Page 39 of Hidden By His Side

“I love you, Summer. I love you so fucking much.”

Her body stilled as she choked off the next sob. She reared back, the top of her head smacking into his chin. She stared at him with drenched and swollen eyes. Another sob escaped, her lips trembling.

“What?” she choked out.

He used his thumbs to catch her tears, brushing back the hair matted to her damp cheek. “Say it again.”

She stared at him, her eyes too red to look hopeful or loving. She looked exhausted, broken. He’d done that to her.

“I’m sorry, baby girl. I promise to get it right this time. Tell me how you feel about me again.”

More tears welled out of her eyes. Her nose was stuffed with them, making her voice croak as she obeyed. “I love you. I’ll only ever love you.”

Ramiro kissed her trembling lips. “I love you, too. So much. I have for a long time.”

Her lips still didn’t move against his when he kissed her a second time. She stared at him so blankly that his heart stuttered in his chest and he lifted his head away.

The painful sobs of hers that ripped out his chest had stopped, but tears still fell from her eyes. She squeezed them shut, shaking her head. “Stop it. D-don’t lie to make me feel b-better.”

He gathered her into his arms again, rocking her body as she rested against him. “When have I ever lied to you?”

“Never.” Her breath hitched, a sob bursting out, muffled by his chest. “S-so when you said my love was toxic”—she swallowed—“you meant it.” Her fingers dug into his shirt, another sob breaking through, followed by the next.

Fuck. He was only making things worse.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“It’s okay,” she broke in. “I’m the one who’s sorry.”

“What are you sorry for? Don’t tell me you’re sorry for loving me. I’m not sure I can handle that.”

She stilled against him.

“I’m not a good man. That’s why this is toxic. You shouldn’t love someone like me, Summer.”

“You’re the only one I can love,” she whispered.

She felt so breakable in his arms. “I’m moving you in with me. No arguments this time.”

The tension left her body, and she melted into him.

“I’m going to take care of you,” Ramiro promised. “You and your baby.”

He still wasn’t a good man, but he’d never hurt her. Ramiro wasn’t like his father. He was much more like his mother. His entire world narrowed down to the woman in his arms from the moment he’d met her, and there was no use fighting it. Summer was all that mattered.

Which made the thought of her keeping the baby more terrifying. Besides not liking kids, he doubted his heart would make room for anyone besides Summer, even for her baby.

She hadn’t decided to keep it yet. All he could do was take care of her for as long as she let him.

Her breathing slowed and deepened. He’d never get tired of holding her while she slept.

Eventually, when he held her like that, her bloated stomach would be between them.

Nerves skittered along his skin at the thought, and he breathed through it, resting against the headboard and closing his eyes. Summer had the right idea. The best solution to this drained feeling was to rest.

Then he could relive one of his most treasured moments—waking up with her in his arms.

Chapter 13

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