I school my expression to keep my emotions hidden. There’s not much I can do about the way I feel, but at least I can keep some semblance of dignity by not exposing myself as the heartbroken woman I’ve turned into.
I fight to keep my eyes strictly on his. No looking at his elegant nose. Ogling his fucking sexy mouth. Or letting my gaze travel the extraordinary length of his tall, muscular body.
This is not just about me. Things will never again only be about me. That’s what I need to keep in mind. I reflexively rest my hand on my stomach and take a deep inhale.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I messed with my phone and…”
I cut him off, “I’m pregnant.”
Malik’s eyebrows fly to his hairline, his exceptionally handsome face taking an expression I’d find funny under other circumstances.
“You… you are?” he stutters.
Then, God help me, a beaming smile takes over his face and he stands to come sit next to me on the couch, taking my hands in his, giving me that look. The one that says I’m precious, and special, and all his, and loved beyond measure. The one that’s a boatload of crap.But he looks so sincere… my treacherous heart whispers.Nope, been there, done that. No interest in getting a repeat, especially now that I have to take care of myself for another precious being.
“When… when did you find out?”
“Maybe a week after you left,” I supply, schooling my expression to remain neutral.
“I guess you tried getting in touch with me?”
I nod.
“A ridiculous number of times.”
His air of contrition breaks my heart into even smaller pieces. How can he be such a great actor? A phenomenal liar?
“I can explain if you’d let me.”
“that’s not necessary. At this point all I wanted was for you to know I’m expecting, and offer you to be a part of your child’s life.”
Malik’s strong, square jaw ticks.Oh My god, is he mad?
“How far along are you?”
“That’s not an option, Malik. I’m keeping the baby.”
“Of course, you are,” he deadpans. “How far along?”
“Thr… three weeks.”
Dammit, this is harder than I thought.
“Of course,” he says in a low tone, as if speaking to himself. “That was the only time we were intimate.”
I nod.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I have a busy schedule. I’m having paternity papers drawn. We can do things amicably or go to court. I don’t care either way. Once the baby is here, we can discuss co-parenting. and please know you can be as involved or as remote as you want.”
“Can I now?” Malik asks in a deceivingly mellow tone.
But I know him too well to fall for it. Or at least I think I can still read some of his cues.
“Malik, I don’t have the time or energy for any sort of drama. Could you please leave?”
But instead of complying, he slides closer on the couch. I scoot away and end up backing myself in the corner. Malik’s eyes turn burning and the side of his mouth crooks up.
“I have no intention of leaving. Not now. Not ever again. Not you. Not our child. I’m going to stay right here till we figure shit out.”