Hidden Depths

“Hey, this was on your windshield.” Dalton said as he slid in the door the next morning.

I quickly shut and locked it behind him. I couldn’t help the paranoia, especially with what had happened the night before. I turned to see him holding out another note. I slowly accepted it then opened it timidly.

‘Tell Mr. Marino if I don’t get what I want. I’ll have to visit his beautiful little girl personally.’

I squeaked and dropped the paper as if it had burnt me, before covering my mouth with both hands.

“What?” Dalton’s voice sounded concerned and far away. “Chels what is it?!”

I couldn’t respond so I just shook my head, before dropping my hands to my sides. My brain was running a million miles an hour. Seth didn’t even know about Maddison. How could this stranger? Even more importantly, what was I going to do?

Dalton bent over picking up the paper. His eyes hardened and his jaw clenched as he quickly scanned the paper.

“Is this the first one?!” He pressed, his voice dripping with protective fury.

I shook my head, still unable to speak. Tears burned my eyes, and I realized I was crying. I didn’t understand what was going on, why was some stranger threatening my baby? In a hollow voice I explained about the notes and then what had happened the night before. Fury burned in his eyes

Dalton wrapped his arms around me protectively. “It’s okay babe, breathe. We will figure this out.” His voice had changed back to his soothing tone. “You have to tell Seth. He has to know what’s going on.”

I shook my head, “What could he do anyway.”

“You don’t understand what you are mixed up in here, Chels.” He insisted, “Seth is your best hope.”

“I don’t know if I can…”

“If you don’t, I’ll have too.” He said after a minute.

“You promised.” I objected halfheartedly.

“This is Maddison’s safety, Chels.” He insisted, pulling back far enough to meet my eyes. “I will protect her.”

I nodded distractedly. He was right, Maddison’s safety came first. After getting to know Seth again, I knew the chances he would try to take Maddison were slim. However, I still worried he would hurt her feelings, or scare her.

I also couldn’t deny that, with the fresh bruises from Blake at work the night before, I needed help. I wished Dalton had been there. I knew he would have beat the shit out of Blake. However, I couldn’t tell him now. I was too ashamed.

Dalton slid his arm around my lower back pulling me against him again. I winced as he pressed on the bruise there. I tried not to show the pain as I hoped he moved his hand. When he didn’t I discreetly reached behind me sliding his hand to the side a little.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, frowning.

“Nothing.” I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck.

His frown deepened and he slid his hand under my shirt. As he tried peeking over my shoulder I pressed my lips into his and wrapped my arms around his neck. My attempt to distract him seemed to be working.

He bent down to kiss my neck, still rubbing his hand under my shirt and I moaned softly. I suddenly wasn’t sure if he was the one distracted anymore. His touch was like nothing I had imagined. His fingers seemed electric where they brushed my skin.

Suddenly he bent farther over me looking over my shoulder. Then the electricity brushed over the swollen black skin on my back. He stiffed, and pulled away slowly. I groaned not wanting him to pull away.

“That’s it, who is he?” His voice was stiff and unhappy.

“No.” I insisted, holding on tightly until he relented. “Please just don’t.”

After a second he sighed, “I’m not dropping this, but I’ll wait. We have to talk to Seth.”

“I know.” I agreed, “Can we meet with him now?”

“I’ll call. You guys get ready.” He kissed my forehead.

I nodded before starting towards the bedroom.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?!” Seth hissed angrily.

Maddy was now playing quietly with Dalton across the room, but I watched him stiffen at Seth’s tone.

As for me, I was pissed. I stomped over to him and smacked him so hard my hand ached. I watched him bristle and fought to hide the flinch as he threw up his hands.

“What the fuck. Chels?” He snapped, annoyed.

“I tried to tell you. I must have left you a voicemail everyday for months after my mom kicked me out.” I snapped.

“She did?” He asked, guiltily.

For the first time in years. I allowed my anger and betrayal to show as I said, “I needed you. You hurt me but I was desperate enough to ask you for help. You wouldn’t even talk to me.”

“Chels,” He hesitated, reaching out to touch my arm. I pulled away, crossing my arms over my chest. “I just thought…”

“That I was clingy and desperate?” I quoted the words he had used countless times while talking to me about other girls he had hooked up with. “Well, I’ll give you this… I was desperate, just not the way you thought.”

I turned to walk away, but paused. “I won’t let you take her away from me. Maddison is my daughter and I won’t lose her, even if you are financially better off.”

“Chelsey, I am not father material.” He rolled his eyes, before turning on Dalton. “You knew about this?”

Maddison cringed away from his angry tone; I wanted to smack him again. He really hadn’t changed at all.

Dalton stood and Maddy hid behind him. “Calm down, Seth.”

“Calm down?!” He snapped, “I don’t want a kid!”

“Well, surprise! Because like it or not, you are that little girl’s father.” I snapped, before scooping Maddison up and storming out the door.