Fire We Make (Jackson and Liane Book 1) (6 page)

S&M IV – Contemporary Romance

She opened the door and was aghast at the sight. His green eyes sharpened to a fiery color and he looked like he hadn’t slept in well over 24 hours. His normally-coiffed hair was He faintly smelled like old whiskey and a half-assed attempt at mouthwash. “Scott?”

“You’re pregnant?” He stated. “Thanks for letting the father know.”

Mariana wrapped her arms around her waist and quickly pulled her ex inside. She watched him saunter his way into her apartment, where he sat himself down on the sofa. “I would ask if you want something to drink but I’m sure you’ve had plenty already.”

“How far along are you?” He questioned.

“I’m two months.” She sat across from him, eyeballing her home phone in case the need arose she had to use it to call emergency. “I didn’t think you would care.”

“You didn’t think I would care,” he enunciated every word loudly and carefully, “how very fucking thoughtful of you, Mari.”

“Why are you here, anyway?” Mariana suddenly realized the severity of Scott being in her home. “How did you get my address?”

“Your male friend has a big mouth,” he stated curtly, “when were you planning on telling me?”

Mariana silently cursed. Of course Bernard would tell Scott where she lived and that she was pregnant. The way Scott looked, he probably just came from the club where Bernard was currently working. “We don’t have to do this now.”

“No, I think we have to do this now.” Scott stated. “I’m not leaving until I get answers so I suggest you start talking.”

Mariana sighed. This wasn’t how she wanted her pregnancy to go. This wasn’t how she wanted her life to go. This wasn’t how she wanted
anything
to go. It seemed like her life was in a constant clusterfuck on repeat. “I got pregnant that night at the club. I went to get Plan B but I forgot to take it at the appropriate time. I didn’t find out until a few weeks ago and I didn’t even want to tell Bernard, honestly. It wasn’t my intention to tell you until it was the right time. I just didn’t know what to do.”

“Are you sure it’s mine?” Scott asked. “It’s a fair question.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Mariana was irritated at the suggestion, though she understood the intent behind the question. “I don’t understand. Why are you even here? Why do you pretend to care?”

Oh how badly did he wanted to get drunk again. No, he wanted to get high. He could totally understand why addicts turn to alcohol and drugs to numb their pain. It made complete sense to him. He thought about the joyous occasions when his sister and father announced their pregnancies. How envious he was of them. Scott didn’t have to read too much into what Mariana said. “Fine,” He pulled out several hundred dollars and left it on the table. “We’re done here.” He began to leave.

“You have nothing to say…like you have nothing to say at all?” Mariana shook her head. “I just revealed all that to you and you have nothing to say?”
“Well, let’s see here…” Scott returned to the living room “You led me to believe you were still on birth control because had I known you weren't, I definitely would've used a condom. You tried to keep your pregnancy from me but your actions told on you. And finally, you revealed that it was never your intention of telling me of your pregnancy of my feelings.” Scott let out a quiet breath. “And you question why I have nothing to say? That’s the argument you’re going with?”

Mariana was taken aback by Scott’s change in demeanor. Remorseful Scott was replaced with Asshole in the Boardroom Ice in less than five seconds. “I’m not arguing anything with you,” she replied quietly, “this isn’t an easy decision for me, either.” 

Scott let out a heavy breath and sat back down, across from his ex-girlfriend. “The funny thing is I always believed women are smarter than men. Sure, we’re stronger and wiser in some things but I think overall, women are smarter. Very few things get past a woman.” He paused.

“I don’t under—”

Scott cut her off. “You wanted another man to raise the baby;
our
baby. You didn’t want to tell me because you didn’t want me to be a part of it, point blank.” His voice was raised but not quite yelling. “You’re playing this game…”

“I’m not playing—”

“Yes, you are and stop with the bullshit,” Scott was having trouble maintaining his civility.

“I’m seeing someone else, Scott,” Mariana blurted, “that’s why I didn’t tell you.”

“I’m well aware of the relationship between you and Bernard,” Scott stated to Mariana’s surprise, “who do you think is his boss?”

The revelation caught Mariana by surprise. The fateful bathroom incident started to make more sense. “How long have you been the owner?”

“Don’t try to change the subject,” Scott sharply replied. “You think your DJ boyfriend is going be around all the time? His popularity is increasing, Mari. It’s only a matter of time before he blows up and he’s traveling all over the world. And believe me, I
will
make sure that happens.”

Mariana’s eyes welled up with tears. “You said you weren’t ready to be a father.”

“I’m allowed to change my mind,” Scott’s eyes were cold and dark. “There’s about five hundred dollars on the table right now for you and I’ll set up another account for our kid and any expenses he may need. We’re done here.”

“What about us?” Mariana felt compelled to ask. “What about us?”

“You just told me you were seeing someone else and you’re asking what about
us
?” Anger ran through Scott’s words. “You have my child and I will take care of you and our baby for as long as I live,” Scott returned to her and looked into her eyes. “But if you want to play this game you’re playing, I sincerely hope you fucking win because I’m about to fight as if I have nothing to lose.” He walked to her front door and turned around. “You have a great day, Mari. Rest up.” He slammed the door behind him.