Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 48585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
We talk a bit more, and I already feel better, although I’m still not fond of the idea of being away from Luc for long. But by the time he returns to get me, I’m less upset with him than I was before.
I smile at him, and he seems relieved that I’m no longer giving him the cold shoulder.
“I’ve made an appointment for the doctor to see you,” he says carefully, trying not to sound too pushy. “I just don’t want to risk anything before you and the baby are out for travel. If that’s okay with you.”
I glance over at Isla, and she gives me a little reassuring nod and smile, showing that she’s right about everything we just talked about. Luc is doing all of this, not because he wants to shove me off somewhere, but because he wants to protect me and our unborn child.
“Yes, thank you,” I say as I reach for his hand. “That’s a good idea. Will you come with me to the appointment? If you want to, that is.”
Luc’s face lights up. “Of course! I was planning on accompanying you anyway, for security, since there’s no telling where Leonardo or Angelo’s men are lurking around.”
“I’d like it if you came inside to talk with the doctor with me, too. I want you to be as involved with the pregnancy as you’d like to be.”
“I’d like that,” he says as he wraps an arm around me.
“Alright, you two lovebirds better get going then,” Isla says, getting ready to go back to rehearsing her new dance routine. “Keep me posted on things.”
I give her a hug, and then Luc accompanies me to the car so that we can head straight to the doctor’s office. I hadn’t quite expected the appointment to be right now, but I guess there’s a reason that things are moving so quickly, in order to stay one step ahead of Leonardo.
I try not to think about the waning time that Luc and I have together or worry about when and where I’m being sent off. Instead, I try to focus on the fact that he and I are going together to our very first doctor’s appointment to check on the status of my pregnancy and the health of me and our baby. I’m excited and also a little nervous.
“You know, even when you’re not right beside me,” he says as we pull up to the doctor’s office. “I’m going to make sure that you have everything you need during your pregnancy. You and the baby will be safe and healthy. Want for nothing. And then, as soon as it’s safe for you to return to my side, I will come and get you. I promise.”
“How long do you think it will be before this is all over?” I ask, not wanting to hear an answer that will take too long.
Before Luc can answer me, a call rings through his phone. It’s Vincent, and that means he can’t ignore it.
“Hello,” Luc says into the car’s speakers.
“I need you to come meet with me now,” Vincent says in a calm yet serious tone. “It’s a matter of importance.”
“I’m just about to accompany Valentina to her doctor’s appointment.”
“Luciano, I’m afraid I need to insist on your coming to meet with me now. There is some urgent business that we need to attend to, which can’t wait,” Vincent presses. “I’ll send a bodyguard to accompany Valentina to her appointment.”
When Luc hangs up the call, he is visibly disappointed, and in truth, so am I. But I put on my best brave face about it and reassure him I will be fine with the bodyguard that his cousin is sending. Besides, there will be plenty more appointments throughout my pregnancy that we can go to together. All that matters now is getting through the current situation at hand so that we can start our life together unencumbered by all the rest of the mafia families’ drama.
CHAPTER 13
VALENTINA
Luc getting pulled away unexpectedly for business isn’t ideal timing. I was really hoping that he’d be able to attend the doctor’s appointment with me. But the important thing is that I know he wanted to, and that eases some worries that I was having earlier.
Once the bodyguard arrives, Luc gives me a kiss on the top of my head and takes off to meet with Vincent.
“Would you like me to accompany you inside, Ms. Ricci?” the guard asks as we stand in front of the building.
The medical clinic is a fancy, private, three-level office that is likely the best money can buy in the city. Luc meant it when he said that the baby and I would have everything that we need. I glance at the glass front doors. The building has security and a check-in desk right at the entrance. It looks safe and secure enough. I doubt that even a man like Leonardo Conti would try to attack a medical facility with pregnant women inside.