Page 102 of Code Violation

Sue me.

Me

Imagine how wealthy I would be if I did. I once read that you’re the highest-paid defenseman in the league. Is that true?

Silas

I’m pretty rich for now. Although I plan to drop a ton on you and our bump over the next six months.

Me

I don’t want your money—you know this.

Silas

Vesper, if you’re going to upgrade to the superior brother who would burn the fucking world for you, then you’d best believe I’m going the whole way.

Me

Oh, well, in that case, I’ll take a Gucci bag, please. Always wanted one of those.

Setting my phone down on the side of the bath, I relax into the warm water when another text lands a few minutes later.

I bolt up in the bath when three pictures arrive, each of them Gucci bags.

Silas

I wasn’t sure which one you preferred, so I got you the same style in red, tan, and black.

Oh, and a Louis Vuitton weekend bag for when I take you away. Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow.

Me

Silas … I was joking.

Silas

I know. But I wasn’t.

I’m partway through typing out a reply when the smart doorbell chimes, and I climb out of the bath and set my phone on the counter.

Shit, that’s the pizza, and I’m fully naked and covered in bubbles. Oh, and also mildly turned on, courtesy of my elaborate boyfriend.

Grabbing my fluffy white robe from the hook on the wall to my left, I quickly check my reflection to make sure my eye makeup isn’t halfway down my face and head for the door.

The bell chimes again, followed by a sharp knock.

“Hang on a second,” I say, sliding the dead bolt across the door.

I don’t even reach the handle before it turns and the door swings inward.

Oh shit.

Acid rises in my throat, although this time, it has nothing to do with the pregnancy.

“I don’t understand.” They’re the only words my brain can summon as I stare at my ex-boyfriend in horror.

Holding a green, red, and white pizza box that matches the jacket and ball cap he’s wearing, I realize he’s the guy sent to deliver my late-night snack.