Milly, she was supposed to help him, to provide him with the means of actually ending this piece of shit. Instead, she’d disappeared before giving him any concrete evidence. There was something going on with the Robin character, he knew it.
First, he had to clear his mind.
“Get on your knees. Tell the kids if they come downstairs before I tell them, I’ll give them the belt.”
Chapter Nine
The waiting room was small, compact, not like any other doctor’s office she’d been in before. This was more comforting, not too sterile.
Robin liked it. It put her at ease.
There was no one waiting to see Randall. It was just her. His assistant had already disappeared to let him know she was waiting.
It was late, which was how she wanted it. She’d asked Preacher if there was any possible way to arrange a late evening scan. Of course, he’d done so without any problems.
No matter what she asked, he provided it for her, and she felt guilty for asking for anything. Her life had been pretty damn special so far. No complaints from her.
“This is fucking bullshit,” Bishop said.
She looked toward her best friend, taking hold of his hand. Their relationship had really become rocky in the past couple of weeks.
“It’s fine.”
“I don’t think I can do this.”
“Bishop, you’re not doing anything. You’re helping me out. Sticking around with me. You’re being my best friend, remember?” She hated how much she had to remind him of just how close they were. Friendship shouldn’t be something she had to remind her best friend of. They were not obligated to spend time together.
He’s your husband, but clearly he wants more and you’re still not ready.
He kept coming into her bedroom, and each night, he’d hold her close and she tried to pretend to be asleep.
Bishop wanted something she wasn’t ready to give, and this was another reason why she hadn’t wanted to marry him.
Their boundaries were no longer set.
He felt entitled to her.
“You know what, I brought you here. I’ve got to get out of here. I need some air.”
“Bishop, please, I’m begging you. Don’t leave me here to do this on my own.”
“I didn’t ask for this.”
“And you think I did?”
“You can do something about it. You’ve got to stop screaming the victim card when you won’t take charge. I’m out of here.”
“Please, Bishop.”
He didn’t stop, and she flinched as he closed the door.
Seconds later, Randall appeared.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes.” He didn’t mention Bishop, and for that she was grateful.
He led her toward the back room where there was a table and several machines. “Don’t worry about what you see. They’re all standard stuff. They’re going to let us see your little munchkin. Will Preacher be joining us?”
“Erm, I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”
“He already confided in me, Robin. He wants you to have the best care. Bishop was supposed to be here, but I heard what happened there. It’s not your fault, and you don’t have to make any decision you don’t want to.”
“Why are you always so nice to me?” she asked.
“I’m a doctor, it’s my job.”
She laughed. “You’re a good doctor.”
“I try my best. Now, would you like to—”
The door opened, and she hoped it was Bishop only to find Preacher sticking his head around the door.
It was strange, but she wasn’t disappointed. “Did I miss anything?”
“Not a thing. I’m just getting set up, and I don’t have any gel. I’ll be back soon.”
Randall left as Preacher took a seat.
“Where’s Bishop?”
“Left. He couldn’t handle it.”
“That fucking boy of mine. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“I didn’t want you doing this alone.”
“You’re not. We’re both here. I guess it’s kind of fitting. We’re the parents, not … Bishop.”
Preacher took her hand.
It was the first time he’d touched her since that night. She expected to feel scared, terrified, pity, but she stared at their joined hands and all she could feel was acceptance. This was between the two of them.
“I’m here. I’ll be at every single one of these from now on. In fact, I’m not going to ask Bishop to take my place.”
“But O’Klaren…”
“Can suck on my dick. My son is not up to this task. He’s a fool. Whatever he says to you, ignore it.”
“He’s still your son.”
“Which is why I know he’s a grade-A asshole.” He stroked a curl out of her eyes, and he smiled. “You’re not alone with this. I know I’m busy, but I don’t mean to push you aside. Far from it.”
Staring into his blue eyes, she was suddenly struck by how beautiful they were.
This man had killed people, and yet, he had the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen. Bishop had slightly duller eyes, not as bright. They didn’t strike her to the spot.
“I’ve got it. Sorry about the delay,” Randall said, entering the room and breaking any spell that had started.