Ricardo's promise hung in the air, a fragile shield against the storm raging inside me. Pregnant. With Christian's or Haiden's baby. The thought was a dizzying kaleidoscope of love, fear, and utter disbelief. How could this have happened? More importantly, how could I tell them? Or should I tell them?
Ricardo pulled away gently, his eyes filled with concern. "We need to get you out of here, Hailey. Daniel won't stop. He's unstable."
"But where can I go?" I whispered, the stark white walls of the room closing in. "They'll find me."
"I have a friend, a doctor, who can help. He has a small cabin in the mountains, far from everything. It's only temporary, but it will buy us some time." Ricardo rummaged through a drawer, pulling out a small bag. "I've packed some clothes and basic supplies. We need to leave now, before Daniel comes back."
The fear was a living thing, coiling in my gut. But Ricardo's unwavering resolve gave me strength. I pushed myself up, wincing as pain shot through my wrist. He helped me dress, his touch gentle, almost reverent.
"Can you walk?"
I nodded, testing my weight. My legs were shaky, but I could manage. We slipped out of the room, Ricardo leading the way through the labyrinthine corridors of… wherever I was. I had been so out of it, I hadn't even registered the location. The air was thick with tension, the silence punctuated by the distant hum of machinery.
The exit was a back door, leading to a narrow alley. A beat-up sedan waited, engine running. Ricardo helped me into the passenger seat, his gaze darting around nervously.
"We're going to be okay," he said, his voice strained but reassuring. He peeled out of the alley, tires squealing, and we were gone.
The drive was a blur. I huddled in the seat, trying to focus on anything but the fear. The image of Christian and Haiden's faces kept flashing in my mind. How would they react to the news? Would they be angry? Happy? Terrified?
As we drove I was trying to remember the last time I had my period, or any signs I was pregnant. I didn't even notice. I was to busy working and trying to keep my head above water.
Ricardo pulled into a gas station in the middle of nowhere, his face tight with worry. "Stay here. I need to make a call."
He disappeared inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The weight of my secret pressed down on me, suffocating. I closed my eyes, willing myself to stay calm.
Suddenly, a black SUV screeched to a halt beside us. My blood ran cold. Daniel.
He jumped out, his eyes blazing with fury. "Hailey! Get out of the car!"
I scrambled to lock the doors, but it was too late. He smashed the window with the butt of a gun, shards of glass flying everywhere.
"You can't run from me!" he yelled, reaching for me.
I screamed, kicking and fighting, but he was too strong. He dragged me out of the car, ignoring my pleas.
Just then, Ricardo burst out of the gas station, yelling, "Let her go, Daniel!"
Daniel ignored him, shoving me towards the SUV. I saw Ricardo pull out a gun, his face a mask of desperation.
"Don't do this, Ricardo!" Daniel shouted. "You don't want to get involved."
Ricardo didn't hesitate. He fired.
The world exploded in a cacophony of noise and confusion. I saw Daniel stagger, clutching his shoulder. Ricardo grabbed my hand, pulling me back towards the sedan.
"Get in! Now!"
We jumped back into the car, Ricardo slamming the door shut and speeding away. I looked back and saw Daniel lying on the ground, bleeding, his eyes filled with hate.
We drove in silence for what felt like hours, the only sound the hum of the engine and my ragged breathing. I was shaking so hard I could barely hold myself together.
Finally, Ricardo pulled off the road and stopped the car. He turned to me, his face etched with exhaustion and worry.
"Are you okay?"
I shook my head, unable to speak. The events of the past few hours had been too much. I was pregnant, on the run, and Ricardo had just shot someone to save me. My life had become a twisted nightmare.
"We're almost there," Ricardo said, his voice gentle. "Just a little further."