Returning his smile, "I’m doing okay, Sam."
"Are you sure? You look like you haven’t slept in days."
God, he’s so perceptive. Reminds me a lot of Quinn. Blowing out a breath I blurt out, "I’m pregnant." I have no idea where I found the courage to say that out loud, or why I decided to tell Sam now. My confession causes Sam to choke on the bite of food he has in his mouth.
"What!" He wheezes out and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "Jesus, Alba, are you sure?"
"Yeah. The three pregnancy tests I took said yes," I sigh. "I have a doctor’s appointment next week to confirm."
"What are your plans? You keeping it?"
Narrowing my eyes at Sam I snap, "Of course, I’m keeping my baby."
"Hey, sweetie, I’m on your side here. It was only a question." He says holding his hands up in surrender. "Do you mind me asking who the father is? I’m assuming he’s someone from back home. I’ve not seen you with anyone here at school."
When I cut my eyes over to Sam I see no judgment on his face—only concern. "Yes. There was someone back home. It was just the one time."
"Was? As in you two are not together anymore?"
"We were never together." I confess looking at the ground and willing myself not to cry. I promised myself no more tears. Feeling a finger lift my chin, Sam forces me to look at him.
"Come here." He urges me with his arm held out. Accepting, I throw myself into his waiting arms and ignore the stares we are getting. I don’t care. They can all think what they want. After a few minutes, Sam kisses me on top of my head. "So, who’s ass do I need to go to Polson and kick?" Sam jokes, lightening the mood and I snort. Bless his heart. He has no idea what he’d be up against.
"Ah, no offense, but you wouldn’t stand a chance against Gabriel."
"Alba, the guy’s name is Gabriel. How tough can he be?" At Sam’s question, I throw my head back and laugh. After I get my laughing under control, I look over to my friend and he has a scowl on his face. "I’m not liking your lack of confidence in my attempt to defend your honor." He says in mock irritation.
"Sam, Gabriel Martinez is six-foot-four and has about fifty pounds of muscle on you." I watch his eyes go big before he asks.
"Christ, Alba, where did you find a guy like that?"
Deciding I can trust Sam with the truth, I tell him.
"Gabriel is a part of a motorcycle club called The Kings of Retribution." I confess.
"Are you shittin’ me?" I shake my head no.
"My sister and I met them over a year ago. Bella is engaged to the club’s Vice President. His name is Logan."
"This Gabriel, what’s his role in the club?"
"Gabriel is the club’s Enforcer." I tell him.
"Jesus fucking Christ, Alba. That’s like some Sons of Anarchy shit. That man would straight up murder me, wouldn’t he?" I roll my eyes.
"Relax, he’s hours away. Plus, he could care less about me. I promise, you have nothing to worry about."
"Do you plan on telling him?"
"I will eventually. But right now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all. And like I said—Gabriel could care less. Whether I tell him today, tomorrow, or months from now, it won’t change a thing."
"You sure about that, sweetie?"
Gabriel’
s words ’just sex’ come to mind, causing my stomach to twist into knots.
"Yeah, I’m sure."