Chapter 90 A Screech of Tires
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
I stared at the two men standing in my kitchen, both seemingly ready to escort me to a simple prenatal checkup like I was some kind of precious cargo. The absurdity of the situation made ine want to laugh and cry simultaneously.
I’m glad I have these sincere friends. But this is too dramatic.
“Look,” I said, trying to keep my voice level. “I appreciate the concern, really. But this is just a routine appointment. I’ve been managing just fine on my own.”
Nate leaned against the counter, his casual posture at odds with the determination in his eyes. “Think of it as having a medical consultant on hand. Just in case.”
Mom watched the exchange with poorly concealed amusement.
hey do make some valid points, sweetheart.”
“Not helping, Mom.” I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building. Gas, the traitor, wagged his tail happily between the two men like this was all terribly entertaining.
My phone buzzed- Scarlett, because of course it was:
*Please tell me Thomas made it there! Don’t be stubborn! Let people help you!
Ltyped back quickly: *Your brother AND Nate are here. This is YOUR fault.*
Her response was immediate: *Wow. Don’t know about Nate was there. BUT TWO hot guys fighting over who gets to take care of you? YOU’RE WELCOME!
*
I sighed heavily. “Fine. Let’s compromise.” Both men straightened slightly. “Thomas, you can drive me to the appointment, but you’re waiting in the car.”
I turned to Nate. “Nate, since Gas adores your dogs, could take him for a playdate? He’s been cooped up with all my morning sickness lately.”
Gas’s tail wagged harder at the word “dogs,” making my decision for me.
“I am okay.” Thomas replied.
Nate nodded. “Marie will be thrilled to see him. She’s been sulking since your last visit.”
y
“Perfect. Everyone’s happy. Crisis averted.” I grabbed my purse, then had to immediately set it down as one of the babies decided to practice their soccer skills against my ribs. Both men took an instinctive step forward, making me roll my eyes. “I’m fine. They’re just active this morning.”
Mom finally took pity on me. “Alright boys, clear out and let my daughter get ready. Thomas, we’ll text you when she’s done. Nate, thank you for the coffee- and for taking Gas duty.”
I’ve never seen two grown men so efficiently managed out of a room. Mom’s talent for gentle but firm dismissal remained
unmatched.
“You’re enjoying this way too much,” I told her once they’d left.
She smiled innocently. “I have no idea what you mean. Though I will say, it’s nice to see people looking out for you.”
“Mom…”
“I know, I know. You’re independent and capable.” She squeezed my hand. “But letting people care about you isn’t weakness, sweetheart.”
Twenty minutes later, I settled into Thomas’s Mercedes–Benz S580.
“Seatbelt,” Thomas reminded me, every inch the protective older brother he’d always been with Scarlett.
hapter 80 A Screech of fres
Yes, sir Treplied with exaggerated obedience, earning a slightlle.
P26 BONUS
We drove in comfortable silence for a while, the city sliding past in a blur of autumn colors. I felt a little awkward. I felt naked in front of Thomas. I don’t know what Scarlett told him about me. Bu I’m pretty sure he knows about my crazy crush on Kyle, and about getting married, getting divorced, and getting pregnant after the divorce. That pretty much surns up my life after college.
But other than knowing that Thomas is a workaholic developing his career in Hong Kong, I know almost nothing about him “So,” I ventured finally, “Hong Kong?”
He glanced at me briefly. “Yes?”
“Scarlett often talks about your exploits in Hong Kong. Though mostly in the context of you being, and I quote, ‘a workaholic nightmare who needs to get out more.“”
That earned an actual laugh. “That sounds like my sister.” He navigated smoothly through traffic. “But yes, I spent the last few years expanding our Asia–Pacific operations. Watching how other cultures balance tradition with progress – it changes how you see things.”
I thought about that, about the Thomas I remembered from childhood who’d been so rigid about rules and proper behavior. The man beside me seemed… softer somehow. Still precise, still controlled, but with edges that had been worn smooth by experience.
“Is that why you came back?” I asked.
“Partly.” He signaled for a turn with mathematical precision. “Though watching Scarlett navigate this whole arranged marriage situation was… enlightening.”
“How so?”
“She chose it,” he said simply. “On her terms, for her reasons. Not because anyone forced her. I respect her choice.”
“It sounds like you were not optimistic about the marriage at first? I asked.
“I don’t know James very well. But I will do my best to protect my sister. That’s what I can do,” he replied calmly.
At that moment, I really envied Scarlett for having a brother like Thomas.
“What about you?” he asked eventually. “Scarlett mentioned you’re working on some innovative designs?”
“The children’s center, yes.” My hand drifted to my stomach automatically. “It’s meant to be a healing space – somewhere kids can feel safe while recovering.”
“Creating environments that actively contribute to healing. That’s real impact.”
“Thanks.” I felt my cheeks warm slightly. “Though it’s nothing compared to restructuring entire business empires.”
“Different kinds of impact,” he corrected. “But equally valuable.”
A sharp twinge in my lower back made me wince. Thomas noticed immediately – of course he did.
“Are you alright?”
“Fine,” I assured him. “Just Braxton Hicks contractions. Totally normal at this stage.”
His knuckles whitened slightly on the steering wheel. “Should we head to the emergency room instead?”
“Thomas, breathe.” I couldn’t help smiling at his concern. “This is completely normal.”
He relaxed slightly, but I could still see tension in his shoulders. After a moment, he asked carefully, “Does Kyle know?”
The question I’d been dreading. “No,” I said quietly. “And I’d appreciate if you didn’t mention it.”
“It’s not my place to share your private matters.” His tone was neutral, diplomatic. “But you should be prepared. Men like Kyle….
Chapter 010 & Sororit
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they have ways of finding information.”
“I know.” I stared out the window, watching buildings blur past. “ust me, I know exactly what Kyle Braonishin Thomas was quiet for a long moment. Then: “Por what it‘
orth, Em sorry. About all of it.”
“Thanks.” I managed a small smile. “Though you have nothing to be sorry for.” The words hit harder than expected, making my throat tight. Damn prégnancy hormones.
“Right,” I said briskly, needing to change the subject. “Remember our deal you wait in the car.”
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