A/N: I would first like to start off my saying how much I appreciate the reviews! It's exciting to see everyone's different viewpoints on the story sparking discussion. I know the Kate/Leila friendship was a bitter pill to swallow however since Ana could forgive Leila, I felt that so could Kate. Leila would never replace the Kate/Ana friendship. That is sacred! These discussions definitely keep me writing and finding ways to make my story interesting to all readers. All of your opinions mean a lot to me and I will do my best to deliver a good story! I have a couple more chapters to go! Please feel free to review and as always..Enjoy!

Over the last couple of weeks Ethan has been with me at every possible moment. While he's at work he constantly calls to check up on me. I feel so loved in that the pain of losing him for those months has subsided. Its good to have him back in New York. Olivia is also beyond thrilled that Ethan is back in my life, partly due to the fact that the majority of her "duties" have significantly been reduced. We have an ultrasound appointment a week after the showcase and this time it will be Ethan holding my hand. I can't wait for him to meet the little one. I have a lot of work to complete before the showcase this weekend. Right now I walk through my living room full of paintings that will be delivered to the gallery later this evening. I can't wait. This is my chance to finally come clean.

"Hey Lele! Big day this Saturday! I got you a small gift."

Olivia just walked into the apartment with gift bag. She hands me a sparkly bag and claps her hands like a tiny child.

"Open it, open it, open it!

"A t-shirt?"

"Read what it says!"

"Pregnancy hormones at large! Take Cover!"

"Don't you just love? Put it on!"

"Aww how cute Olivia. I'm going to put this on right now and whip your ass!"

"Yeah….you do that Lele. As I run you can waddle!"

I take a set of pillows on the couch and hurl them at her at full speed. I love her but I'm going to take her down! As we become engaged in a pillow fight to the death I see a couple of tears trickle down her cheeks. I step back and see that even if she is smiling something might be wrong. Wait….

"Oh no, oh no! I'm not falling for the I'm so sad act and then you beat me over the ass with those pillows!"

Olivia puts the pillows down and sits on the couch.

"No, its not that it's…well…I'm just going to miss these moments. A lot."

"What are you talking about?"

"I see how Ethan is so invested in you and he's back. Eventually you guys will need to become your own family. I know you will have to leave to be with your dreamboat however I'll miss days like this like crazy. I know Leah has been wanting to move in, wanting a new roommate for forever because she is about to go postal on hers but its always been Lele and Oli the dream team, thick as thieves. You are my homie fry, sister from another mister, my road ho! I'll just miss you to pieces."

"Oli you act as if I'm moving to another country. I'm going to be in the same city as you. I will always see you." I reach out to hug her. "You'll always be my road-ho!

I understand she is hurt. Ethan wants me to move in with him soon into his apartment. Going from my place to his place can be a bit tiring and he wants us to start our life together with our baby. Leah will move in with Olivia but I know it won't be the same. It won't be the same for me however change can be good. Olivia will always be in my life, she is my sister.

"Lele I know Kate is like the "biological" aunt however NEVER forget that I am that baby's aunt too!"

"Yes Olivia you will be the "cool" aunt that our baby runs to more than Kate. Is that what you want to hear you green-eyed monster?"

"Exactly my dear! Listen I need to head out and pick up some design portfolios. Can I get you anything?"

"No thanks, I'm good. Ethan will be here in a couple of hours with my grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Ewww…gross. Okay well you know how to get a hold of me. I will see you later!"

"Bye Olivia."

"Bye Lele."

2 hours later…..

"Baby, baby wake up. I'm here. I brought you your sandwiches."

"What….what…." I yawn as I see I have fallen asleep on the couch. It seems comfortable at the moment lying down but the minute I wake up from laying on it I'm in so much pain!

"Hungry?"

"Always."

"Ready for your big night inspector?"

"Yes, Mr. Kavanagh. I assume you will be in attendance."

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Is Olivia and the rest of the Spice Girls coming?"

"Yes of course…for the free booze and men oh and I guess I'm a good reason too." Ethan smiles, cute joke point for me! "Is Kate coming?"

"No, she won't be able to make it. Christian has an urgent business deal in Europe and Kate is going to be keeping Ana company."

"Aww okay that's fine. I just know that there will be a next time."

"Yes there will be a next time. You are, at least for right now, Leila Williams, artist extraordinaire. My baby will make it!"

Ethan grabs me and kisses me however I do not respond. I am a little thrown off by his statement. He notices and leans back releasing his hold on me.

