Page 171 of When She Falls (The Fallen)
It feels significant. Like whatever she’s about to say might bring me to my knees.
“Because we’re not engaged anymore.”
I manage to keep myself standing, but the whooshing sound is back. I wrap my hand around the side of my neck, my pulse pounding against it like an off-beat drum. “Say that again. I think I heard you wrong.”
“I called it off. He’s… marrying Cleo instead.”
I’ve always been quick on the uptake, but for the life of me, I can’t make sense of the words coming out of her little pink mouth.
She sighs at my dumbfounded expression. “Can I come in? It’s been a long night.”
I step aside to let her pass.
Seeing her inside this crappy shoebox apartment only adds to my confusion. I never imagined her here.
She turns in a circle, taking it all in. “It’s cozy.”
I shut the door. Lock it. Take a step toward her.
That’s all it takes for us to be just inches apart.
“How did you find me?”
“I went back to that coffee shop where we met Orrin. He was there.” She glances down at herself. “He gave me this jacket and drove me here.”
“You’re telling me he brought you here but didn’t think to accompany you up?” How could he have just let her go up her own?
“Ras, it’s three flights of stairs,” she says with a soft laugh.
“This place is dodgy,” I growl.
“He tried to come, but I insisted on doing this on my own.”
“Let me get this straight,” I begin, sure I’m about to spew out nonsense. “You broke off the engagement.”
“Yes.”
“How?”
Her cheeks redden. Fuck, she’s so beautiful. I’m still not convinced this isn’t a mirage.
“I told Rafaele I’m not a virgin anymore.”
Jesus Fucking Christ. This can’t be real.
“I knew that it would disqualify me.”
“And he believed you?”
She blushes again. “I think I was pretty convincing. In any case, the proof will be here in nine months.”
Nine months?Suddenly, I can’t breathe. “What?”
She looks at me from under her lashes. “I’m pregnant. I just found out yesterday.”
My mind goes blank for a moment, trying to comprehend the news.
“The moment I found out, I knew I had to find you,” she says calmly, like she has no idea the impact her words are having on me.
