DECEPTION : (A student/teacher romance)

We spent three days at Vinny’s home, getting to know Rocco’s family, and it has been both chaotic and eye-opening.

To begin with, the security surrounding the home was disturbing, but I became accustomed to it, and a sense of ease rippled through me at knowing how safe I was. How safe our baby is.

We make our way toward the private prenatal clinic, with Silas following in an SUV behind us. Rocco rolled his eyes when his father insisted on us no longer leaving the premises without security, but I couldn’t help but feel thankful for the added protection bestowed upon us.

“We’ll go straight to your house after and meet Matt there.” Rocco eyes me from the corner of his eye before glancing back at the road.

“Okay.” I chew on my lip as anxiety courses through me. Today is a big day. We tell Matty about us and also check to make sure everything is okay with the baby, something I’ve been putting off doing.

“Don’t worry, Little Red. It’s all going to be okay.”

I exhale as sickness rolls in my stomach. “He’s going to hate me more than he does already.”

Pulling into a parking space, he slams on the brakes, then winces at the jolt. He clears his throat. “I’m sorry.” He lifts my chin and turns me to face him. “Matt doesn’t hate you, and he won’t.”

I take a deep breath. He doesn’t know my son like I do. His friendship with Rocco came when he needed him the most, not long after me and Gerrard split. The timing was perfect, and now he will feel like it was all a lie. After everything he’s sacrificed to help make me happy, he will feel like I betrayed him.

“You’ll see.” He winks, then kisses my fingers with a confidence I don’t feel. “Come on, let’s go see baby Marino.”

I chuckle at his enthusiasm and wait for him to get out and open my door for me. Something he explained he loved doing and was also for security reasons, and who am I to argue with that?

If there’s something I’ve learned while being in the Marino family, it’s that they value women and children, and with that thought in mind, I slip my hand into Rocco’s and step into our future.