Chapter 65

I don't like owing people, so you better listen to me.".Jeremy pulled Kayla upright from the mattress,ignoring her protests. When she nearly lost her balance, his arm shot around her waist, catching her against him in a firm hold.

Her top slipped in the process, a single strap falling off her shoulder to reveal a strip of delicate skin and the edge of her black bra.

Heat rushed to her cheeks as she struggled to pull away. The more she tried, the further her shirt slid,drawing even more attention to her silhouette.

Jeremy's fingers flexed at her waist,tendons visible,clearly fighting to maintain control.

Now, they were so close that each breath mingled,and the air crackled with an electric tension.

Jeremy found himself staring at her lips, barely able to stop himself from leaning in. He silently cursed his lack of self-control.

"Hey, Jeremy, what's so urgent that you had to drag me all the way here?" Footsteps echoed from outside,followed by Dewitt's voice.

In a flash, Jeremy yanked a blanket over Kayla and Pregnant settled her back onto the bed, making sure she was covered.

Still catching her breath, Kayla heard the door swing open.

Dewitt stepped inside with a knowing grin. "Did I just interrupt something spicy? Should I let you two finish?"

Jeremy's glare could have frozen fire. "Come barging in like that again, and you'll leave with broken fingers."

Feigning innocence, Dewitt tucked his hands behind his back. "Chill, man. You called about Kayla being hurt. Let me tae a look."

He stepped forward, but Jeremy blocked his path."You've seen enough. Out."

"Man, what's with the attitude?" Dewitt raised his palms in surrender, grinning sheepishly. "Fine, I won't stare. But seriously, Jeremy, she's not even your girlfriend. Why do you care so much?"

Jeremy's scowl only deepened. He looked seconds from tossing Dewitt out himself. "You've got one second to scram."

"Alright, alright! I'm gone!" Dewitt backpedaled,slipping out the door without another word.

As soon as Dewitt disappeared,Jeremy followed right behind him. Kayla stayed put until she was certain the hallway was Pregnant silent. Only then did she crawl out from beneath the blanket.

Still flustered, she gave her cheeks a gentle slap, then slipped on her shoes and padded quietly toward the door. Just as she cracked it open, she caught their voices drifting in from down the hall.

Jeremy's tone was sharp as a blade. "That so-called server mistook me for you."

Dewitt's usual playfulness vanished, his voice growing more serious. "It's a mess. Months ago, I was at a hotel after a business dinner and saw a college girl being harassed. She'd been drugged and was completely out of it. I stayed the night to keep her safe. When her dad showed up, he jumped to conclusions, swore I'd done something terrible. I tried to explain, even sent people to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. He wants me locked up for good.I was too swamped to fight it, so I just let it go."

Jeremy eyed him, not buying it just yet. "That the truth?"

Dewitt looked genuinely exasperated. "Come on, man.You think I'd mess with a college girl? I'm not that guy."

Jeremy's glare was nothing short of lethal, but he finally jerked his chin toward the lounge. "He's in there.Fix things."

Dewitt nodded toward the door to the bedroom."Kayla's alright,yeah? Want me to apologize in person?" Jeremy's answer was silent-a cold, unblinking stare.

Dewitt just shrugged, hands raised in surrender."Alright, I'll stay out of it. Just cut her some slack. She took that knife for you, remember?"

As Dewitt slipped away, Jeremy made his way back into the room and spotted Kayla curled up on the couch, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her stomach.

Instantly on edge, Jeremy rushed to her side."Where does it hurt? Tell me now."

Kayla tried to muster a smile, but her voice came out strained. "It's nothing,really."

She was hoping the cramp would ease up, but the ache in her belly only grew sharper with each second.

"No more arguing-we're going to the hospital."Without waiting for her to object, Jeremy swept her into his arms and marched out.

At the hospital, Jeremy flagged down a doctor and demanded Kayla be seen immediately.

He gently set Kayla down on a hospital bed, fixing her with a stern look. "Don't say a word. Let the professionals handle it."

A nurse rushed over, visibly anxious. "Are you Mr.Graham?"

Jeremy shot her a commanding look. "Get the doctor ant here right now and make sure she's taken care of!"

Kayla wanted to protest, but her energy was shot.Panic bubbled up inside her as she clung to the bed rails, her heart pounding with dread.

Kayla froze. They were about to find out she was pregnant!

"Mr. Graham, I need you to wait outside. I'll take care of her exam." The doctor stepped in, mask on, and wheeled Kayla's bed into the exam room.