I watch him walk over to the bathroom, my gaze dipping to admire his firm ass that flexes with each step.
Mmm. The man is utterly delicious and I’m already wanting him again. But first, I’m going to tell him my last secret.
As scary as it is, I know its time and I pray he will understand.
When he returns with a warm washcloth, I watch as he gently cleans between my legs then tosses it back into the bathroom.
The moment he slides back in bed with me, I sit up, gathering the sheet beneath my arms. He’s expecting me to come lay on his chest and when I don’t, his questioning blue gaze meets mine.
“What’s wrong?”
The unexpected sting of tears burns my eyes.
Alarm fills his face and he bolts up, “Trish? Talk to me.”
“There’s something I have to tell you. That I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I’ve been too scared. Our situation is not exactly normal and the fallout of what I’m about to say could be huge.”
He doesn’t say anything, just waits for me to continue.
“I’m sorry for keeping secrets, Connor. Truly. But it’s time you know my last one. I just don’t want you to get upset or even angry.”
Connor shakes his head. “Whatever you have to say, you can tell me, Trish.”
I suck in a deep, shaky breath and then let it out slowly. “I’m pregnant.”
He blinks, absorbing the words, and I’m trying to read him, but it’s hard. The man has a great poker face when he wants.
“I know it’s unexpected and – ”
“I’m glad.”
My mouth opens in surprise.
“You’re glad?” I repeat, not sure I heard him right.
A smile breaks out over his face and he reaches over and pulls me into his arms. Then he presses a kiss to my head and covers my slightly rounded belly with his large, warm hand.
“Very,” he murmurs. I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby.”
“I can’t believe you’re taking this so well.” I turn, trying to look at him and he chuckles.
“If you haven’t figured it out yet… I love you, Trisha. And I don’t care who your father is or what your last name is or any of that bullshit. When I call you my love, I mean it.”
“Oh, Connor.” The purest joy I’ve ever known pours through me and I’m on the verge of bursting with love for this man. Turning all the way around, I lay my hands on either side of his face and smile. “I love you, too, Connor. I think I loved you from the first moment I saw you.”
“Cara mio,” he whispers raggedly, voice full of raw emotion. Then he captures my mouth in a kiss that is electric. “I would do anything for you, Trish. Even if it means burning the whole damn city down to keep you safe. You and our baby.”
It’s clear that we’ve hit a very dangerous point. Openly declaring our love and announcing my pregnancy to the world is going to make a lot of people very angry. The idea of telling my family leaves me terrified. They’ve been calling every day, and I haven’t answered. At least, not my mom or dad. I’ve spoken to Solana, but that’s it. She told them I was safe, though, so there’s no need for them to Worry. But soon I’m going to have to face that mountain and figure out how to climb it. But with Connor by my side, loving me, I know it’s possible.
For the rest of the day and all through the night, Connor and I barely leave the bedroom. Except to refuel with some food, we spend the entire time making love. We don’t talk about the
future, though, and I think it’s because we’re not exactly sure how we’re going to handle it.
Other than together, anyway.
After sleeping in, we get up and shower together. Then we go down and drink coffee and eat breakfast pastries. I don’t think either of us has stopped smiling and I’m pleasantly sore from all the delightfully wicked things he did to my body.
“I need to talk to Roberto.” he tells me. “We need to come up with a plan on how to move forward and the first thing we’re doing is hiring a security team. I can’t risk anything happening to you. To either of you,” he adds in a low voice, his gaze dropping to my stomach.
Butterflies flutter through my entire body and I nod. “How long will you be gone?”
“A few hours, but we’ll just be over at Roberto’s house. I’ll check in with texts, okay? If you need anything, let me know.”
“Maybe Finley can keep me company?” I suggest and he nods.
“That’s a great idea. I’m sure she’d love to come over. And Sully will be right outside.”
After we finish breakfast, Connor kisses me thoroughly. “Be back soon,” he promises.
“I’ll be waiting.” He gives me a devastating smile then heads to the front door. “Keep it locked.”
I follow him, pull him down for another heated kiss before he leaves and feel him hesitate.
“Go,” I tell him with a grin.
“Thanks for getting me all worked up first,” he says with a low chuckle and reaches down to adjust himself.
“You’re welcome,” I say and smirk.
“Vixen.”
I watch him walk away, gait a little crooked, and head toward his brother’s house. We’re going to make this work between us, I think. Somehow, some way.
Once Connor disappears from sight, I shut and lock the door. Releasing a little sigh, I realize that I am head over heels in love with that man.
My phone rings and I jog over to where I left it on the coffee table and see Solana’s name pop up. Dropping down on the couch, I slide the bar over and answer.
“Hey, Lana.”
“Where are you, Trisha?” my father demands without so much as a hello.
Oh, no. My heart sinks at the anger in his voice. “I’m with a friend,” I tell him and stand up.
“Is that so?” he asks.
The way he says it sends alarm bells ringing in my head. He knows more than he’s saying, a little voice warns me. Yes,” I insist and begin pacing.
“Do not lie to me,” he Snaps. “I know exactly where you are and I will not have it! Do you hear me?”
I swallow hard, but don’t comment.
“You get your ass home right now. Is that understood?”
“Dad – ”
“No! How can you be staying with one man – your family’s enemy – and be engaged to another man? It’s enough to make me ill. I didn’t raise a whore.”
His insult shocks and saddens me. “I’m not leaving him, Dad. You don’t understand.”
“Understand this, Trisha. That man and his family are our enemy and this little dalliance of yours is over. If you aren’t home within an hour, I will put a hit out on your new boyfriend. End
this now or I’ll have Connor killed, I swear to Christ.”
Horror spears through me and I clutch the phone tightly. “No! You can’t!”
“Do not test me because you will regret it.”
A sob rips from my throat, and I feel the beautiful, little world that Connor and I built come crashing down all around me. “I love him,” I admit, my voice torn and hoarse with emotion. “Please don’t do this to us.”
“There is no us,” he states in a flat voice. “One hour, Trish. You’re wasting time.”
“Dad, please listen to me. For once just – ”
“Trish! You listen to me if you ever go near Connor Mennetti again, I will kill him slowly and painfully. You’re going to marry Antonio and that’s the end of it.”
Terrified for Connor, refusing to put him in any sort of danger, I know I have to acquiesce to my father’s ultimatum because the steely tone in his voice is telling me that he isn’t going to budge on the matter. He will do exactly as he promises. “Fine,” I whisper, my heart shredding. “Please, don’t hurt him.”
“Then get home.”
My father hangs up and my legs give out. Dropping down to the floor, I have no choice but to leave. Tears slide down my face and instead of hating the Mennettis, I’m hating my father. How can he do this to me?
My eyes slide shut in defeat. Once again, he’s backed me into a corner, and I have no choice but to obey.
Because I refuse to let Connor pay the ultimate price.
No way. I will go down protecting him.
Even if that means letting him go.