“I think I find it a little attractive like all those other women you spoke of.”
“That’s a good thing. There aren’t going to be any other women for me.”
“You sound so sure. How do you know this will last?”
“You already said why. Because you and I couldn’t be any more fucking different.” When I just stared, he explained, “We won’t get bored with one another.”
My eyebrows came together. “Is that supposed to be flattering?”
“Yes. It is. Because I find your differences oddly attractive, even if aggravating.”
I thought about that. “I don’t find your violence attractive.”
“I know,” he stated simply. Nothing more.
“Think we can work on that?”
“No.” He brushed my hair behind my ear. “It keeps everyone safe.”
“We’re gonna talk about that.”
He just smiled.
Then…his watch started beeping loudly.
I stilled. Everyone behind the closed door stopped arguing.
Daniil turned off his watch’s alarm. Again, he brushed my curls behind my other ear. “Do you want to check? Or do you want me to?”
I cleared my throat and shook my hands out beside my legs. “Me. I want to look first.”
“All right.” He sat on the edge of the tub, his elbows on his knees, his hands loose.
Simply watching me.
I sucked in a big breath, mumbling, “Just stay cool. It’s helping me.”
He nodded, his black hair moving with the motion, his eyes on mine.
Silently, I stood and turned toward the mirror.
In a gradual movement, I let my eyes fall toward the test.
I blinked.
Stared.
Picked up the test, and slowly pivoted toward Daniil, handing it to him.
He held the test, staring down at the clear plus sign.
I barely manage to breathe. “You’re going to be a papa again.” I sucked in air. “And I’m going to be a mom.”
Gently, Daniil placed the test on the edge of the tub, and then reached out, grabbing my hand. His gaze found mine as he slowly pulled me to him, tucking my legs between his. His brown eyes were open to me as he began to unbutton and unzip, opening them. He leaned forward and placed his lips above my panty line. And I almost started bawling again, seeing the tenderness in his gaze as he kissed where his child was growing.
He smiled softly against my skin. “I bet it’s a boy.”
I choked. God save us all from another one like his brood. “I bet it’s a pacifist.”
