Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Stopping in front of 2F, I take a deep breath before raising my hand to knock assertively on the door. There’s no answer, and I rap again. Still no answer. Then, I pound on the door with both fists, wondering if she’s home when suddenly, the door opens. Avalon is staring at me, looking a little miffed, and I can see why. She’s dressed in a bathrobe, her skin damp and glowing from a recent shower. Her hair lies in golden tangles, and it’s obvious that I’m disturbing her.
“Sorry,” I apologize immediately. “I should have called first.”
She stares daggers at me.
“Yes, you should have. But now, I’m out of the bath, so what do you want?”
I hesitate before holding out a package.
“I got you some fancy shampoo and conditioner,” I say. “It’s the brand that you use when you’re at my house.”
Avalon stares at the bag in my hand with suspicion, but then grudgingly takes it before stepping back to let me in.
“Thanks,” she says in a curt tone. “Feel free to come in, but make it quick.”
I wince slightly at her words, but Avalon doesn’t see my expression because the gorgeous blonde has already moved further into the apartment. The place isn’t much more than a shabby living room with a stove, sink, and fridge against one wall, as well as a door to a bathroom still wafting warm steam. But I don’t care because I’m not here for the furniture; I’m here for her. Patiently, I fold my massive form onto the couch and then grimace. Damn, I can almost feel the springs through the thin cushioning.
But Avalon’s not apologizing for her furniture, nor does she offer me libations.
“So why are you here, Liam?” she asks in a flat voice. “This is certainly a surprise.”
I raise my brows at her.
“Well, frankly, I’m surprised that you’re here,” I say. “And I’m not sure why you moved out either. I mean, you were welcome to stay at the mansion for as long as you like.”
The curvy blonde stares at me through a narrow squint.
“You’re joking right?” she asks in a slow tone. “You send your attack dog to talk to me, and then expect me to stay? I guess there are some women who are that desperate, and who have an addiction to luxury, but that’s not necessary for me and my child. The baby and I will live here, and it’s fine.”
Now, I’m the one who’s surprised.
“My attack dog? What are you talking about? I didn’t send anyone to attack you.”
The beautiful blonde snorts derisively, the color on her cheeks high.
“Don’t pretend not to know, Liam. Nothing happens without your say so. Your lawyer, Jimmy Warren? That’s who I’m referring to. He called me the day after I discovered my pregnancy, and made me “The Offer.” Fifteen million for the baby, and a slot at your breeding farm. Thanks, but no thanks, Liam. Me and my child are better off here, as living, breathing humans as opposed to being cogs in your disgusting reproduction project.”
Slowly, things are beginning to make sense, and I lift both hands to get a hold of the matter.
“Hold on,” I say in a deep tone. “There’s been a misunderstanding because I never sent Jimmy Warren to talk to you.”
“Oh really,” Avalon snorts derisively, two spots of color on her cheeks. “Then how did he know? Let me guess, he read your mind, right? You guys are working on some kind of sicko mind meld, and that’s how things get done at your company. Bullshit!” she rages. “This is your fault, and you’re the mastermind behind it all!”
I keep my right hand raised, palm out.
“No, I’m not, and I swear to you that I never asked Jimmy Warren to talk to you. Yes, I had a conversation with the attorney after I found the positive pregnancy test, but I never gave him approval to reach out to you. I don’t even know how he found your contact info, but I assure you, none of this was supposed to happen.”
Avalon snarls derisively, her pretty face anguished.
“Oh really? So the breeding farm is fake? It was just a figment of his imagination? You know, the place where all the mothers live with the children you’ve impregnated them with. Or do Belinda and Magda actually live independently, and that was all made up?”
I take a moment to pause, hoping to defuse the situation.
“No, I do own a vast estate on the outskirts of St. Cloud. And yes, Magda lives there with Madison, and Belinda with Ellie. But it’s not a farm, nor is there any pressure to relocate. Magda and Belinda moved to the estate willingly with their daughters because they have luxurious homes on the property, complete with every amenity. I make sure everything is paid for, and the two women are able to spend their days relaxing, although actually, both Magda and Belinda still work.”