"What do you mean for right now?"

Ethan grabs my hand and gently squeezes it.

"It means I do not intend to make you stay a Williams for a long time. I think Kavanagh is a much better fit and has a better ring to it. What do you think?"

I hardly know what to say. Of course I would say something off beat.

"I think that might be able to be arranged."

Arranged! Really Lele?! "I think that might be able to be arranged?! Yes babe lets go to my parents and your parents and work out that whole bride dowry thing. Ugh…its okay I'm sure Ethan is used to my randomness and I can always blame this on pregnancy brain! I giggle at the thought. Me, a married woman someday? It seemed only yesterday that I was a fucking mess and now I'm bundled up with my soul mate and pregnant.

I kiss my love and he picks me up into his arms.

"What are you doing?"

"Have you slept enough?"

"I guess. I'm awake right now."

"Okay because I'm taking you to the bedroom."

"Baby please! I'm not tired right now. You and Olivia are always you need your rest, have a naptime. First I felt like a preschooler now I feel like I'm going into full blown hibernation!" I cross my arms. "I do not need a nap!"

"I'm not talking about a nap."

I stare at him in confusion. He carries me to the bedroom and lays me gently on the bed. Once I'm settled in he lies to the side of me. Taking my face in my hands he kisses me with fervor, our tongues wrapping around each other. I grab onto his hair as he pushes me down onto the pillow. He releases me and looks into my eyes, stroking my hair.

"What was that all about?"

"I've missed you. I think I've been deprived of you enough. I know that baby is being taken care of but I think we both need to take care of each other too. Is that something that you would be interested in doing…right now?"

For a split second I stare at him blankly and then realize what he is asking. I draw myself closer to him in anticipation. He reaches below my waist, putting his hand underneath my shorts and panties. He begins to move his fingers around my pleasure zone. I can't help but respond and look up at him as he touches me.

"It's my life's mission to take care of you."

With all that being said we lose ourselves in our most favorite place: inside of each other.

The night of the showcase…

"OLIVIA! I can't find my necklace!"

Ethan had bought be a diamond necklace with a sapphire in the middle for the showcase to wear. I can't believe I misplaced it! I needed it to just have a part of him there since he wouldn't be there right away. Unfortunately he would be arriving later in the evening since one of his work meetings was running late.

"Here."

Olivia tosses me the box from across the living room.

"Where did you find this?"

"You were ogling it two nights ago and left it on the media chest. Blame it on pregnancy brain."

"Whatev….I owe you one though. So….are we ready."

"Olivia Manning is always ready! Now is Leila Williams, artist extraordinaire, soon to be mother extraordinaire, ready for her time to shine?"

"Why of course. I'm so anxious to go. I can't wait till Sabi arrives with her new car!"

Sabi had been saving for three years to buy a new car. Oddly enough she bought an Audi. Huh…I remember when I had an Audi. Then I totaled the fucking thing in a fit of psychotic rage. Live and learn, Leila, live and learn.

"C'mon Lele! Sabi just texted me! She is downstairs with the new whip! Ahhhh I'm so excited!

Olivia and me make our way down the stairs to see Sabi and Leah in the front blasting her sound system. I make my way to the car and as I get closer to the vehicle Leah gets out of the passenger seat and opens the back door.

"Your carriage, Cinderella."

"Why thank you. At least we won't have to worry about it turning it into a pumpkin after midnight, right?!"

Olivia crawls into the backseat after me.

"Sabi this is so amazing! We are going to have so much fun in this car!"

"To an extent! If you bitches get drunk and throw up in my car, understand that bodily injury will occur!"

"Okay chauffeur off to the gallery, now please. Chop chop!"

"Olivia if I wasn't driving this fabulous car I would turn around and strangle you! You know that!"

We all laugh, joke around, and enjoy the new car. It is nice. I text Ethan that I miss him and that I can't wait until he arrives. Tonight is going to be extra special.

At the gallery…

I make my way around the gallery talking to people and explaining them the rationale behind some of my paintings. It feels good to be back on top of my game again. As I continue to make my rounds Ms. Madrigal approaches me and takes both my hands and kisses me on both cheeks.

"Well done, Ms. Williams. Your paintings are attracting quite a few buyers. This makes me very proud. Someone with exceptional talent from my gallery. I hope to display you again very soon."

"Ms. Madrigal I can not thank you enough for this opportunity. It is an honor to be a guest at your showcase. Your work is truly amazing and inspiring."

I feel vindicated, redeemed.

