Chapter 5

“Done,”the man Gianna called Bishop looks more like a biker than the retired priest he claims to be.

He just spent the last twenty minutes cleaning me up before stitching the wound my girl gave me closed.

“This goes without saying. However, considering I’m here, maybe you need a vocal reminder that this kind of blood play has dire consequences.” I snort at his words as Gianna cures in Italian again.

“If you are done giving unsolicited advice about our sex life, you have another patient.” She points at her belly, making Bishop arch a brow.

“How’d you get her pregnant if she likes to stab you?” I smile and wink at her.

I slowly lift up my right pant leg.

“Cost me a leg.” H snickers as I tap the metal revealed.

“For fuck sake,” Gianna rolls her eyes.

“Too soon?” I chuckle, but her look tells me I probably went too far.

Oh well.

Laughing is better than crying, and I’ve done enough of that for a fucking lifetime.

“Not sure it was worth it, Mate,” Bishop says as he points to the couch.

“Lay down, big momma. Let’s take a look at what you got cooking.” Fury crosses Gianna’s face as she does as she’s told.

“Why the fuck do I keep you around,” she huffs as she tries to get comfortable.

“I’m cheap, discreet and have excellent bedside manner. Show me some skin.” That makes me arch a brow.

“Careful Bishop. I don’t take kindly to men asking my wife to stripe for them.” He snorts.

“Dude, we’re sitting in the back of a stripe club. It’s literally her business to take off her clothes. But I am a professional, and if you want to see your kid, this needs to touch her stomach. So, off with the shirt. Keep the bra so I’m not stabbed next.” He picks up a wand-looking device and squirts a blue jelly on it.

The small TV monitor comes to life, and I look at a black-and-white screen with a wave of appreciation. It’s one thing to know a thing, and it’s another to see it. The moment the wand touches Gianna’s belly, sound fills the room.

It’s all static for a few moments until a rapid whooshing sound comes into sharp, echoing clarity. It’s the sound of fatherhood.

“That’s my kid,” I say, looking at the screen funny.

It’s just a grey blob.

“That’s its ass. Hang on,” He flips the wand and touches another area, making Gianna groan.

“What’s wrong?” I glance at her, and she waves my concern off.

“Sore spot. The baby always kicks there.” I nod and look back at the screen to see a tiny little outline of a face.

“Wow,” I move closer, but Bishop pushes my head out of his way.

“Working here. Let’s see. Looks like you are around thirty weeks. Let me take some measurements.” I move and clasp Gianna’s hand in mine.

“Thank you,” I whisper before kissing her.

“Hey, not that I mind the show, but unless you’re trying to give this one a sibling, I’d slow the func down.” I’m feeling the urge to slap this man.

“It’s a girl. By the way.” My heart stops beating for me in that instant.

When it restarts, it belongs to the woman caring for my daughter.

“Marry me.” It’s really a technicality at this point.

“That’ll cost you extra.” Bishop doesn’t miss a beat while cleaning the jelly off Gianna’s belly.

“Now you ask.” She mumbles.

“That wasn’t a fucking question, woman.” I take out my money clip and toss it at Bishop.

“That’ll do.” He says, counting the bills.

“I haven’t said yes.” She crosses her arms, and a stubborn look comes over her face.

I want to fuck the defiance out of her.

“I haven’t heard a no. In fact, you stopped saying no a long time ago. Can’t go back now.” I touch her belly to prove my point.

“I don’t need to be married to have your child.” My vision turns red.

“The fuck you don’t. Now be a good girl and say I do so I can fuck you on this desk.” Bishop clears his throat.

“Slight problem.” I turn my annoyed eyes at him.

“WHAT?” I growl.

“I seem to be fresh out of licenses. So why don’t I pop out and get the paperwork in order and come back tomorrow once you’ve sexed her into a better mood?” He swallows roughly and gestures for me to look down.

Gianna has her fucking knife pointed at my balls.

“Ask. Nicely.”