“You’re terrible.”
“I want kids…I just don’t want to have to be pregnant.” Taking me by the arm, she said, “Come on. Since I can’t ply you with alcohol, let me get you something slathered in chocolate.
I hiccuped a laugh. “That sounds amazing.”
As we started down the street, Bianca pointed to a high-end bistro. “What about that place?”
“Looks good to me.”
When she started to open the door, the sight of another baby boutique across the street caught my attention. Pulling against Bianca’s arm, I motioned to the store. “Before I succumb to a sugar coma and want a nap, I wanna hit that place.”
With a groan, Bianca whined, “Seriously D, I can’t take any more cutesy baby stores.”
“You don’t have to.” When she started to argue, I jerked my chin at the restaurant. “Go on and get a much-needed drink. I’ll only be there for ten minutes.”
“Are you sure?”
Nodding, I replied, “I’m pretty sure I’m capable of waddling across the street and back.”
Drea laughed. “Okay, I’ll have you something sweet waiting.”
“And pickles.”
Wrinkling her nose, Bianca said, “You’re seriously down for that old wives' tale of pickles and ice cream?”
I grinned. “Sadly, yes.”
“Chocolate and pickles is it.” Turning to the bodyguard, she said, “You stay with her, Bogdhan.”
“Yes, Ms. Bolyshek.”
Inwardly, I groaned. Even though I was used to being shadowed by bodyguards, there was something about this one that gave me the creeps. I think I would tell Bianca the next time she came not to bring him.
As Bianca went inside the restaurant, I walked to the edge of the street. After waiting for the crossing sign, I started walking on the white lines. I was halfway through when something hard poked into my lower back. “What the–”
A voice rasped in my ear. “Don’t make a sound.”
Fear ricocheted through me. Instinctively, I shielded my bump with my hand. I didn’t have to glance over my shoulder to know that it was Bianca’s creepy bodyguard. I’d been right all along about not trusting him.
When we reached the other side of the street, his hand gripped my upper arm painfully. “See that white van?”
Unable to speak, I merely nodded furiously.
“You’re going to get into it.”
“No,” I pleaded.
“If you care about your life and your baby’s life, you’ll do as you’re told.”
At the mention of the baby, a sob choked off in my throat. Just as we got to the van, someone stepped out from a storefront into our path. “Let her go,” the man snarled.
“I’ve got orders.”
“So do I,” the other man said as he reached for my arm.
“Let her go!” Bogdhan snarled.
As they started scuffling and jerking me around, I screamed. People on the sidewalk stopped to stare. “Help!”