"Thank you my dear. Enjoy the night. There are some nice treats that you can snack on to help that growing baby inside of you. You will be fine artist, most importantly a fine mother. My own children inspired me to start painting."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome my dear."

With that said Ms. Madrigal loses herself in the crowd once again.

Feeling hungry I decided to migrate to the snack table when Olivia came running towards me.

"Lele look who is in town."

I look to the side of her to see Mia Grey.

"Hi Leila how are you?"

"I'm good, and yourself?"

I don't even know what to say or know why she is here. All I know is that I'm having nausea and this time it doesn't have anything to do with the pregnancy.

"I'm doing good. This artist is Anastasia's favorite so I wanted to surprise her and buy her a couple of paintings since she can't make it out here. It will make for a nice baby shower present."

Olivia begins to converse with Mia since I looked like I had just seen the four horseman of the apocalypse.

"Are those FBI guys here with you?"

"Not tonight."

"Really?! Christian Grey's little sister all by herself? How did you manage to pull that off?"

"Well Kate is with Ana right now keeping her company and I went back home with my parents. I told my parents that I wanted to fly out to New York for a night and pick up some paintings from the showcase. I know that they are very protective but I told them I would only be here a night. I'm flying back in the morning. Christian is in Europe so it was one of those now or never type deals. My phone is tracked nonetheless so I'm still on radar. Kate knows I'm here though and I promised her I would check in with her regularly. I will be fine until tomorrow. I just want to have some fun you know. Be on my own for a bit, be a little bit normal like the rest of the human population."

"Yeah, Mia, do you want to switch lives?"

Both girls giggle and head out to get drinks. I'm still standing there with that deer in the headlights face. At least she didn't mention anything about that night. I finally make it to the snack table and enjoy some appetizers. I watch across the room as Olivia, Sabi, and Mia are drinking happily. I'm glad Leah is not drinking. Its good to see the responsible side of her. She is excited off the feeling of being a proud new car owner. At least there will be two sober ones at the end of the night.

With you inside of me little one, I don't miss it much. You are my natural high.

I rub my belly. Even though most of the time I feel like I'm hung over it's for a good reason. I stare at the clock and text Ethan. He doesn't respond. I know how important tonight's deal is with the company however I really wish he was here.

1 hour later…..

Olivia and Leah have hit a peak, and Sabi is talking to some guy, so is Mia. I see Mia engaged in a conversation with a man who no doubt is handsome yet something strikes me as off. I move closer to her to see what it is they are talking about. I'm not trying to be nosy but I do not feel comfortable.

"So Mia, maybe we could take this to my place. Have a couple of drinks where it is more quiet."

"Really, how far are you from here?"

"Not more than 10 minutes. We can catch a cab."

This man is dressed in a business suit. He plays the rich man part very well. Almost reminiscent of when Christian Grey had come to my showcase in Seattle. Grey was more refined. This man seems a bit intoxicated however she is playing right into him."

"I'd like that."

No, Mia cannot just run off with this guy. I know the alcohol has to be influencing her decision and I need to put an end to it.

"Hey Mia can I talk to you for a second?"

I pull Mia away. So reminiscent of that showcase in Seattle.

"Mia you can not leave here with a guy you barely know."

"Its no big deal. Like I said, I'm monitored through my phone wherever I go so anyone can find me."

"Look I don't trust him. I don't want you to leave with him."

"His name is Rick and he is an investment banker here in New York. I'll be fine. I'll call you guys and let you know where I am at."

You need to stall her, think, think Leila!

"Mia what about those paintings for Ana. You said you needed to buy them for her."

Mia then begins to show her dark side of the night.

"Why do you care about what I get for Ana. You don't give a shit about her. You hate her remember?"

"I don't hate her Mia."

"Please, I know that you're jealous that my brother didn't choose you. So what you go after Ethan? You knew what you were doing."

"No Mia, it was never like that at all."

"Christian hates you. He hates you! You want to be with Ethan, fine! I let that go. Now you are coming here telling me how to run my fucking life with other men. Do you want that guy too Leila?! I've been nicer to you than I should have been. You've trapped Ethan now, great plan. I doubt that is his kid. Just stay the fuck out of my business."

Though tears well up in my eyes at those words I know she couldn't mean it. As she walks away I pull on her arm and she smacks me off of her. She heads over to this man. He puts his arm around her and they walk out towards the front. As they walk out he turns around to face me. His eyes pierce through me and that uncomfortable feeling I had is made worse. I need to do something. I run up to Sabi.

