- I'm pregnant, Colle. I'm two months along. Just then, I felt a tremendous weight come off my back and a current squeeze my heart. I looked into his eyes, he seemed frozen. His body was tense, he clenched his jaw. - I'm sorry," I continued. I should have told you. I'm also sure there's something about hiring pregnant women without proper registration, but I would never harm you. - Do you think I really care that you have an unregistered pregnant employee? The note of bitterness when he uttered "gravida" didn't go unnoticed by me. - Everything was very complicated before I got here. - The tension was palpable and the adrenaline made me shiver. - If you'll let me explain... I know we're onto something here now. - My cheeks burned with shyness. Ethan began to shake his head negatively. - You don't owe me an explanation. I shouldn't have taken you the wrong way. - Although it hurt me, somehow it didn't seem cruel. - I'm sorry if you felt pressured in any way, I didn't mean to. - He lowered his gaze, clearly disappointed. - Besides, you're a teenager. Practically a child. I'm a grown man. - For God's sake, I should take care of you and not want to... fuck you He doesn't say it, but the words float in the air. So I'm trying to make things right, after all, Colle has been nothing but good to me. And my hormones are driving me crazy, he definitely wouldn't do anything I didn't want him to. I wouldn't get pregnant if I was already pregnant.

- There is a way. - His whole body stiffens and the smile on his lips falters. - But you already know, or deep down you wouldn't be here. Anxiety tightens my throat, robbing me of any excuse I can give. And that's because there simply isn't one. Jamie watches me for a moment longer, analyzing my face as if I'm about to reveal something he wants to confirm, as if he's searching for some truth. - Take me. - I beg. - Take me away and leave my family alone. He reaches out and grasps my cheek, rubbing the rough, calloused tip of his thumb with a sick tenderness. - This is a bad idea. - He warns, studying my face. Then the corner of his mouth curved up. - A good man would refuse that possibility. - There were sparks of anger in his eyes. - But I'm not a good man, and I'm not leaving this town without my reward. My payment.