Page 2 of Captive Bride

“Okay, look, I admit you give a good pep talk,” she said. “I know you do. But beyond us having this and shit, what about the practicalities of our lives? We have no jobs, we have no family here, and in less than a month, we’re going to be taking care of two babies. You’re going to try to help, but Tristan, you’re still only learning to use this wheelchair. And we don’t know when…if…you’ll…”

"Walk again? Is that what you're afraid to say?" I asked, my voice steady despite the pain her words induced. Things had never been easy for us, but this, this reality that loomed over us was a beast we were struggling to control.

"Yes," she admitted, her gaze dropping to her hands resting on her swollen belly. "I'm scared, Tristan. If something happens while you're not...capable..."

"We'll manage," I cut in swiftly, not allowing her fears to fester and take root. "Adriana, we've faced more formidable foes than diapers and sleepless nights."

“Not while you can’t walk or run or…”

"Fight?" I supplied the remainder of her sentence, a bitter taste creeping up my tongue. The reminders of my limitations were everywhere, but it hurt more when it was Adriana who pointed them out.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"We don't need to fight anymore," I said. “There’s a reason we’re here. We’re safe.”

"And if they come for us?" she asked. Her eyes met mine, revealing the depth of her fear. It stabbed at my heart, making me regret ever bringing her into the chaotic world of the Callahan Legacy.

"They won't," I said with a conviction I didn't feel. "We've left that life behind.”

"But what if they find us?" Her voice was barely audible, yet it echoed around the room like a haunting premonition.

“I will kill anyone who comes after you or our kids,” I said, my voice low and deadly. "And I don't need to walk to do that."

She swallowed hard, her gaze never leaving mine. There was a long silence before she finally nodded. "I know you would," she whispered.

“Also, it’s just my legs,” I said. “You wanna sit on my lap and see if my dick still works?”

She snorted at that, her face flushing in a way that had me grinning in no time. "I don’t know what I expected," she said, leaning into me and pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "Are you serious right now?"

"Dead serious." My grin was wide and unrepentant. "Come here."

Wordlessly, she placed her hand in mine, letting me guide her to sit delicately on my lap. Despite her pregnant state, she was light and easy to maneuver, like always. There was a trust there, an unspoken faith in me that never failed to make my chest tighten with gratitude and love — even when we were joking around.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, I gently kissed the shell of her ear. "See," I murmured against her skin, feeling the goosebumps rise at my touch. "Everything works just fine."

"Bastard," she muttered fondly in response, lightly swatting my shoulder.

Yes, there were battles we were yet to face. Hurdles we would inevitably have to overcome. But one thing was certain: If there was anyone I wanted by my side through this new unpredictable chapter of our lives, it was Adriana.

“I think,” I said into her ear. “That now that it’s been a week and we’re settling in properly, you need me to prove that it also works properly.”

"And what if I'm not in the mood?" She teased lightly, but there was a spark in her eyes that told me she was up for the challenge.

"I suppose that's something I'll have to rectify then." I replied, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. My hand slid from her waist down to her thigh, and I felt her shiver against me – a visceral reaction that never failed to ignite a flame inside me.

Her laughter echoed through the room, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. "You certainly know how to make a girl feel special."

“Well, I know how to make you come.”

Her breath hitched at my words and I could see the flash of desire ignite in her eyes. "Indeed, you do," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilted my head to capture her lips in a slow, sensual kiss, my tongue teasing hers as I deepened the kiss. Adriana responded enthusiastically, her hands threading through my hair as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

I broke the kiss reluctantly, resting my forehead against hers as I caught my breath. "We'll figure everything out together," Ipromised her softly. "Until then..." My hand slipped under her loose-fitted shirt, grazing her swollen belly before wandering upwards. Her breath hitched at my touch, her eyes meeting mine with a familiar spark.

"Yes?" she asked, biting her lower lip in anticipation.

I grinned, pressing my lips to the hollow of her throat. "Let me take care of you, Ade." My voice dropped to a whisper as I made my intentions clear. "Starting with making you feel really, really good."

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