Page 5 of How to Hide Your Angel Kid

Something flickered in the giant’s eyes; his gaze turned shrewd.

“What is your name?” Galent murmured, leaning so close that his breath rushed over Pinks’ lips.

Pinks’ stomach jolted. He jerked backward, trying to decide if it was better to attack the giant, or bide his time. He wasn’t strong enough to take Galent down by himself. He needed reinforcements, damn it! Who knew how long help would taketo arrive? He didn’t even have his phone anymore. “You’re not getting my name.”

Galent licked his lips, backing Pinks up against the wall. This close, his heat soaked through Pinks’ clothes. The broadness of his body, the solidness of him... it made Pinks’ insides tingle in a way he’d forgotten.

And his scent. Gods, his scent.

Rich oakmoss filled Pinks’ nose, along with undertones of smoke, and mineral stone.

It was the best smell in the world. Pinks hated that it had to come from this man, he hated that his nose kept twitching because he couldn’t stop sniffing.

Galent’s eyes glinted. “Do I smell good?”

“No,” Pinks growled, baring his teeth.

“Ah.” Galent’s mouth curved. He lifted his hand, his fingers mere inches from Pinks’ vulnerable throat. Then he reached higher and caught Pinks’ hair, tipping his head back to bare even more of his throat.

Pinks’ heart pounded.This is too dangerous.

“I can hear you,” Galent whispered, sliding a finger down Pinks’ chest, right over his heart.

Pinks froze. Except it occurred to him: If Galent could hear Pinks’ heartbeat, then he could also hear Zarrie in the house, babbling to herself.

“You want to steal my baby,” Pinks growled.

Galent sighed. “I would like to borrow your baby.”

“No.You won’t even get tolookat her.” Pinks bristled. “Much less lay a finger on her.”

“All right.”

“Really?” Pinks narrowed his eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

The giant gave him a considering look. “I have a proposal,” Galent said slowly. “How about I put a baby inside you, and you let me borrow yours?”

2

GALENT’S PROPOSAL

Pinks spluttered,his face burning. “W-what the hell kind of proposal isthat?”

“One that makes sense.” Galent lifted his shoulder in a half-shrug. “That way, we both have a good time, and you have a guarantee that I will return for my child.”

“You can’t use children as collateral!”

Galent looked at him seriously. “Children are precious. By giving you mine, you can be sure that you have something I hold dear. You can use that child as an equal exchange for yours.”

“I’m not letting youtake my baby away.I’m not exchanging one baby for another,” Pinks hissed. “If I bear them, they are bothmine.”

Galent’s gaze grew hooded. He rumbled low in his throat, bringing his face close to Pinks’. “Oh, you will be a good mate.”

“Not your mate,” Pinks snapped.

Galent looked into his eyes for an eternity. Then he pulled away, satisfied somehow. “I suppose I can bide my time.”

Pinks scowled. “You are going to leave and never come back.”

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