Page 58 of Mine to Worship

“I can’t get past what Kian told me, but I talk to Mom once in a while. Still, I can’t stop thinking about how they made him suffer because of me.”

My knees weaken under me, and I sit on the edge of the bed. I have no idea what he’s talking about and it must show on my face because Brandon’s eyes go wide.

“He didn’t tell you?”

I shake my head. I knew there was more. What if he never opens up about his past completely? My disappointment and hurt would be too great to ignore, contain, or ever move on from.

“We’re kind of dealing with other stuff right now,” I say, not wanting to admit I let things progress like this, pretending to pretend, instead of trying to fix or part ways.

“We should go.”

“Yes, I try to anger him less now.”

He smiles playfully and I lean into him.

“What about not at all?”

“No, it’s funny when he reins himself in.”

“You cunning, sneaky thing.” I pinch him, and his hand darts to his heart in faux surprise.

“Who, me?”

We head down and from the top of the stairs, my gaze lands on Kian already with a foot on the first step.

“I am coming.”

“Poor, poor kid,” Brandon whispers, and I suppress a smile.

On the contrary, our baby will be the most protected and loved baby ever. I know it, I feel it, and Kian’s intense gaze adds to my certitude. We’re lucky to have him.

When I reach the bottom step, he scoops me in his arms and presses his lips on mine. In his arms, surrounded by his heady smell, and the intense and sizzling connection between us, I am happy, at ease, at home.

He buries his head in my neck and nibbles on my skin. “I’m aware I can be hard to deal with, it’s just…”

“You’re worried, I get it. It hasn’t been easy for either of us. But I can deal with you,” I tease him and he chuckles.

He kisses my exposed shoulder, and we enter the kitchen. After I hug the guys, Tara offers me a smoothie.

“It’s packed with vitamins.”

Aubrey hands me a plate with a sandwich on it.

“So, all it took was for me to get pregnant, huh?”

“Don’t take advantage now,” Aubrey says, and points a turquoise-manicured finger at me.

“Let’s go out, do something,” Jason says after I finish eating.

I clap my hands together. “Let’s go bowling.”

A bit of fun would be great. I haven’t been bowling in ages. “Yes, that will be fun!”

“But, Ellia...”

“Here comes the fun police,” Jason says, and Kian glares at him.

“We’re going.” I cross my hands over my chest, pinning him with a serious stare. I can sense the struggle in him, but even though his jaw clenches, he nods. Blissful progress.

---