TIFFIN 3

69

As the following week went on, we all tried to come up with ways to break the news of the sting to our families. 

I already knew that Emma would freak out. Archie, on the other hand would be an entirely different issue altogether. The last couple of times we'd spoken, he hadn't been a big fan of Hero's. 

Then again, he hadn't been very happy with me either. 

I didn't even want to imagine how Jo's parents or Tawnee would fare. 

Despite all this fear, Hero and I had returned to work. It wasn't a secret I had a lot to answer for after running from work, but I wasn't about to lose sleep over it.  

The looks my husband recieved ranged from confusion to mystification. Our partners- and Evelyn- didn't seem surprised at all.

Eli and Cole, however, were not happy with his prescence.

Like a duo, they appeared together, smiling at me first, then glowering at Hero like some dirt on the bottom of their shoes. 

"Kristina," Cole said through clenched teeth, "I was about to find you to see about our date." 

I felt Hero stiffen beside me, but I tried to push that fact out of my mind. 

Eli didn't help matters. 

"Yeah, me too." 

I sighed, already feeling exhausted from this exchange. 

"We never planned another date. I'm sorry, guys. I appreciate you courting me, but I'm still married. I was going through a lot."

I expected Cole to quickly back off, but in the months that passed he seemed to have changed as well. His features took on a more savage expression, as if another man had taken what he considered his. 

Oh fuck. 

"That's it?" He spat. "What about what we had?" 

At this, I raised an eyebrow.  

"What we had? Cole... I never said we were boyfriend and girlfriend. We went on a few dates. If you remember, you were the one who made several advances." 

He ignored my points, scoffing. 

"I'm tired of this cycle with us. Whenever your husband disappoints you, you run to my aid. I offered you solace and told you I would give you everything... yet you choose him." 

Eli, along with several other employees were now staring and observing our confrontation. Oh, thank heavens the heads of the board team hadn't arrived.

"Cole... I..." 

I didn't get to finish my sentence; Hero melded me further into his hold, kissing the top of my head tenderly.

He just shocked me at every turn. When I expected him to blow up, he dealt with all this so maturely.

"Cole," he purred through an icy tone, "what happened with you two was all in good fun, but I'm here now. My wife is pregnant with my daughter. She doesn't need any added stress at the moment. Matter of fact, why are you even here?"

"What?" Cole challenged. "You don't have that in your records?" 

Sensing danger, I quickly came up with an answer.

Hero's brow furrowed.  

"He's been doing business within our district. It came to my attention shortly after... you left..." 

He cleared his throat despite the tension. 

"So I see. I'll have to speak with the board of directors so mistakes like this don't happen again." 

As soon as Cole stalked off, Eli resumed a more professional stance, folding his arms in front of him. 

"Mr. Tiffin, where would you like me?" 

Hero surprised me by replying in a friendly gesture. 

"I assume my wife has briefed you in the time I've been absent. Just return to your cubicle." 

When we were finally alone again, I moved forward, intending to press a kiss to Hero's lips, but we were soon interrupted by a commotion through the entrance doors. 

What? 

All at once, a throng of people shoved their way into the room, but not just any throng. 

It was Emma, Archie, Tawnee, Garrick,  and Jo's parents. 

Before I could demand what they needed, they began talking in unison: 

"Why did we hear about it on TMZ?" 

"What is this about a kidnapping?" 

"Kylie is in critical condition!" 

Jesus. One thing at a time. 

"All right, all right!" I shouted, creating more noise than necessary. "In my office, all of you!" 

When we all made it to the confines of my private sector, I didn't give anyone a chance to speak over me. What was this all about? How did anyone besides Kylie's parents even know about the sting? 

God, could we keep nothing from the media? 

"You said this was mentioned on TMZ?" 

"Yes," Emma breathed. "Just tell us: is it true?" 

With one look at all of their searching faces, I knew I couldn't lie. 

"Yes, it's true. Me and my friends banded together and helped get Kylie back. Mom... I don't know how to break this to you, but it was supposed to be me." 

Emma took a long look at my protruding belly, tears gathering in her eyes.

"Look at you, my precious daughter. You really are pregnant." 

We all fell into an uncomfortable silence.

I knew it would take more than five minutes to explain all this.