Kamara’s POV
“Get out!” His voice resounded in the entire hallway. I felt the hair on my skin rise. Of course, he wouldn’t listen to anything I had to say to him. Why did I even come to meet him in the first place? I was about to turn when he grabbed my hand as if reading my thoughts.
That was when I noticed everyone standing behind him was leaving already. “Not you silly.” He replied, gesturing towards the door not far from where we stood.
I walked into the room with him and it was a suite. It wasn’t a surprise since this was a hotel, but Fernando said this was Diego’s floor. Only those who wanted to have private meetings with him would have access up here and also his office was here. So that meant this hotel suite was his also.
I wonder how many women he had brought in here.
The instant the thought came into my head, I shook it off, going after him as he headed towards the balcony. “Did you come all the way because you’re mad I wasn’t in bed this morning when you woke up?” He asked calmly and the memories of all we did overnight flashed into my head, making me choke on my saliva. “Calm down, princess.”
“That’s not why I’m here.” I managed to say, grabbing the glass railing. “There’s a huge problem. You know I ran into Ciara the other day? I ran into her again today in the hospital.”
Diego nodded gently. “Now that you mention it, Gideon is one of the pharmacy’s biggest sponsors.” He said casually, confirming Ciara wasn’t lying about having connections to the Pharmacy. “Okay?”
I swallowed, trying to find the words. “She told my parents about this, about us and the baby.”
That caught his attention. His dark eyes stared into mine, his brows pulling together. “Knows what?”
“Everything,” I repeated quietly. “Ciara told them everything and now they’re coming to Atlanta.”
His expression was indifferent but at least I could tell something was going on in his head this time. “When?”
“As soon as they book their tickets.”
Silence stretched between us. It was filled with anticipation and hope. We haven’t been close for more than a day and now I have come to him with this kind of issue. Not even at home but at work.
Then, he took a seat, leaning back while exhaling through his nose. “So your family is about to walk into my city, angry as hell, and demand answers?”
I nodded.
His lips pressed together, a flicker of amusement crossing through his expression. “Well then,” he murmured loud enough for me to hear. “This should be interesting.”
I was about to snap when he stood up, raising my chin to look up at him. “You’re here to pay your family’s debt. If they do anything to you or my child, they’d pay for it.” His voice sent chills down my spine. I could tell there wasn’t a hint of joke in his tone. “I mean every word I say, princess.”
He let go of me, tapping my stomach gently before turning to leave. “Fernando will drive you back home when you’re ready. You can deal with them however you want. We’ve signed the deal that their debts have been transferred to you and you’re paying it all. So they’re nothing but strangers to me. And I don’t treat strangers kindly.”
The doors shut behind him and I just stood there. I didn’t know if it was the relief I was feeling or if I was just crazy for feeling that way. He just said he’d hurt them if they did anything to hurt me or his child. He might only care about me because I’m carrying his child but still knowing that, it made me warm on the cheeks and the tip of my ears tingly.
I stood in the middle of the mansion’s grand living room, my fingers tightening around my phone as I stared at the message on the screen.
“We’re here. Meet us at Bellamy’s. Now!”
It was short, cold, and demanding. I could feel the chills even from over the phone.
It didn’t take a genius to know it wasn’t going to be a friendly family gathering at all. If I wasn’t careful, I’d have myself hit and beaten by my mother but I knew she would restrain me due to the fact that I was pregnant which wasn’t foreign to her.
A sigh slipped past my lips as I locked my phone and glanced toward the large window overlooking Atalanta’s sky. The mansion was in a secluded estate so I was unable to see what lay beyond the talk flower trees but it was the least of my worries. If this hadn’t come up, maybe, I’d be glancing at New York’s sky instead of Atlanta’s. The sun was starting to set, painting various colors across the blue sky. It should have been peaceful but all I felt was a churning feeling in my stomach.
They were really here.
I spent the last twenty-four hours preparing myself for this moment but as it was happening, I felt totally unprepared for it. It was even worse than standing up to Diego or sitting for an exam. This was family and I knew how crazy they could be when they are required to be.
I knew they would call on me any moment now, even though I was already prepared and dressed to leave the instant they called but I was still hesitant. Really hesitant. I didn’t know what awaited me.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and headed towards the front door. Just as I reached for the handle, I felt a presence behind me.
“You’re leaving.”
Diego’s voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned to find him leaning against the wall of the stairs, arms crossed, watching me with that unreadable expression.
“My family just landed,” I said, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible. “They want to meet at a restaurant. Bellamy’s.”
He didn’t respond immediately. I stared at me as if deciding whether to say something or to just let me go.
“Do you want me there?”
The question caught me off guard.
Do I?
I knew if Diego was there, it would solve part of the problem. Besides, I doubt they’ve ever seen him face to face and the reason I was doing all this would be clear to them. He could also really get rid of them if they raised a hand against me like he had threatened and that was the last thing I wanted.
“No,” I finally said. “I should handle this on my own.”
His gaze stayed on me for a beat longer before giving a slow nod. “Call if you need anything. Take my car also.” He said, gesturing towards the keys displayed on the wall. It was over a hundred but he only took one of them so I picked the key with a small smile.
I nodded before slipping out the door. Still contemplating whether I should go or not.
The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I spotted them.
My mother seated at the table stiffly, her hands folded neatly in front of her. My father was beside her, arms folded, lips pressed into a firm line. And my other siblings June and Jason were silent but aware of what was going on.
And then there was Ciara, a mixed look on her face. If they were here, and I was here, there was a chance her secret got spilled also.
I inhaled deeply, straightened my shoulders, and walked towards them.
As soon as I reached the table, my mother’s gaze cut deeply into me.
“Sit.”