Page 130 of Mine to Worship

Brandon heads toward the bar and pours himself a drink, his shoulders are slouched from carrying the pain of the truth with him.

I sense he needs a few minutes alone and I pick up my phone and call Kian on my way to our bedroom.

“Hi, angel. Are you okay, is the baby fine?”

“Yes, we’re fine,” I reassure him straight away, before adding, “but Brandon is not.”

“Richard called him?”

“Yes, and his nasty words hit home. Brandon’s downstairs. My heart is breaking for him.”

“The pain will make him stronger.”

He’s right, but my heart still squeezes at my friend’s anguish. “I can’t wait for you to get back.”

“Tomorrow night.” He glances at his watch. “Twenty-two hours and forty minutes.”

My smile freezes on my lips when Kira’s foot kicks my stomach. I rub the aching spot and say, “She’s kicking me harder and harder. I think she wants out.”

He shuts his laptop and says, “I am on my way.”

“No, Kian. I’m fine. Oh my God!” I cover my mouth with my hand, half-laughing, half-sighing in exasperation.

I wonder how he’ll be when she hurts herself for the first time. He might wrap her in cotton wool so she is safe twenty-four seven.

“Nothing is more important than you two.”

“You drive me crazy at times.”

“Hush, you love me.”

“I do love you. Now, I’m going to take a bath.”

“Take me with you. I want to see.”

His grin covers his entire face, mischief dancing in those glimmering eyes.

I shake my head but take the phone in the bathroom.

“Put me where I can enjoy the show.”

“Kian.”

“Ellia.” My name on his lips is seduction wrapped in filthy promises, and it’s the sole reason I can’t deny him.

“Is it good here?” I ask, propping the phone against the faucet.

“Perfect.”

I fill the bathtub with water and bubble bath. I undress and those few seconds he holds in his breath, boosts my confidence into stratospheric levels. I get in, leaning back.

“I can’t see you with all those damn bubbles,” he mumbles.

“You didn’t specify.”

“You’re cruel, wife.”

I chuckle and slide under the water. When I emerge, I sit up, my belly and boobs are on display.

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