The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 103

As soon as Petty got home, she felt a rush of warmth between her legs. She hurried to the bathroom, pulled down her pants, and sure enough, there was fresh blood. The dull ache in her lower belly was already fading, like something inside her had finally been set free. The pain slipped away with it.

On her way back, the idea of being pregnant had flashed through her mind. But honestly, it didn’t seem possible. She’d taken the morning-after pill once, and the other time, Franco hadn’t finished inside her. The chances were basically zero.

Now, seeing this, she knew for sure. She wasn’t pregnant.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, she could hear Hans in the hallway, telling Aaron to keep an eye on her after he left. He was headed back to his film set that afternoon.

“Hans!”

He turned around and came over, looking a little rushed but stopping in front of her. “This shoot should wrap up sooner than planned. I’ll probably be back early. Until then, take care of yourself, and please, try not to get hurt again. Okay?”

Petty nodded, trying to lighten the mood. “Yes, sir.”

“Oh, and is that self-defense coach you hired for me still in Cabinda?”

Hans gave her a curious look.

She shrugged. “I just keep running into trouble. If I was better at defending myself, maybe I wouldn’t get hurt so much. I can’t always rely on Aaron, right? If something happens, I want to be able to handle it.”

The truth was, she was thinking about Nash. Their deal only had a couple of months left. Nash had promised that if she still wanted to go after two months, he’d help her apply for a position at the Everell foreign bureau. But Nash was unpredictable, and she couldn’t be sure he’d really keep his word. That was why, when Laura confronted her, she hadn’t denied asking Nash for help. Laura was so possessive of Franco, she’d probably love for Petty to leave Cabinda as soon as possible.

If Petty really went to the foreign bureau, she wouldn’t be able to come back for at least three years. And with the chaos in Everell right now, self-defense skills were more important than ever.

“Much better,” Adelaide replied, stroking Petty’s face gently. She could tell Petty had lost weight, and it made her heart ache. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m doing fine.”

“Are you sure you’re not just saying that so I won’t worry?” Petty asked, half teasing, half scared she was right.

Jackson glanced her way. Adelaide shot him a look. “If you don’t believe me, ask Jackson. Hasn’t my appetite improved?”

Jackson forced a reassuring smile. “Adelaide really is eating better now, Petty. Don’t worry.”

When they got to the White Estate, Petty helped Adelaide out of the car. Adelaide squeezed her hand, concern showing in her eyes. “You’re still not fully recovered yourself.”

“I’m fine, Grandma. Really.” Petty tried to sound convincing. The kidnapping had only left her with a few scrapes, nothing serious.