Page 110 of Her Redeemed Protector

“Oh…” Rodolfo’s disappointment at his slip turns into a shared chuckle with Dad, and then they’re off, leaving the house quieter.

“He’s a good kid,” I comment.

Huxley nods. “Wait for it, Sav. Wait for it.” A lopsided smile forms on his handsome face.

I’m well aware of how children can test you. But I’m already in love with Rodolfo. Nothing can sway my decision now.

My eyes roam around my bedroom, stretching a bit. “Thank goodness. I’m gonna sleep in here tonight.” I tap the mattress and hug my pillow.

It appears that he’s taking it as a hint. “Would you like to have the whole bed for yourself?” he queries, considerate, sweet. “It’s okay if you do, I’m happy to?—”

“Of course not!”

“I mean, not because I’m suspecting you might pregnant-hate me—because I know you won’t. But I understand if you need space. Literally.”

I cock my head. “Is this daddy thing making you go over the top on me?”

“No. No. I’m just… I’m just thinking about you.”

Doubly sweet, like the fruity jam hidden within the silky, pillowy dough.

“Please, I want to sleep with you,” I make it clear. “I promise, I won’t be the pregnant partner who looks to pick a fight with you for no reason.”

Hux chuckles. Triple sweet with a cherry on top. “Look, Sav. I’m taking extended leave from Red Mark,” he announces. “I’m going to be with you around the clock?—”

The cherry topples over. “Hux, that’s definitely over the top!” I interject.

He sighs. “Doesn’t take long for your stubborn streak to return. I thought you liked me playing the hero.”

My lips twist as I’m torn between two minds.

“No argument, missy.” He places a hand on my belly. “Until your nightmares stop, and I don’t have to worry anymore, I’ll be playing nurse.” He moves his other hand to rest over my heart, where my pulse has been unsteady since the hospital stay.

“All right,” I concede, a small smile creeping up. Being around my Hugs, with his irresistibly handsome face and caring demeanor, is bound to speed up my recovery.

“You know Juliet’s death isn’t your fault,” he reassures me.

“I know. It’s just… how it all happened,” I admit. “I can’t get it out of my head.”

He leans in and kisses my forehead. “We’ll get through this together.”

I nod, squeezing his hand. “Hey, Fabian asked for my help with Kayla. She seems all right, but he thinks she might need a bit more support. She’s in therapy and all, but sometimes, a good friend is what you really need.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Hux responds.

“He made it clear it’ll just be Kayla and me. No funny business,” I add, watching for his reaction.

“Good,” he agrees, his fingers lightly tracing my belly. “Just promise me you won’t overdo it.”

I lean closer and kiss him. “I hope that limitation only applies to work, not play?”

He appraises me, his eyes soft, an inexplicable response.

“Hux, you’re acting strange,” I remark. What kind of ‘soft’ thoughts could he possibly have in his mind? But then, there’s something else flickering behind those striking brown eyes, something I can’t quite pinpoint.

He shifts his gaze away from me, then returns, a finger trailing up and down my arm. “There’s something else I wanted to ask you. It’s been burning in my head.”

Is he going to propose to me? His hands are steady, no telltale fidgeting or nervous tics. I glance at his pockets, expecting to see a small bulge from a ring box, but they’re empty.

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