The Harrington Series Book#2: Naila's Misfortune

Chapter 9: A place to call home

Time has a tendency to move fast when you are stuck using every second you have to make ends meet. After spending over a month at the shelter, I am beginning to get anxious. The timer on my baby clock is still ticking regardless of my struggle to find Mel and I a place to call home. I am coming up short with most decent places exceeding my budget. Mel is pulling her own weight, waitressing at the same local cafe  I work in. I ended up with a waitressing job after the receptionist job failed. I was escorted out of the building by security after I kneed a man to the groin. He wanted me to sleep with him to get the job. Now I'm stuck at my calling where I get to carry a tray around all day and all night with only four hours to rest each day. Mel insists on giving me what she earns so that I can get the baby comfortable but I insist she saves her money for a rainy day. 

At the club I am stuck working in the kitchen because I no longer meet the criteria for waitressing. In a nut shell, I am pregnant and unappealing to the perverts who crowd the club. The kitchen is more tedious but a least I am not swatting hands off my bum or throwing daggers at customers with my eyes. I also enjoy a measure of solitude.

"This isn't right."

"Ivan." I acknowledged him. "It's been a while." I turned away from the sink, drying my hands on my apron. His brown eyes dropped to my belly. Surprise registered on his handsome face. When he saw me last, I still had a defined waistline. Now I am almost a pumpkin. Even cheeks are chubbier, my feet slightly swollen and I also look exhausted.

"A long while indeed. A lot has changed." He gestured at my pregnancy. "You are pregnant."

"Yes I am."

I am finding it easier to admit my new status without reserve now that it is obvious to anyone who looks at me. I am not in both feet, but it was a little easier. If I am buying baby clothes instead of couture gowns -not that I can afford them- then I am doing great.

Ivan came closer touching my cheek.

"Yet still so beautiful. You're glowing." He spoke softly. "About the last time we saw each other... Lyn, why are you still here? I thought I told you to leave."

The blasted conversation we left pending.

"What was that all about?"

"Stefan. You heard him. He has a dark twisted mind-"

"As all men do. You're not an exception."

"Lyn-"

I removed his hand from my cheek and turned away to clean a fresh batch of glasses. Ivan brought both his hands on either side of my waist. That move made me uncomfortable. He added a kiss on my cheek. I tried to budge but he held me still. This is the closet a man has gotten to me since the conservatory.

"What are you doing?" I asked. "You know I don't like being touched."

He gave me some personal space.

"I need you to stop being stubborn and listen to me. You're not safe here.

"Look at me Ivan. I'm less than two months away from having a baby. I can't go on the run from a threat that doesn't even exist. I don't know you. How can I trust you? And what would Stefan want with a pregnant woman?"

"I know you don't know me that well but I have no reason to lie to you. I just want you to be safe, that's all." It is hard not to trust this guy. There is some level of sincerity in his eyes as mysterious as he seems. I wish he could give me a little more information but he isn't quite forthcoming. "I have a gift for you." 

"I don't want gifts." Especially not from a man.

He reached behind me and undid my apron. His proximity to me made me shift uncomfortably. This is like the first time Nick got too close to me. He has an overpowering presence. "Your shift is over. Come with me."