I was certain I had officially lost my mind.

That was the only plausible reason for my behavior today.

Fuck. I was such an idiot; a fucked up moron who kissed the woman he swore he hated and what's more fucked up was that I couldn't stop thinking of the other places I wanted to kiss her.

The need to taste her, to smell of her, the feel of her so close against me had gotten so out of control that it was almost unmanageable.

It was sick and so fucked up, and now to fuck it up, even more, she was in the hospital after passing out, leaving me propped against the wall of the private ward while watching her shitface of a brother prance around with both hands pulling his hair in a clear show of frustration.

"Relax will you," I hissed in annoyance. "You're making me fucking dizzy,"

"It's all my fault," he panicked, cursing under his breath like a crazed man.

I rolled my eyes and pushed myself off the wall. While his protectiveness and loyalty toward Hope fascinated me, it didn't stop me from saying my next words. "I'm glad you accept it. I'll have you know that if anything happens to my child, I'll send a thousand lawsuits down your throat."

"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't slept with my sister and knocked her up."

The words breezed past my ears with a whoosh and I caught the edge of resentment in his tone. "I saw an invitation for a good fuck and I took it like any man would. It's not my fault she couldn't keep her legs closed." I deadpanned, unaffected. "That's your family's problem."

"You Motherfucker!" He came charging at me again, prepared to take a swing but I grabbed his arm and slammed him against the wall with my hand pressed against his chest.

"I let you hit me once, it won't be happening again, and the only reason why I haven't twisted your fucking wrists and beaten you to a pulp is because I don't want Hope going through the troubles of treating your bruises. Know your place."

I let him off and smoothened my shirt, just about when the door sprung open to reveal a nurse in blue scrubs. Her Creole orbs glanced between us, not failing to notice the brewing rippling tension. "Are you family?"

I cleared my throat. "I'm her husband."

The word felt foreign in my mouth. I never wanted to use it again.

"Fiance." Scott corrected, stepping in front of me. He turned to the nurse. "I'm her brother, I'll go in."

"She conceived my child in all fours, begging me to spank her." I gruffed, nudging him aside. "I think I'm more qualified than he'll ever be. I'll go in."

The look on the nurse's face was that of pure horror. She smiled nervously, watching as we glared down at each other like we were about to brawl. "Why don't you both go in, she's awake now."

Exchanging scowls, we both walked into the room. I walked in right after Scott did and caught sight of Hope sitting on the bed with an IV adjoined to her hand. She suddenly took on a pale look, as if she'd been painted with whitewash, even her lips were barely there.

A wave of relief watched over me, although I didn't show it, I was worried sick. Not for her of course, I didn't give two shits about her, just my baby.

No, that was a lie. I did give two shits about her. Maybe three. God, this was so fucked up.

Scott rushed to her side. "Hope, I'm so sorry." He apologized, staring her up and down.

She smiled sickly, waving him off, and then her eyes swung my way. "You're here."

I narrowed my eyes, keeping my arms crossed over my chest. "Was I supposed to leave?"

Did she really think I was that much of an asshole?

Why did I even care what she thought?

Frankly, I didn't know anymore. I usually didn't do things like this. But this woman right here was gradually turning me into a man I couldn't recognize.

Doctor Ambrose chose that moment to walk in and momentarily spared us from the grilling silence. "Gentlemen." He greeted and then turned his attention to Hope. "How are you feeling?"

"There's a pressure in my belly that i don't understand." She ran her palm across her belly. "Is anything wrong with the baby?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary." He said and walked up to her, whilst placing his stethoscope in the center of her chest. "Take a deep breath for me." He urged quietly.

Hope did as she was told. She breathed in through her nose and exhaled. He pulled away right after and placed the stethoscope around his neck. "I did want to take a moment to talk with you about your blood pressure."

My chest tightened.

"Her blood pressure?" Scott repeated, already on high alert. "How is it? What's wrong?"

"Let him finish." I interposed with a gruff even though I was anxious to death myself.

"It's high." The doctor affirmed. "Much higher than I'd like it to be and If it gets any higher than this you might put your life and the baby's, at risk. I don't need to remind you that this is your first child and a lot of things can go wrong."

She swallowed visibly. "I'm aware."

He continued. "I'll have my nurse leave you with a list of activities you might consider pursuing and staying away from." He looked down at his clipboard. "Overall I'm encouraged by the baby's health. That being said, do be sure to take steps to monitor your pressure and destress your life even more. I look forward to seeing you a few weeks from now."

"Thank you." She forced a smile.

He nodded towards me and walked out, giving room to a depressing amount of silence.

"When will you be released," Scott asked, breaking the verbal void.

"They aren't keeping me overnight so I'll be free to go in hours."

He nodded. "I will take you back to my place."

My brow spiked up as I watched them.

She frowned. "Why?"

He narrowed his gaze. "It's not safe for you to be alone, you heard the doctor. Your blood pressure is high."

"If that's the case then I've got her," I stepped close to the head of the bed. "She'll come with me,"

Scott scrunched his nose and looked up at me. "Why? So you can take advantage of her again?"

"I believe the damage is already done." I deadpanned, leaning closer to meet his determined gaze. "She'll be safe with me, worry about taking care of your family."

"Thank God you mentioned family because I don't recall you being part of mine." His expression morphed back to furious. "Stay the fuck away from us. She's coming to my place."

"That's my baby she's carrying, which makes her my responsibility, call it whatever you want but she comes with me."

"Like hell, she will," he snorted, straightening his shoulders as if preparing for a fight.

"Both of you stop," Hope bellowed, placing both her hands on our chest and pushing us away from each other. "I'm not a kid. I can take care of myself and I am going home,"

Scott swung his gaze to her. "Fine then, but I'm going with you."

She frowned. "Weren't you listening to anything I said?"

"I listened, but that doesn't mean I agree. I'm going with you. I can't let him near you. I took my eyes off you for just once and he got you pregnant. Who knows what might happen next?"

"Well, I certainly can't get her pregnant twice." I bit.

He whipped his head to glare at me. "But you can fuck her twice."

"You should be happy I'd even want to touch her."

He balled his fists. "That's it you-"

"It's fine," Hope replied quickly as if sensing another duel brewing between us. "You can stay over."

"Good choice," Scott spoke, but his intense stare was on me.

Bastard.