in the bed.

“I'm just going to do a few checks,” he says, leaning across me and my chest tightens as sheer panic strangles me. My eyes well and I shake my head from side to side.

“Don't touch her,” Keaton growls from beside me and I see Kyra gently move the male doctor out of the way.

“Hello Arizona,” Kyra's voice is soft and I feel the panic slowly seep out of me. “Can I just give you a check over?”

I'm struggling to find my voice.

I nod again.

She leans across me and lifts a torch over my face, shining in my eyes as the male doctor hovers over her shoulder and he gives her a curt nod.

He turns to face the young nurse that walked into the room and asks her to collect some water and some bland food.

My stomach tightens and a burn rips through me.

“The babies,” is all I manage to croak out, and I see as Kyra's eyes drift towards Keaton. Slowly, I roll my head, turning to look towards him and he gives a soft nod. Kyra walks from the room and it's not until I allow my eyes to follow her, I notice that my stomach only has a small swell. No rounded baby bump.

Tears prick my eyes as Keaton sits on the edge of the bed.

“Baby,” his voice is soft as his eyes settle on mine. He looks broken. His hands cocoon mine, and my stomach drops.

A single tear escapes, running down my cheek as I close my eyes and brace myself for the words that are about to leave his lips.

“Dr Kyra tried... she just... it was...” he stammers over his words and my heart breaks.

“Please,” I beg, still not having the strength to look at him.

“She couldn't save them,” and my whole world comes crashing down on me. He took everything from me, my purity, my dignity, my pride, my soul and my babies. He ripped me to pieces, shredding me into nothing and destroyed me in the worst way.

“I tried so hard,” I whisper, allowing my eyes to open as I look at the man I so desperately love.

“I know baby, I know,” he leans gently across me, and places a soft kiss on my forehead, lingering for just a moment.

“How's my dad?” my voice cracks as I brace myself for another blow.