When Connor returns later that night, I’m already in his bed and trying to stay awake for him. The moment I hear him enter the bedroom, my eyes pop open and I sit up.
“Connor?”
He walks over and leans forward, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Shh, it’s late. Go back to sleep.”
“Are you okay?” I ask, trying to read his expression, but it’s too dark.
“As good as I can be,” he murmurs. “I’m going to take a quick shower and I’ll be back shortly.”
I nod and snuggle back down into the warm sheet and blankets that smell fresh and clean-just like the man I’m falling in love with.
There’s no point in denying it. I have no idea how we’re going to make this work or if he even still wants me, but I’m willing to try.
It bothers me that he hasn’t called me by his special endearment since our fight. But he’s being so kind and thoughtful.
I’m going to tell him about the baby tomorrow, I think sleepily and begin to doze off.
When Connor returns and slips into bed, I’m on the verge of falling asleep, but instantly wake back up when the mattress sinks beside me from his weight. I’m waiting for him to reach for me, but he doesn’t. My eyes flutter open and he’s staring at me.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s okay,” I murmur sleepily.
With a soft sigh, he finally reaches out and pulls me into his arms. “Go to sleep, cara mio. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
The moment I hear the endearment, my eyes close and I fall asleep.
When morning arrives, Connor is already up and I glance over at the empty place beside me. Even though he held me for the rest of the night, I suddenly miss him fiercely. Getting out of bed, I quickly use the bathroom and brush my teeth. Then I slip my robe on and head downstairs, finding him in the kitchen and brewing coffee.
“Good morning,” I say.
Connor turns, blue eyes lighting up when he sees me. “Good morning,” he says. “Coffee?”
“Sure, thanks.”
I sit down on a stool at the granite-topped island and patiently wait.
A moment later, Connor walks over and sets the mug in front of me.
“It was nice waking up next to you this morning and not having you run off in the middle of the night.”
A blush heats my cheeks. “I would’ve liked to have woken up next to you, too.”
His blue gaze turns cloudy. “I had things to take care of this morning.”
I know that he’s referring to his father. “Are you having a big funeral for him?” I ask softly.
But he surprises me and shakes his head. “No. We decided it’s only going to be immediate family and if his guards want to come, they can. But that’s it. And it’s going to be this afternoon.”
“So fast?” He nods and I reach over and lay a hand on top of his. “I want to go with you.”
“You don’t have to,” he says quietly.
“I know, but I want to be there to support you. And your family.”
Something unreadable flickers over his face, but I’ve made my decision. I’m going to stand by his side when they bury his father and offer him my support.
Because I know he’d do the same for me.
Of course, in theory, it all seemed like a nice idea. But once we’re standing at the graveside later that day, I can feel the looks from not only his family, but also Sean Flannigan and the enforcers.
Connor’s mom barely said more than hello to me because she’s been crying nonstop. She has no idea who I really am – just that my name is Trish. Same with Rylan who keeps sending me suspicious looks. He knows something is up but just not what.
Not yet, anyway.
Roberto stands beside Finley, an arm around her shoulders, and while she cries softly, he looks just as blank-faced as his twin. I think they’re both still trying to process their loss.
Connor keeps me by his side throughout the entire service at the grave and we hold hands. He remains stoic, not showing one shred of emotion, and I think it’s a show of strength put on for the others. Especially for the enforcers who are there and watching us closely. They know who I am and it’s clear they do not approve.
At one point, I feel a tremor move through Connor’s body and I step closer, pressing my shoulder against his, offering him my support. Letting him know that he can lean against me.
Because I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks.