Page 30 of Ready or Not

“Nonsense, love. Allow us to pamper you.” Mercy tenderly caresses her stomach, and staggering jealousy rips through my chest. “We also need to purchase clothing items for the baby. I’ve got a cart waiting with diapers and other necessities that I’m hoping you’ll look over once we make it home.”

Wow, I never imagined a point in life when I would hate my best friends.

But here we fucking are.

I loathe that they get to touch her, and I can’t.

All I want to do is rub around her belly and feel the baby move.

Yes, I fucked up majorly.

There were also extenuating circumstances.

It’s not like I walked away because I wanted to.

I thought she blew me off. I was under the impression I was respecting her space and right to decide if our relationship continued.

Mercy steps back so Holt and Bishop can take turns kissing her goodbye, and my fury only rises.

I’ve never felt so goddamn helpless in my entire life.

So, what are you going to do about it? My conscience wars with itself, battling between thinking I have no right to pursue her and knowing that I’m going to, anyway.

She’s carrying my fucking baby.

I won her trust once.

I’m going to show her that I’m not the sum of the one really big mistake I made.

“Are you sure they didn’t follow us?” Vale asks, glancing between me and Mercy. “I swear, the bond feels like Bishop and Holt are still close.”

Mercy grimaces, clearing his throat. “Let’s head inside. It’s dreadfully cold.”

I almost snort.

How the man was a successful agent, I’ll never understand. He’s genuinely terrible at subterfuge.

“I really don’t need any more clothes,” she says with a huff as I pick up my pace to hold the door open. She slides by me, smiling softly. “Thanks.”

“Of course.” I wink, giving her my signature grin.

These fuckers better watch out.

In no way am I giving up without a fight.

I just needed a night to lick my wounds, but my head is in the game now.

Vale grunts, stopping a few feet inside to try to pull off her jacket. I aim for her and release the door without paying attention.

It slams into Mercer’s shoulder with a thud.

I grimace but hightail it to Vale. “Here, let me help with that.” I grab the sleeve and give it a gentle tug.

“Oh, thanks. It’s always hard to acclimate once we’re inside.” She smiles with pink cheeks.

My heart races. I’ve missed her so much. It’s everything. The way she smiles, how she looks at me from under her lashes, the sound of her laugh… It all takes me right back to DC.

I knew it then, and I know it now.

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