Page 4 of Captive Desire

There are two directions this can go in. Both will end with her in my arms again. I’m hoping she can put up with reason and will come willingly.

I lose count of the minutes. They become hours at this rate and I’m so lost in my thoughts that I barely register the vibration of my phone. When I take a look at the message, I’m bracing myself. Seth has let me know of her arrival. The warning is more than enough.

When the front door opens, I’m ready.

I won’t scare her. Not more than I already will by my presence. It’s bad for the baby and I’m in no way of wanting to put her under that stress.

The door shuts as I move to my feet. Our eyes meet and once again, I’m distracted. For only a short moment, the hunger floods in, and I’m back to recalling the very first time I came inside her home.

When we were too distracted kissing while knocking into furniture. I had my hand tucked between her thighs before we even made it out of the living room.

The look of fear on her face is enough to snap me out of the past.

“Don’t scream.” The order comes out the moment she sucks in a breath.

She doesn’t, but the horrified look remains on her face. “How did you get in here?”

Nothing I tell her is going to make this run any smoother. One step back against the wall makes her look like she’s a trapped animal. When she spots the luggage by my leg, her eyes grow round.

“I need you to come with me.” Remaining calm for the both of us, I take a cautious step forward. “You are not safe here. You, or the baby.”

The mention of the baby makes her instinctively wrap an arm around her stomach.

“I am perfectly fine, thank you.” Her eyes narrow, and for a moment, agitation surfaces.

If I can break in without getting any attention from her neighbors, what’s to say someone can’t do the very same?

No, she’s not fine. She doesn’t understand how serious the situation has become.

I can tell her that I’m a bad man who does bad things for a living. The truth is, many people want to see me in pain. Charity is an easy ticket to getting just that.

I’d be left in ruins if anything happened to her. If I’d only given her up that night, then this wouldn’t be happening. However, I’m a terrible man. I didn’t let her go.

I’ll never be able to let her go.

“You have two options.” Straightening up, I grab the handles of her luggage and get straight to the point. No need to start beating around the bush. “We can leave here willingly. I’ll take you home and keep you safe.”

The frown that forms on her lips is like a punch to the gut.

“And my other option?” Unmoving, she crosses her arms.

“Or, you put up a fight and I carry you out of here. Either way, you’re coming with me. I’d rather pick the option that will stress the baby less.” Offering a glance toward the door, I silently pray she doesn’t put up a fight.

I want my future wife to be willing in every way possible.

“You don’t even know if he’s yours.” Prickling up, she turns her head.

She’s having a boy. That information is the final nail in the coffin.

Releasing her luggage, I eliminate the space between our bodies. Capturing her chin and taking in her gasp, I look into those brown eyes. “He’s mine.”

I would’ve killed any man brave enough to try to get a taste of her.

“I know you haven’t been with another man since our night together.” Taking in the instant blush on her cheeks, I don’t budge when she flattens her hands against my chest.

Right now, she insists on pushing me away. I will have her pulling me in by the end of the day.

“How-”

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