Stephen chuckles, the sound deep and gravelly. “She told me the same thing, and yet she married me anyway.”
The air softens between us, and the awkwardness gives way to something calmer.
I sneak a glance at his face, noting the sharp jaw, the close-cropped hair, and the eyes that miss nothing. But after speakingto Stephen, I know he's not just some hired muscle. There's a depth to him, a steadiness that I hadn’t expected.
“Do you miss it? The military?”
He nods slowly, his gaze fixed on a spot behind me. “Sometimes. But I’ve got Tamara and the twins now, and that’s more than enough.”
Maybe it’s the hormones or the isolation, or maybe just the kindness in his voice that makes me want to open up in return.
“Can I tell you something?” I fiddle with the hem of my sweatshirt.
Stephen nods without hesitation. “Of course.”
“I still haven’t been able to master the courage to tell Ronan… about the baby.”
“I figured as much.”
“I don’t know why I’m so scared. I just… I don’t know how he’s going to take it.”
Stephen’s expression softens as he shifts in his seat to face me properly. “I’ve known Ronan a long time. He can be intense and controlling, especially when he thinks someone he loves is in danger. But he’s loyal, Ciara, and fair. He’ll go to the ends of the earth for the people he cares about. And I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.”
A lump rises in my throat as his words sink in.
“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
Just then, the front door opens, and there are footsteps—heavy ones at that.
Ronan.
The air thickens like storm clouds rolling in, and Stephen instantly straightens.
The moment Ronan appears in the doorway, his eyes lock onto the two of us on the couch, and something dark and possessive flashes in his eyes.
My spine straightens as I plaster a smile on my face.
Even though I have nothing to feel guilty about in terms of talking with Stephen, the look on Ronan’s face makes me want to go on the defensive.
“Am I interrupting something?” His voice is cool.
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Please.”
Stephen stands quickly, any hint of the family man I was just talking to vanishing in an instant, replaced by the hardened military version of him. “I was just?—”
“Leaving.” Ronan’s jaw ticks as he balls his hands into fists at his sides.
I fight the need to roll my eyes again.
Possessive asshole.
Stephen hesitates before dipping his chin.
“I’ll be outside.” He stalks toward the door.
Ronan’s eyes remain locked on me as Stephen leaves, and the room is thick with silence even long after the door clicks shut behind him.
“You two looked cozy.”
