Page 163 of Checkmate
“You’re kidding.”
“I know, it’s so fucking strange,” she said. “I think expectations were that we’d eventually have kids. At least, I assume so. But I honestly could not tell you if he even likes them.”
“Is that why you feel weird?” He asked, squeezing her hip. “I figured that’s why you were asking me.”
“Sort of,” she admitted. “I don’t really know how I feel. I’m not jealous, and I don’t wish it were me.”
“But you feel something?” She nodded, avoiding his gaze. He gave her another squeeze, this time to reassure her. “It’s okay, beautiful. I get it. I can’t quite explain it, either.”
“It’s like the whole thing leaves a nasty taste in my mouth,” she said. “I don’t like the thought of them having a baby because I don’t think they should.”
“And?” He chuckled. “Come on, I’m sure there’s something more.”
“And I think it’s fucking selfish that they’d bring a child into the mess that is their relationship! Alex isn’t even mature enough to sign our divorce papers. Sophie is off in fucking Wonderland or something. And in the middle of it all is a fucking innocent child that deserves more than either of them will give it.”
She’d hit the nail on the head.
Everything she said he agreed with. And the worst part of it all is that there was fuck all he could do about it. Fuck all anyone could do except the two people who were to become the babes’ parents.
Erica sighed, chewing her lip as her eyes darted around the room. “I think it’s time to put the pressure on for the divorce.”
“More than we have?” Marcus asked.
“Yeah. Yes.” She sighed again and turned to look at him. “If Alex dies tomorrow, everything he owns becomes mine. The house, car, business. It’s all mine, and that really doesn’t sit well with me. Not when there’s a child involved.”
“I love you for that,” he said, kissing her lightly. “So, what do you suggest?”
“Well, we tried to do this the civil way,” she said, meeting his gaze. “We tried blackmail. I think we have no choice now but to play dirty.”
Chapter 48
Sophie
A girl.
They were having a beautiful baby girl.
Three days after their gender reveal party, Sophie laid in the bath, running her fingers over her growing bump and watching the water trickle across her skin.
“Are you a Rhiannon?” She asked in a soft whisper. “Or maybe Isabella?” “Her name is Odette,” Alex said as he walked into the room fixing his tie. “It means wealthy or fortune. Which is exactly what she’s going to make us. A fortune.”
“Must you be so crude?” She tsked, shielding her bump from him. “This is your daughter you’re talking about.”
“Mhm, I’m aware.”
Sophie dropped her gaze and held back a defeated sigh. So far, Alex had not warmed to the idea of a baby. The minute they were alone, his false smile had disappeared and instead, anger had darkened his eyes to the point the memory of his expression left Sophie feeling cold.
“You could at least pretend to be happy, Alex.”
“I am happy,” he said. “You’ve sold me on the idea of a kid very well. Happy family man. Beautiful partner and an adorable kid. It’ll look great for my image.”
He was only repeating her own words, but they sounded so much worse from his mouth. Had she really pitched their daughter like a business deal? What kind of mother was she?
“And beyond your company? Alex, are you not happy to have a baby with me?”
Alex glanced at her before checking himself out in the full-length mirror. He looked good today. She hated that.
“Look, Soph. I don’t hate the thought, and I will do right by both you and Odette.”
