Page 54 of Forced Pregnant Mate

“I feel the same,” I answer softly. “I am constantly in awe of you, your beautiful, kind heart, and how it survived the abuse you suffered. It gives me so much happiness to see your joy, those little moments where you realize, you don’t have to hold yourself back. The absolute relief and freedom in your eyes when you know you don’t have to hide anymore.”

Lena kisses me, softly at first, then harder. I return the kiss, feeling that intensity, that magic, grow between us even more. It’s a magnetism that draws me to her. It’s a thrill that makes me crave her, but most of all, it’s absolute safety. It’s eagerly throwing my heart out into the world and knowing she will catch it.

It is true love.

Chapter 21 - Lena

Over the next week, I watch Sam and Jack continue to get closer. It touches me deeply that Sam is learning the same thing I did—what it means to have a true family.

Even though I’m happy and energized, every day that goes by leaves me feeling tired and irritable until one morning I simply can’t get out of bed. Since it’s become routine to meet in the kitchen for breakfast with the boys, Jack comes back to check on me.

“Are you awake, my love?” he asks.

I manage a muffled groan, but I don’t emerge from the blankets. I feel Jack sitting down on the bed and patting my shoulder.

“You’re usually the first one up. Seriously, are you okay?”

I peek out from the blankets, looking up at Jack.

“I’ve just been run down this week. Feeling very ick this morning. I just need to rest today, I think.”

“Okay,” Jack says, pulling the blankets up around me. “I’ll check on you later.”

After he leaves, I snuggle down in the warm, soft bed and try to relax. I hear the boys leave for work, and after that, I just drift off.

Around midday, I hear the car in the driveway and sit up, knowing it’s Jack. When he comes into the room with a big paper sack, I almost bounce up and down.

“You got me chocolate cake, didn’t you?”

“Yeah,” he says sheepishly. “I know it’s probably not the best thing for a sick stomach, but I wanted to tempt you with your favorite food.”

“Consider your mission a success!” I hold out my hands, and Jack passes me the bag. Suddenly, I’m starving, and I pull out the thick slice of cake and demolish it in a matter of minutes.

“Whoa, you were hungry!”

“Yeah. Well, I was the second I smelled the cake. Thank you so much for coming out here to drop it off in your lunch break.”

“No problem at all. I had to come back and check on you. Is there anything else you need?”

“Ugh,” I mutter, stretching my shoulders. “I think I slept at a bad angle. I have a nasty ache in my neck.”

“Let me help out,” Jack says, taking off his shoes and climbing onto the bed. He settles behind me and runs his fingers firmly down my neck. Just that light touch sends tingles running through me, and I sigh with pleasure.

“I haven’t even done anything yet,” he laughs.

“Your touch just feels so good,” I mutter, leaning back into him.

Jack uses light pressure until he finds the knot, then eases it away with circular motions of his fingers. As the muscles in my neck relax, the effect spreads to my whole body and I sink back against Jack, leaning on him. He puts his hands around my waist and whispers against my cheek.

“Do you feel better now?”

“Yes, much.”

“I should probably go and let you get some rest.”

“No.” I grab his hand, turning my face towards his. “Don’t go yet. I’m feeling… a lot better, actually.”

“Oh, really?”

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