“Absolutely not.” Kai jumps up, stalking toward me. His hands automatically move to my stomach. “It’s not safe for you or the baby.” His features soften as they always do when he’s talking about our child.
It was even easier than I thought.
My stomach flips, and I quickly switch the subject. “My father isn’t the only one looking for us. There’s also your father and the Montgomerys. We’re like sitting ducks just waiting here.”
“Dad’s obsessed with regaining his land and his business,” Kai says, “and he knows I’m pissed. He won’t come near us for a while.”
I don’t believe that for one second, and I doubt he does either. “C’mon, Kai. Stop trying to shelter me. Your father orchestrated my pregnancy to use it as leverage. He won’t stop until we’re back under his control.” I take his hands in mine. “It’s only a matter of time before Harley caves and tells him where we are. Your father will take advantage of his good nature and manipulate him into it somehow.”
“Abby is right,” Jackson says, crossing his feet at the ankles. “We’re on borrowed time.”
We all trade worried looks. And while no one confirms it, we all know our days here are numbered.
I’ve been in bed for hours, but I can’t sleep. I told the guys I was tired and headed to bed early, but it was a lie. I couldn’t stomach looking at Kai knowing what I’ve done and what I need to do. It’s weighing on my mind, and the more I think about it, the more I’m feeling all the emotions I denied myself. I’m close to breaking, and I’m scared. I was hurt when I decided to play him at his own game. I wanted to make him pay for his betrayal, but I fear all I’ve done is hurt myself.
I’m going to lose him, and I’ll deserve it.
Because it was a despicable thing to do. And now I’m thinking more clearly, I wish I hadn’t sunk so low.
I don’t want to lose Kai.
Because I love him.
I love him so much, and I wish things were different.
I wish I didn’t have to break his heart.
The door opens quietly, and my breath hitches in my throat. Kai pads across the floor toward the bed, and I don’t disguise the fact I’m awake. He sits on the side of the bed, brushing hair back off my face. “What’s wrong?”
“Everything,” I whisper.
“Hey.” He sweeps his thumbs under my eyes, catching the moisture pooling there. “It’ll be okay. I’m not letting anything happen to you.”
I scoot sideways, folding back the covers. “Can you hold me?” This might be my last chance to feel his arms around me.
Wordlessly, he climbs in beside me, and I roll over onto my other side, unable to look at him with my treacherous eyes. He hauls me against him, until my back is pressed solidly against his front, and I close my eyes, savoring the feel of his arms as they go around my waist, and the comforting warmth emanating from his body. “I’ll hold you every night if you let me,” he whispers against my ear, sending shivers cascading over me. He tightens his grip, in a wholly protective manner, and tears spill out of my eyes.
Why did I deny myself this? Why did I cling to the hatred and the betrayal instead of forgiving him when it became clear he was being honest with me?
I could blame my hormones.
Or my fucked-up upbringing that causes me to do whatever is necessary to survive.
But concealing this was low. Cruel. Deliberately hurtful.
And it seems so pointless now.
“Don’t cry, baby. I know you’re scared, but we’ll figure out a solution.”
He thinks he knows the reason for these tears, but he’s clueless.
“It’s why we’ve been locked away in Hunt’s office,” he continues. “I know you think I was cutting you out, but I wasn’t.” His hands slide lower, palming my stomach. “You shouldn’t have to worry about any of this shit. Your sole priority is nurturing our little one.” His hand rubs across my belly, burning me through my sheer nightdress. He presses feather-soft kisses to my neck, and my chest is heaving with unimaginable pain. “And I want to start planning.” His hand is scorching hot on my belly now, as if my skin is on fire, and I can’t handle it. “I’ve kept a note of some names I like, and I have an idea about where we can go after the baby is born, to keep him or her away from our fathers, and I—”
“Stop!” I cry out, wriggling out of his hold. Wracking sobs rip from my soul as I bolt upright in the bed. I face him with tears streaming down my face. “Don’t say another word. I can’t hear it.”
Concern shimmers in his eyes as he sits up, opening his arms and attempting to draw me back into his body. “What’s wrong, baby?”
I wet my lips and swipe at the hot tears coursing down my face. “I… I… I have something I need to tell you.”