"Sabi we have to go right now."

"Don't you have to be here?"

"Yes but I'm pregnant I can make a good excuse."

"Is something wrong?"

"Something is terribly wrong. Tell Olivia and Leah we are leaving."

Sabi sees the urgency in my voice and runs up to Olivia and Leah who are talking to two men.

"Olivia we need to go. Leila has an issue."

Olivia immediately runs up to me.

"Is everything okay Leila, are you fine, the baby?"

"Yes I am fine however Mia just left with a guy that I'm not comfortable about. I'm actually very concerned."

"Does she know him?"

"No she doesn't. Look I need to follow her make sure she is safe. Lets just go."

"Okay calm down you shouldn't be tracking down anyone in that condition of yours."

"Come with me then."

"Fine, fine."

"No look Olivia just stay here with Leah. I'm just going to check on her with Sabi that's all. Plus when Ethan shows up you can just tell him I'll be right back."

Olivia grabs my shoulders and looks me straight in the eye.

"Call me Lele! Don't do anything fucking stupid. Sabi make sure she doesn't do anything dumb to endanger herself or her child!"

"Trust me I will make sure she is okay."

"Lets go Sabi." I run to the door and notice they are still waiting for a cab.

Sabi gets the car from the valet on time just as they are getting into the taxi. I then notice that Mia has left her phone on the windowsill of the entryway. I grab the phone and get in the car with Sabi.

"Where did you get that phone?"

"Its Mia's phone. It has a tracker and she left it there. I don't know why or how but something is not right. Follow that cab that is making a right."

"Wow Lele, I feel like I am in some car chase movie. This is too funny."

"I don't know about funny. I just don't know why she would go off with some guy. Plus this guy, there is something funny about him. I don't like it."

The cab drops them off at a brownstone townhouse. Sabi parks a few feet down. As soon as they enter the door Sabi and me post ourselves outside the door.

"What is your next move Sherlock?!"

"We have to knock on the door and get Mia out of there."

Sabi gives me a quizzical look.

"We will bring her outside then throw her in the car and get her out of here. She will thank us in the morning."

"I really hope you know what your doing Leila. Part of this sounds ridiculous."

After about five minutes of discussing what to do we both hear a loud bang. We hear Mia screaming and start banging on the door.

"Sabi where is your phone."

"In the car."

"Call the police now!"

"Lele, don't stand here!"

"Go!"

Sabi runs to her car as I continue to kick the door. The door opens and I see the man appear with a scratch mark on his face.

"Mia! Its Leila!"

Before I could say anything else the man pulls my arm and throws me into the apartment. My elbow hurts as I believe he has dislocated a joint. Mia runs to me as I sit on the floor in pain.

"Leila I'm so sorry!"

Mia directs her gaze to the man.

"Move out of our way motherfucker! I'm calling the police!"

Mia storms towards the door but the man blocks the door, grabs her and pushes her to the floor. I get up slowly but remembered that I had Mia's phone in my bag. I quickly pull it out and hit the send button that leads to a missed call that Mia had received.

"Mimi! Where are you! What the fuck are you doing in New York by yourself?!"

It's Christian.

I start screaming through the phone.

"Christian its Leila. Please call for help. Track Mia's phone. We are in trouble, call 911."

The man snatches Mia's phone out of my hand and slams it into the wall breaking it into pieces.

"You fucking dumb bitch. Trying to come here and save your friend. I don't fucking care I'll kill you guys and make it out before your "help" arrives.

The man then pulls out a revolver from a cabinet and aims it me. I instantly cover my belly. I don't want to lose my little one! Mia jumps on the man kicking his legs and scratching his neck forcing the gun to drop from his hand. The man backhands Mia in the face with such force that Mia falls to the floor. I can see the blood dripping from her face.

I race towards the gun and as I do the man kicks me in my back. I scream in pain but I have the gun and I have had worse.

"What are you going to do tubby. Shoot me. Here aim!"

The man stands Mia in front of him. She is unconscious, bruised, and bleeding. I raise the gun at both of them, the anger in my eyes, visible."

"I hear sirens. Going to kill us both?"

He puts his hands over her neck.

"Shoot at me and I'll fucking snap her neck and kill the bitch."

"What do you want?"

"I wanted a good time. She wasn't very up to it. Sad really. Then you showed up and ruined what would have been a very memorable night for me."

I hear police sirens and what sounds like an army of people outside.

"Let her go. I have money."

