Page 66 of Saved By the Mountain Man

Tanner held the printout, staring at the ultrasound image. The tiny life growing inside me was a miracle, a testament to our love and resilience. I reached up and touched Tanner’s face.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Broken out of that warehouse on your own and fought tooth and nail to freedom, if I know you,” Tanner said with a chuckle. “I’ve seen you fight. Those men didn’t stand a chance.”

I smiled, but he was wrong. I wouldn’t have been able to get out alone.

“You’ll never have to find out what life without me will be like again,” he said. “I’m here to stay.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of hope that I hadn’t felt in a long time. “I love you, Tanner.”

“I love you, too, Rae,” he said, pulling me into his arms again and holding onto me tightly. “And I promise to be the best father I can be.”

We held each other, the ultrasound image clutched between us.

18

RAE

Tanner took me back to his cabin, and there was no question about where I would stay from now on. I didn’t want to be away from him for one second longer than was needed.

The winter was milder than expected, and the route through the forest to town would remain open most of the time, hopefully. I could make my way to work as long as I wanted.

And when I couldn’t anymore, too far pregnant, then Tanner would look after me.

It turned out he had a lot of money put away in a bank account after all his years working for Vito. He’d said he might as well live off it; it was the least Vito could do for him after everything he’d made Tanner do.

And I completely agreed.

When Tanner led me into the bedroom, he peeled back the furs on his bed and tucked me in.

“Come lie with me,” I said.

“You need to rest,” he said. “Your concussion and the baby—”

“Just lie with me,” I said, and Tanner grinned.

“No arguing with you, huh?” The mattress dipped under his weight as he got on the bed and cuddled up to me.

“The sooner you learn that, the better.” I rolled against him. I kissed him, and he kissed me back. I ran my fingers over his stubbled cheek, and his tongue slid into my mouth, tasting, probing.

Slowly, I gyrated my body against his, and I felt him harden, his cock getting ready for me.

I moaned when he grinded his hips against me.

I wanted him in every way I could have him, closer than ever.

Tanner slid a hand under my shirt, his palm rough on my stomach, but his touch was gentle. He peeled back the bra and found my nipples. They were already pebbled and taut and aching for his touch. He pulled at one and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. The other, he pinched and twisted.

I let out a gasp, and he covered my mouth with his.

Then, his other hand moved south. His fingers brushed over my pubic mound and then lower. My underwear was so wet, I was sure he could feel the dampness through them.

He teased me with his fingers.

My heart raced and my head throbbed, but it didn’t hurt and I ignored it. We could be careful. I wasn’t going to push him away just because of a measly concussion.

I wanted it all.

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