Eyes locked on his magazine, his tone was as cool as a lazy fall breeze. Ill pass on that question and let you figure it out for yourself. With a slight jerk of his head in the direction of the bedroom, those baby blues still glued to the magazine, a smile curled the corner of his mouth. Go.

On a sigh and a smile of her own, Emily started for the bedroom. She slid her finger under the lip of the envelope, tearing it open. With a small gasp, she stopped, looking down at the finger thatd been assaulted with a fresh paper cut. She sucked the wound, trying to ease the pain. With the envelope in her uninjured hand, and the burn starting to dissipate, she flipped over the envelope, her heart nearly stopping when her gaze triggered in on the handwriting on the front.

Though it was void of a return address, there was no mistaking Dillons scrawl. She swallowed and pulled out the paper, quickly unfolding it. Heart jumping wildly, she scanned a photocopy of an explanation of benefits from her old insurance company. It was a detailed breakdown of her doctors visit from a few weeks earlier. Confused, because she specifically remembered giving the receptionist her new insurance information and address, Emily didnt understand how the paperwork wound up with Dillon. With a blood red marker, hed circled the words First trimester fetal sonogram. At the bottom of the paper, he wrote:

Swiping a shaky hand through her hair, Emily turned around, slowly making her way back into the kitchen. Gavin had insisted they didnt tell Dillon. He firmly felt Dillon didnt deserve to know she was pregnant until they had a definite answer as to who the father was. Not wanting to buck against his decision, though she had reservations about hiding it, Emily had reluctantly agreed.

Olivias words from the club a few weeks ago went off like loud sirens in Emilys head. This could look bad for her. There was no doubt in her mind Dillon would use this against her in court if he turned out to be the father. The thought chilled her to the bones, flashes of him trying to take away her child sent icicles needling through her heart.

Quietly placing the paper in front of Gavin, Emily pulled in a deep breath, waiting for his reaction. She watched his expression go from slightly confused to impassivity as he read, bleeding into full-blown anger. His eyes lit up like hot coals, rage burning raw behind them. Another shiver spiraled through Emily as he shot to his feet, tossing the magazine onto the counter.

How the hell did he get this? he questioned, the confusion he was wearing on his face seconds before returning.

I have no idea, she breathed, still in shock.

Gavin shoved his hand through his hair. Were you ever on a health insurance policy with him?

Emily nodded. When I moved to New York, he paid for a private policy because he couldnt add me to the one he has through the firm without being married. He knew I wouldnt qualify right away for insurance when I began teaching. But I changed the information with the receptionist the day we went for the test. I dont understand what happened. Nervously fingering the locket Gavin gave her for Christmas, Emily started to feel as though she was about to hyperventilate. Hes going to drag me to court and try to take the baby away from me for not telling him. I need a lawyer. I cant, I cant go through this. She gulped back a sob, her body hunched over. Resting her arm on the cool granite counter, she felt Gavins hand on the back of her neck.

I wouldnt let him take the baby away from you, Gavin said, his tone resolute. Trying to catch a breath, Emily shook her head. Emily, look at me, he commanded in a soft whisper. Body shaking, she straightened, her watery eyes searching his. If I have to hire every lawyer in the fucking city, I will. Id never allow him to hurt you like that. Do you understand me?

She wanted to believe Gavin, but she couldnt. Her carefully trained thoughts wouldnt allow for it. Dillon was gone, but his influence wasnt far enough removed from her life. This would be his payback. Dear, God. This would be more than payback. She could feel it. Everything manipulative and hideous hed turned into would surely have its time on stage in the grandest of battles fought out in front of a judging court system that would punish her for hiding this from him. She knew wherever he was at this very second, he was seething and waiting on her call.

I have to call him, she puffed out, heading for the office.

Gavin caught her elbow. Were not calling him, Emily.

Eyes wide, she yanked her arm away. If you think for one minute Im going to attempt to play any more games with him, youre wrong. Our glorious plan of not letting him know has blown up in our faces, and Im not about to chance losing custody rights to him.

A sense of foreboding slithered up Gavins spine and hell if it didnt fuck with him. Youre assuming the babys his considering what you just said. You do realize this, right?

Im not assuming anything! she retorted, her vehemence undeniable. She continued down the hall into the office. Picking up the phone, she started dialing Dillons number, but Gavins large hand plucked it out of her grasp. What are you doing? she questioned with a gasp. Im calling him.

Face a mask of anguish, Gavin gently stroked his thumb along her trembling lips. Voice soft, he shook his head. Emily Cooper, youre going to calm down. I love a good fight with you, doll, it turns me on, but Ill be damned if Im going to fight with you over this asshole ever again.