The only place Ewan can't reach.
And if he ever learns that truth…that the child he parades around isn't his legacy but Tristan's—we'll both be dead before sunset. I've always wondered if some part of him already knows Hale isn't his biological son. Maybe he took his blood sample without me knowing, but he's never mentioned it. And he's not the type of person to let something like that slide.
I found out I was pregnant so soon after it all happened…and Hale looks nothing like him or me. He's a spitting image of Tristan.
Not the time, Keira.
I shake away the thoughts. "I know what you've done for me, Ewan. I could never forget."
You won't ever let me.
"Good." He studies my face, trying to see if I'm lying. "You should show me just how grateful you really are."
He drops his hand from my face and adjusts his cuff. "Hale isacceptable, but I can't stake the future of what I've built on one child who doesn't even look like me."
What? No.
"I don't understand. He has your eyes?—"
"NOTHING," he snaps, the mask slipping. "He has nothing of me. Everyone can see it."
A short, broken laugh escapes me. "What do you mean?"
"Don't worry, you'll fix that."
What…?
"I want another son. One who looks like me without a doubt." His gaze slides down my body and back up. "We'll start trying soon."
Trying. Like we're a normal couple.
"Ewan…"
His hand is back on my throat before I finish the word. "I'm not asking for your opinion. I'm telling you what's next. There are women who would kill to be in your place. But I kept you. Despite your history. Do not insult me by pretending this is your choice."
Hale shifts behind us in the bed, letting out a tiny whimper. I don't know if he's dreaming or seeing the way Ewan's fingers are tightening.
I pray it's a dream.
Ewan's eyes flick toward the bed, then snap back to me.
"Smile," he grits out.
In my head, I ram a toothbrush into his ear until it hits something vital. I picture the warmth of his blood on my hands.
Then I imagine the price Hale would pay after.
So I do as I'm told. Smile and remain still. Try not to even breathe. The sooner I oblige, the sooner he'll leave us alone.
He pulls me in and kisses me hard enough that my lip splits against my teeth. When he pulls back, he wipes the blood from my lip with his thumb, then wipes it on my cheek like he's marking me.
"I'll have the doctor adjust your supplements so you can prepare your body. It's time you gave me what I deserve."
He walks to the bed and stares down at Hale. "Wake him in an hour. He has lessons."
"Of course."
He straightens and walks past me to the door. "Oh, and Keira—if I find out you're hiding anything from me about the rat problem, I'll make sure they watch what happens to you before I kill them both."
