A little over a month goes by. Evan and I have fallen into a comfortable routine. We haven't had sex with each other, but we are plenty affectionate with each other. We sleep together in the same bed at night, but nothing more. Part of me is not ready to sleep with Evan, knowing Damien has ruined all other men for me. Even though he hasn't said anything, I can tell Evan is avoiding sex, knowing that I am carrying another man's child. But even without the physical intimacy, we are good together. It's nice, comforting. But I find it lacking passion. I'm sure it's the pregnancy hormones, but I can't help but notice it. I can't help but compare it to the passion I felt with a Damien.
I am officially in second trimester, and could not be more excited that my morning sickness is coming to an end. While not completely gone, I have noticed an improvement and have also noticed that I have much more energy. I have a small bump, barely noticeable, but I treasure it.
I take one last look at the ultrasound picture before placing it safely in my purse, preparing to walk outside the OB office into the cold winter weather. I quickly make sure my coat is zipped and that my hood is pulled up as I step outside into the snowy wonderland. My feet crunch into the snow as I walk towards the parking lot to my car. I am a few feet away when a large wind gust hits me. I turn my face, wanting to try my best to avoid the icy cold wind from hitting my face. I continue to walk with my head pulled down when I step onto an ice patch. I can feel my stomach drop as I feel my feet sliding out from under me. I prepare myself to hit the cold hard asphalt.
An arm comes out and wraps around me, keeping me from hitting the cold, hard concrete. Once I steady myself, I look up to thank the person who helped me, preventing me from falling. The words get caught in my throat as I meet the blue eyes of the man who caught me.
"Miss me, krasotka?"
I stand frozen in disbelief, unsure of if this is real or if I am hallucinating. Maybe I fell and hit my head? But the more I stare at him, the more I know this is real, I am not hallucinating. I watch, unable to move as he takes the car keys from my hand, unlocking the Highlander. When I make no movement towards the car, he walks back to me. He grabs my hand and walks me back towards the passenger seat of the car, my feet following him without hesitation.
"Get in, Hadley. It's cold out." I climb into the car, immediately free of the cold wind that is hitting my face. I watch as Damien walks over to the drivers seat, climbing in and starting the car.
I'm silent the whole car ride, question after question racing through my mind. How did he find me? Will he hurt me, kill me? What does he want? He continues driving, not needing any directions from me. Eventually we turn down my street, Damien pulling my car into the driveway.
"Let's get inside, Hadley." I stare from him to the house, unsure of what to do. He knows where I live. Has he been following me?
"How did you-"
"I know a lot of things, baby. Never underestimate what I would do for you." He interrupts me in an authoritative, irritated voice, getting out of the car and rounding it to open my door for me. I step out hesitantly and follow him. I remember what he is capable of, what I saw, reminding me that I need to be careful around him.
I open the garage door and walk through the door into the house, Damien behind me. Deb and Dexter come running, as usual, to greet me. Damien quickly bends over, giving them some attention before following me into the kitchen. I am taking off my winter coat when he steps in front of me, taking my face between his palms and lifting my face.
"Missed me baby? I missed you." He has a gleam to his eye as he asks the question. His eyes staring through me in a knowing glance.
He takes off his coat and hangs it on the kitchen chair, then coming over to me and grabbing the coat still in my hands, placing it on his. I lean my back against the counter, bringing my arms up and crossing them at my chest. I am grateful the shirt I wore today is loose, hiding my small bump. How did he find me? How did he know where I was? Does he know? I have so many questions but refuse to ask them.
