I jerk in my seat. “Holy shit! Is she pregnant?”
“It’s too early to tell, but it’s only a matter of time. However, I’m not talking about just creating a life in the literal sense but overall. Although, children are a part of that. For us anyway.”
Children… The very idea of them has always been a source of unease for me. Not only because of the commitment and energy they require, but also due to the emotional ties they come with. I could never imagine leaving my child behind and abandoning them. I also thought my mother would never do that to me, but she did and I’m still dealing with the repercussions of her actions today.
Despite all that, my mind conjures the clear image of a child. She’s a melding of Carina and me, but the hazel of her eyes could only come from her mother. The little girl’s hair is shades darker than Carina’s and her smile is impish, causing my own to tilt upward. My chest tightens at the vision and I immediately dismiss it, yanking myself back into the present.
“I’m ready to be a funcle,” I say to distract myself from the lingering ache in my sternum.
Maximus arches a brow. “Do I even want to know?”
I grin. “It’s ‘fucking uncle’ or ‘fun uncle.’ Either one works for me.”
My brother shakes his head. “Neither.”
“Well, in that case you’re a fasshole.”
Carina
The Present…
“It’s not your blood, right?”
I repeat the question, desperate to know it’s not his, because the very idea of Rafael being hurt has my chest spasming in acute pain.
He shakes his head. “No, it’s not.”
My shoulders slump in relief and I might’ve sunk to the bathroom floor if not for him holding my upper arms in a tight grip.
“Viziata.” His tone, full of concern, sweeps over me in a verbal caress. Then he’s pulling me to him, pressing me against his chest. “You’re trembling. Why?”
The lie about being cold, despite the warm water of the shower, rushes to the tip of my tongue…but I swallow it. I don’t have the energy to keep my feelings hidden and he always knows when I’m lying anyway.
“I was worried about you,” I whisper.
He lifts my chin with a single finger and my hair becomes as drenched as my clothing now that it’s more immersed in the spray of water. I hardly notice because of the way Rafael’s gaze bores into mine. “Why?”
My lips turn downward. “Why not?”
“I didn’t think you cared beyond having an amicable but professional relationship.”
Hurt collides with disbelief, as well as confusion. It’s not that I want Rafael to know the depth of my feelings for him, but neither do I want to be considered heartless. Or worse, like every other woman he’s met.
He cocks his head, his brows gathering. “Am I wrong?”
“Forget it,” I mutter.
I attempt to shrug off his hold, but it doesn’t work. Actually, he tightens his grip and then brings his face closer than before. “I won’t forget it,” he snaps.
My anger flares at the emergence of his. “Where were you tonight? Since I admitted I was worried about you, why don’t you reciprocate with some information?”
A muscle ticks in his jaw and his gaze darkens. It’s obvious from his reluctance to speak that I’m not going to get an answer right away. Or ever.
“Let go of me,” I say, trying to wrench from his hold.
Instead of being freed, he reaches down and takes both my wrists, pinning them against the small of my back. I’m more trapped than before in this position. My nipples harden at the show of aggression and my sex spasms, but I ignore my treacherous body. Anger is the only barrier I can shield myself with right now.
“I don’t understand why you’re upset,” he says. “I already told you I’m fine and there’s nothing to worry about, so what’s going on with you?”