"I don't want your fucking money."

I have to think quick…I have to find a way to…distract….oh…..

I snap the sapphire necklace off my neck. I lower the gun to my side loosely and approach him slowly.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

I sit in front of him in a familiar pose: a submissive position. Knees on the floor.

"This necklace is very expensive master. It would delight you to have such a treasure. I want to give it to you master."

"What the fuck are you saying you fucking bitch! I can't believe it! This bitch has lost her fucking mind!"

"My mind is not ill master."

I put the gun down on the floor and hold out the necklace in my hands.

"Take it, master. I don't want to fight anymore. I don't want this necklace anymore. You can have it. The father of my child gave it to me."

"Sentiments bitch. He grabs the necklace out of my hands dropping Mia on the floor. Mia slams onto the floor with a loud thud. The police are racing towards the door ready to enter. I can hear their voices. The man snaps my necklace apart and throws it. He grabs my face from kneeling position slapping me.

"I don't want your shit."

I hit the ground landing on my backside covering the gun. I look up at my attacker.

"I think master is angry."

The man looks at me puzzled.

"I think master needs a nap to calm himself down."

He instantly grabs my neck and begins choking me. With my last ounces of strength I kick him in his chest and move over to pull the gun out from underneath me.

A loud pop and the man falls to the floor as do I. I gasp for air holding my throat. Everything around the room seems to shake. He's on the floor holding onto his lower torso. The police barge in and see Mia on the floor, me breathless, and the man in pain with blood spilling out of him. I rush over to Mia. She is still breathing.

Thank God.

The EMT's examine her quickly and load her on a stretcher.

"Miss are you okay."

"Yes I'm fine. I'm shaken but I'm fine. Please let me go with her!"

They wrap a blanket over me.

"How many months are you along miss."

"Four and a half. Please let me go with her."

The EMT's usher me out rapidly along with Mia on the stretcher. I see Sabi in hysterics on the far corner.

"LEILA! Are you okay please are you okay!"

Sabi cannot pass through the commotion.

"We will be okay Sabi." I try to yell. My voice is trembling as I speak. I see the police interrogating Sabi as I enter the ambulance with Mia. I hold her hand as we head over to the hospital. I weep at what has happened.

Mia I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am so sorry. You are so young, so beautiful. You don't deserve this. Please be okay please.

We arrive at the hospital and are separated. They take me to a room where they check my vitals and examine if my little one is okay. As I lay in the hospital bed Olivia, Leah, and Ethan run in.

"What the fuck Leila! Sabi told us everything! What happened? Is Mia okay!"

Olivia's eyes are red and puffy, so is Ethan's and Leah's.

Ethan comes over to me and holds me close.

"Baby! I was so worried when Olivia told me! Why didn't you tell me what you were doing! You could have called me! You are with our child! Baby you could have been killed!"

"I didn't know he was crazy. I didn't think anything like this would happen."

"Leila, the police have been looking for this man. He preys on young women and rapes them. A couple of them disappeared and they were mur…." Ethan cannot even finish his sentence. He hugs me tighter rubbing my head harshly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't feel right about the guy. I'm sorry."

We all cry. I didn't know that I could have gotten myself killed. I remembered what it was like to hold a gun. I didn't want to shoot it. This time I wanted too and I did.

"Mia! Have you guys seen Mia!"

Leah speaks up.

"Mia is going to be fine. She is still going through routine tests but they say she will be okay. She had a broken nose and a lot of bruising. That fucking asshole. I cant' believe people like that exist. I feel so bad. To think we could have lost you…"

Leah chokes back tears.

We all stay close to each other, crying intermittently, and discussing what will happen next.

The next morning the doctors determine that I have only sustained minor injuries and that our little one is safe. I am sent home however I am determined to see Mia. I stop by a gift shop and pick up flowers. Some pretty white roses. I write a note and sign my name on the card. Ethan waits for me in the waiting room. When I approach I see two bodyguards posted outside of her room. Damn. Christian, no doubt is not too far behind.

"What is your name ma'am ?"

"Leila Williams."

"I do not see your name on the prescribed list of visitors Ms. Williams. You may not enter."

I choke back tears.

"Okay. Can…can you just tell her I came by. I hope she feels better and that I am very sorry with everything that happened. Please give these to her." I hand over the flowers to the guard with sadness.

"Certainly ma'am."

Ethan and me leave the hospital to head back to my apartment. There is not a doubt in my mind that I will be blamed for this and that I will lose everything.