Chapter 2The Anchor’s Flight: Seven Years in the Sterling Shadow

"Mila."

Zane followed me in.

His eyes darkened, his gaze sweeping over my midsection like a blade.

"The Sterling family doesn't do bastards."

"You've been with me long enough to know what happens when someone tries to trap me with a pregnancy."

My breath hitched. I pulled my hand away from my stomach and looked up, forcing a mask of calm.

"I didn't sleep. It's just a stomach bug."

He frowned slightly, then turned and walked out.

I let out a shaky breath.

Yesterday, I felt off. I went to the clinic. The doctor told me I was eight weeks along.

The math tracked back to two months ago—Zane’s birthday. He’d told me he didn't want to use protection that night.

I was so exhausted I didn't even argue.

I forgot the morning-after pill.

I had planned to tell him today.

Now, I realize how much of a mistake that would have been.

Like he said, the Sterlings don't allow illegitimate children.

I’d seen their methods six years ago.

Zane’s older brother had a child with a model in London. The moment the baby was born, both mother and child vanished from the face of the earth.

Someone had leaked the crime scene photos to my email back then.

I only looked once. I had nightmares for a month.

Composing myself, I reached into my bag and pulled out the ultrasound photo.

I traced the tiny black dot with my thumb, then crumpled it into a ball and dropped it into the trash.