Page 114 of What Lies Within

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DIGGER

“He said he’s on his way home from the gym.” Rae stares down at her phone, cross-legged in the middle of her bed. “He’ll let me know what he finds when he gets there in about ten minutes.”

She's in her element, her mind working overtime to solve the issue. It’s gorgeous.She’sgorgeous. Her hair falls in soft, natural waves over her shoulders, the front section pinned out of her face. Rae shifts one hand to her belly, idly rubbing low between her hips as she flicks her thumb up to close out apps.

“You sore?” I lean against her set of drawers, arms folded over my chest.

I know I went hard at her this morning, but I didn’t think I’d hurt her.That’s the issue—you never think.Shit.

“I’m okay.” Her chin lifts, and her brow lowers to a frown. “What’s the matter?”

I shrug as though I don't know. But I fucking know.

I don't like her in here. I don't want her sitting onherbed withherfurniture.

It should all be ours.

Her safe place, her haven, her escape, should beours.

“You’re lying.” Rae sets the phone aside and crawls to the end of the bed. Rested on her heels, she peers up at me, the perfect picture of submission.

I grimace, tightening my jaw as I shake that fantasy out of my head.Not today.

“What’s the matter, hon. Did I do something?”

Hon.I snap my neck so damn hard as I lift my head to look at her that I hear a crack. She’s never called me a term of endearment before, as though she’s avoided it. I don’t think she realizes she did it now.

"You didn't do anything." I drop my arms and force my body to relax before I fall to my haunches before her. "Well, nothing bad. You're doing great, baby girl. Real good."

“Then help me do better.” She touches my face, a reverent caress of her fingertips along my jaw. “I want to ease your mind a little. Distract you. Whatever you want.” She sighs. “I want to give this shitty day a silver lining for you.”

"Then promise me this." I capture her hand in mine and bring it to my lips, kissing her knuckles. When Tyke gets back, we start a project—one just for us."

Rae frowns, cocking her head a little.

“I want to wake up with you beside me every damn day.”Why the fuck is my throat so tight?"I want you there when I go to sleep. I wanna know when it's been a long day, and I'm gettin' home in the small hours that your warm body is waitin' for me."

She smiles, lop-sided and shy.

"When Tyke returns, we're figuring out where we want to be—physically. Where we want to live together. We'll have a bedroom that's never been mine or yours. It'll be a new beginning. A fresh start. With all of us together, and you feelin' like it's home. I want you happy, baby girl." I duck my chin and press my forehead to the back of her hand, still clutched in mine. "That's all I want. You, happy like you deserve to be.”

She's quiet for a long while, and the more time passes, the more I replay what I said. Did I get it wrong? Did it not sound like it did in my head?Fuck.My heart drums heavy in my chest. I’m too scared to look up.

To find her nervous.

Unsure how to tell me it was too much.

That she’s notthereyet.

“Dig.” My name is a whisper as she squeezes my hand. “Look at me.”

Be a man, you pussy.I swallow and lift my chin.

She opens her mouth, yet no words come out. Tears track her cheeks, glittering along her lower lashes. She smiles briefly, failing to speak her piece again.

“What?” My voice cracks.

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