That’s the first thought I have when I wake up in Ash’s bed with his arm wrapped around me like a vise. Ghost is on my other side, hand resting possessively on my hip. Titan sprawls at the foot of the bed like a guard dog.
All three of them. All night. Every night for the past week.
I need space.
Carefully, I slide out from under Ash’s arm. He stirs but doesn’t wake. I grab clothes from the floor—doesn’t matter whose—and slip out of the room.
The hallway is quiet. Early morning light filters through the windows. I head downstairs to make coffee.
The kitchen is empty. Thank God.
I’m halfway through my first cup when footsteps sound behind me.
“You left.” Ash stands in the doorway, shirtless, wearing only jeans. His expression is unreadable.
“I needed coffee.”
“You could’ve woken me. I would’ve made it.”
“I’m capable of making my own coffee.”
“I know. But you shouldn’t have to.” He crosses to me and rests his hand on my stomach. “You should be resting.”
I step back. His hand falls away.
“I’m pregnant, not dying.”
“Bonnie—”
“I’m fine, Ash. I can handle making coffee.”
He’s quiet for a moment before he speaks. “Where are you going today?”
“I don’t know. Maybe nowhere.”
“If you want to go to the tattoo shop, I’ll have Rodriguez escort you.”
“I don’t want to go to the shop.”
“Then what do you want to do?”
“I want to drink my coffee in peace.” The words come out sharper than I intended.
Ash’s jaw tightens. “I’m trying to protect you.”
“I know. But I don’t need protection every second of every day.”
“Yes, you do. There’s a bounty on your head. Marcus wants you. Mona stole the paternity results. We don’t know what she’s planning.” His voice rises slightly. “So yes, you need protection. Whether you like it or not.”
I set down my mug before I throw it. “I need space.”
“You need safety.”
“I need to breathe!”
The kitchen door swings open. Ghost and Titan walk in, both looking like they just rolled out of bed. “Everything okay?” Ghost asks, eyes moving between me and Ash.
“Fine,” I say at the same time Ash says, “No.”
