Page 50 of Plus-Size Pregnant Mate

I shook my head, but I still didn't move. And after a moment, a few tears broke free, and I nodded.

He pulled me up, holding me tightly against his chest as he turned, taking us towards the elevator.

"I'm sorry," I said, feeling more tears build up.

"Stop apologizing. I'm the one that's sorry. I should have fought with you and made you run off."

"I shouldn't have run off," I said, pressing my forehead against his chest. "I should have stayed and let you explain. I shouldn't have gotten angry and run off."

His arms tightened around me. "Ashley, you had every right to leave and want to clear your head. You don't need to apologize for doing what you need."

I knew he was right, but I could have just run to my room. I didn't have to leave the apartment, and he wouldn't be hurt then.

"If I hadn't, you wouldn't be hurt."

We got in the elevator, and he set me down but didn't let go. He cupped my face, pressing his forehead against mine. His eyes softened as he held me. "I don't care that I'm hurt. I'm just happy that nothing happened to you."

I thought back to Logan's place, and a shiver ran down my spine. I couldn't imagine being there longer than I was. I suddenly felt so much pity for his past wives, knowing that no one had come to save them like Owen had saved me.

"I don't want to fight anymore. I don't want to lose you."

Owen gave me a soft smile, his nose pressed against mine. "I agree with that. No more fighting."

The elevator doors opened, and Owen pulled me back up, carrying me inside. I clung to him, taking in his scent and trying to allow myself to realize I was safe. I wasn't with Logan anymore, and he was never going to get me again.

But as much as I kept telling myself that my mind didn't seem to believe me. I couldn't relax, and I kept looking over my shoulder as if Logan was going to come back.

Owen walked down the hallway, going for my bedroom. He popped the door open and walked toward my bed. He set me down, kneeling in front of me.

He placed his hands on my knees; unlike Logan's, his hands were soft. "Ashley, you're safe. I have you. Logan is never going to touch you again."

"I know," I said, looking at him. "I know that, but my mind doesn't."

He reached up, cupping my face. "I won't let anything happen to you. This is never going to happen. And I don't want to fight, but I don't want you to move out either."

I leaned into his touch and closed my eyes. I tried to focus on his scent, and I felt my shoulders relax for a moment.

"I don't want to move out either. I don't want to leave."

"You don't have to."

"Will you stay with me?" I asked, opening my eyes to look at him.

Owen watched me for a second but slowly nodded his head. He leaned forward and gave me a soft kiss.

His lips were gentle, and I grabbed his shirt, feeling my hands continue to shake. Owen pulled me onto his lap, making me straddle him. His tongue flicked over my lips, and I opened my mouth, letting his tongue slide against mine.

It was a breathtaking kiss, making me moan against his mouth. His hands pulled at my shirt, yanking it off. I pulled at his shirt, needing skin-to-skin contact.

"I love you," he said as he broke the kiss, cupping my face. "God, I love you so much, Ashley. I don't want to mess this up again."

"I love you too," I admit, knowing I meant it. I loved him with every fiber of my being and never wanted to lose him. I didn't want us to screw this up a second time.

"We are in this for the long haul," he said, kissing my neck. "We have a baby coming, and while this might not be how we planned it, it's still beautiful."

I felt tears break free, and he wiped at them, giving me a soft smile. "I will never let anything happen. I promise."

I knew he meant it, and I knew he would keep that promise.

---