“She is not a prostitute. Ms. Caldwell is my fiancée,” he says in a stony voice, “and I resent your question.”
Hannah Jones isn’t intimidated at all, and I have to admire her for that.
“Of course not, Mr. Stanton,” she says. “I understand these questions are intrusive, but we have to cover all our bases.”
But then at that moment, Matt pops in from where he was lurking behind the door.
“He’s fucking lying!” my ex screams from across the room. “Tell them how you met! How Damon paid to fuck you while you were carrying my baby because of some crazy fetish for banging pregnant women! They’re both insane!”
The very large security guard turns around before grabbing Matt’s arm.
“Let’s go,” he says in a grim tone.
“No no!” my ex screams as he’s pulled away. “I want to stay for this! I want to see the whore get her ass kicked!”
Damon doesn’t even acknowledge Matt. Instead, he keeps his eyes locked on Hannah before expounding on his answer.
“Yes, Christine and I met through a dating service, which last time I checked, is not illegal. I paid money for an introduction to a beautiful woman, and they delivered. So yes, I met Christine through an agency. It’s not a big deal. Lots of men do it because we don’t want to put our profiles online for the world to see.”
Hannah nods, pursing her lips.
“Yes, but why would Mr. Knocks say that Ms. Caldwell’s a prostitute?”
Damon shrugs.
“Hell if I know. That asshole’s clearly on drugs, and maybe he thinks that dating services always provide sex. But I assure you that it’s not true. I don’t need to pay for women.”
That statement has such a ring of truth to it that Hannah Jones is satisfied. Besides, my boyfriend is so obviously a desirable alpha male, that his words are irrefutable. There’s no way Damon would have to hire a prostitute.
“Like I said, Christine Caldwell is my fiancée,” he finishes. “There’s nothing untoward going on, and maybe she doesn’t have a ring on her finger right now, but it’s because she’s swollen from pregnancy. We’re going to get it re-sized, aren’t we, sweetheart?”
My voice comes back to me as I begin nodding and babbling.
“Oh yes,” I say. “The ring’s back at the house because I blew up with pregnancy and gained something like seventy pounds! So I’m a whale right now, but I adore the diamond you chose, Damon,” I say in a worshipful tone while staring into his eyes. “I’m so proud to be your fiancée.”
With that, Ms. Jones nods and begins gathering her things.
“Well, it seems that everything’s worked out and there’s no need for Children’s Protective Services to get involved. I’m not taking your baby, Ms. Caldwell. This was simply a formality to make sure that all parties, including the hospital, were protected. It’s clear your relationship with Mr. Stanton is a real, loving relationship, and I’m very sorry to have disturbed your time with your newborn son.”
I nod, tears trickling down my face, and try to give her a small smile of gratitude.
“Thank you.”
Then, everyone leaves and it’s just me and Damon in the stillness of the room again. I look down at Patrick, sleeping nuzzled against my chest and smile tearfully at him.
“You’re okay, baby,” I whisper while pressing a kiss to his downy head. “Mommy loves you.”
Damon comes over to sit by me once again, looking down into Paddy’s face.
“I’m so sorry, Chris,” he growls. “I wanted today to be special for you and I can’t believe that asshole Matt showed up. Obviously, he’s not interested in your child at all. That fuckboy didn’t even ask what Paddy’s name is, nor try to hold him. What father does that? I’m going to kick his ass once we get out of here. What a fucking loser.”
I look down at Patrick and tears fall from my eyes before landing on his blanket. Sniffing, I wipe my face before trying to pull myself together.
“You don’t have to do that, Damon,” I say in a low voice.
My boyfriend puts a finger under my chin and makes me look up at him.
“What do you mean? I’m going to kick that loser’s ass, trust me. He deserves it.”