Tempt (Dark Odyssey Club Fantasies 2)

“Actually, I was hoping to speak with Rachel by herself if that’s okay,” Dr. Dalton says to Dad in particular.

“Of course that’s fine,” Mom says but Dad pulls her back.

“We would prefer to stay. Our daughter isn’t in any condition to make decisions on her own,” Dad answers in his boardroom voice.

I stifle a groan and even that hurts my body. I just sink back into the pillows giving up. I can’t do it. They’re going to have to know.

Maybe it’s best they do. It will air out more secrets.

“Rachel is it okay if your parents stay? I would really prefer to talk to you by yourself,” Dr. Dalton says and I sigh.

“It’s okay. They’re worried and I get it.” I’m sure they’re about to get a rude awakening so let them stay.

“Okay… well all the tests have come back and it’s as we suspect. Your blood pressure is low and you’re very anemic. I’m keeping you in for another day and we’ll send you home with some medication I’ll need you to take every day. Now, um… in our tests we were able to confirm that you are a little over three weeks pregnant and this problem seems to have stemmed from that.”

I would have been able to take more joy in the confirmation from an actual doctor rather than my home test, it Dad didn’t look like he just had the wind knocked out of him. Mom on the other hand tries to bite back a little smile.

“I’m pregnant?” I ask doing my best award winning performance in my sick bed.

“Yes, we got a call from your boyfriend earlier but we weren’t able to speak to him. I thought I’d tell you.”

My boyfriend…. Dante called. A tear runs down my cheek and I wipe it away quickly.

“Thank you so much,” I say and Dr. Dalton smiles.

“You’re welcome. If you need me for anything at all just call.” She gives us all a smile then leaves.

As the door closes tension hangs heavy in the room.

It’s mom who looks to me first and her face breaks out into a bright smile.

She rushes over to me and gives me a hug. “Oh sweet girl,” she bubbles and I rest my head on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I am.”

“Good, this is good news no matter who likes it or not.” She nods with determination. I give her a weak smile. “You will be okay. I promise.”

It’s words I want to hear. “Thank you.”

“Rachel… why didn’t you tell me you were seeing Dante?”

I shake my head and look to Dad who still hasn’t said anything. Mom looks to him too.

“Dad… you either look like you’re either going to breathe fire or explode, which is it?” I ask, mustering strength from somewhere to talk to him.

“Do you expect me to look any different?” he retorts.

“No, you told him to stay away from me , so I guess I shouldn’t expect you to look any different than the way you do.”

While he narrows his eyes at me, probably surprised that I know the details, Mom straightens up and glowers at him.

“Peter, how could you?” she snaps.

“Zara please…”

“No… let’s be real here… this is no real surprise. You must have known that.”

It surprises me when Dad doesn’t protest.