Page 69 of Anton's Grace
I nodded. Taking off my shoes, I sat cross-legged on the bed. That didn’t last long. While the cream did wonders, sitting in that position put too much strain on my ankle. Crawling up the bed, I rested my back against the headboard, my legs stretched in front of me.
Marcus returned barefoot, wearing a white t-shirt and light gray slacks. He sat next to me on the edge of the bed. His hair was still damp from the quick shower he had taken. I was grateful for the fresh, clean scent that emanated from him.
“So, you’ve got a little bun in there,” he said, nudging me.
I’m not sure why, but that burst the dam open. With deep, gut-wrenching sobs, I bawled my eyes out. Marcus pulled me into his arms and let me cry onto his chest. He didn’t say a word, just stroked my hair. Eventually, I pulled myself together and wiped my face with the back of my hand.
“Do you want to keep it?” Marcus asked.
I nodded my head, still wiping my tears.
“Does he know?”
I shook my head.
“Are you afraid he’s not going to want it?”
“I–I don’t know,” I said, sniffling. “I’m pretty sure he will want it, but what happens if he doesn’t?”
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to tell him, but I’m scared for my baby’s life. What if he doesn’t want it, Mar, and forces me to kill it? He owns this place. Maybe I should be off station when I tell him. Then, I can just come back if he’s ok with it. But if he’s not, I can go to Haven or one of the other sanctuary colonies that protect half-breeds.”
Marcus recoiled. “I don’t think leaving is a good idea. How far along are you?”
“Three months,” I said, tears trickling down my cheeks.
Marcus took my hands in his and rubbed his thumb over my knuckles, soothing me. “Do you know what it is?”
“I didn’t ask about the gender. But Dr. Farland talked about termination. Males are the only half-breeds Braxians terminate, so…”
“Look Grace, let’s not make any hasty decisions. You’re not showing yet,” Marcus said, glancing at my belly. “Give me a few days to think about this. No one will harm you or the baby.”
“One week, Mar… I only have one week.”
“Why?”
“Dr. Farland will tell Anton if I don’t tell him before the week is up.”
Marcus cursed under his breath.
“The fucker wants to cover his ass. Ok. We’ll figure it out. For now, go home and relax. Stress can’t be good for the baby.”
“But what about Anton? I don’t want to leave him, Mar. He took a big leap of faith when he released me from our contract. I owe him the same. But it’s not only about me anymore.”
“Don’t say anything yet. Just act like business as usual. Anton cares a hell of a lot about you, Gracie. We’ll figure out the best way to tell him, alright?”
I nodded, hope surging back in my heart.
“Whatever would I do without you?” I said, hugging him.
He returned the embrace and shrugged. “Probably get into even more trouble.”
I chuckled. “Probably.” We held each other. “Well, I better fix my face and go home before Anton starts wondering where I am. And your guests are probably starting to complain there’s one less cock in the fray.”
Marcus burst out laughing. “Not one less cock, sweetheart. Thebestcock is missing.”
I shook my head and rustled his hair. “You’re hopeless.”