Page 63 of His Daggered Heart

“No, I’m going to take a hot shower and then lie down,” she responds.

“Okay, angel. I’ll be up soon.” Alex nods.

I sit our bags down at the bottom of the stairs and walk to the kitchen. I’m starving since the food on the jet was a snack. The chef was sick so all we had was packaged stuff. Talk about first-world problems. I sound like a fucking douche.

I open the fridge and, as always, the cook has neatly organized meals prepared for me to heat up. I stare at the labels and choose the lasagna. I remove the lid and pop it in the microwave. I sit at the island waiting for the three minutes to end. It feels like an eternity waiting. Tomorrow is the big day. We both had big things happen for us this weekend. I have been preparing for this since I could walk, fighting tooth and nail to be the best and to gain my father’s approval. I poured my heart and soul into being a gymnast after my mom died, thinking that I would feel something again.

Then it clicks. I hear the beeping of the microwave in the background but I’m not even hungry now. It’s her. Alex made me feel again. I was walking through life like a zombie. Empty. Although I was healing, I wasn’t truly alive until I met her.

I run up the stairs, going to her, because nothing matters but her.

Chapter 41

Alex

Iwakeuptomy alarm blaring. We got in late last night and I am absolutely exhausted. The odd thing is I actually feel exhilarated at the same time. Today is a big deal for Kohen. He is already gone but I knew he would be. He had to wake up bright and early to weigh in and as expected, I look over at his pillow and see a note.

Hey Gorgeous,

You look so beautiful sleeping, and you must be dead tired because you didn’t even wake up to me kissing you all over. I almost took advantage of your sexy little body. I can’t wait to see your beautiful face in those stands cheering me on. I let the driver know that you’ll text him when you’re ready. He is waiting in the guest house. I love you so fucking much, angel.

-Kohen

P.S. Breakfast is waiting on the island. All your favorites.

I jump out of the bed, the aromas from breakfast making my mouth water. I rush down the stairs and see a spread on the island made for a queen. Pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausages, biscuits, and gravy… The works. My mouth waters and I grab a plate, diving in and loading up with one of everything. The doorbell rings and I look at the touchpad on the wall. To my surprise, it’s Cora. I run to the door and let her in.

“Oh my god, what are you doing here?” I ask.

“Levi invited me last minute. When he got up this morning, he made sure I would have an Uber to get to you.”

I pull her in for a hug. “Let’s eat. Kohen left us a buffet.”

She rubs her belly. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m always starving.” I hand her a plate and we sit down to eat, talking and laughing. “Is this real Alex?”

I swallow before responding. “Is what real, C?”

“Did we both find men who deserve us, love us, and well for me…” She pauses. “...will love my baby?” Her eyes tear up and mine follow suit.

“Yeah, C, I think we did. It doesn’t seem real, right? I think about it all the time. I am so afraid that I’ll wake up from a dream.”

She nods in agreement. “Me, too. I really thought Edward was it, and then the thing with X happened. He was so mad. I tried to explain but Edward didn’t believe me. Said I must have wanted it.” Sadness fills her eyes.

“He’s a dick,” I say simply, taking another huge bite of my waffle.

“I’m glad now because I found Levi.” She smiles and it’s pure radiance. “I know it hasn’t been long, but I just know in my bones he is it for me, Alex. I know it more than I’ve ever known anything. I was meant to be his and this baby was meant to be ours.” She sounds so certain.

“I think so too, best friend. I really do.”

Suddenly a wave of nausea rolls through me. I clutch my stomach and run to the nearest bathroom with my hand over my mouth.

“Alex, are you okay?” she shouts. “Want me to call Kohen?”

I can’t answer. All the food I just ate rises in my throat and out into the porcelain throne.

She comes into the restroom, rubbing my back. “Do you think you got food poisoning?”

I groan.