Page 26 of Forbidden Passion

“I think you’re hearing me wrong,” he said.

She shook her head. “No. I hear you just fine, and I agree.”

He studied her when she came back to the table and grabbed more dishes. It broke his heart when she tried to smile and act like she wasn’t hurting.

He reached for her, and she flinched.

She caught herself. “I’m sorry. I just want to get this cleaned up and go to bed.”

Dominik looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s only seveno’clock.”

She had turned her back again. “Yes. But I’m tired, and I have a long day tomorrow.”

His brows pinched together. “Why?”

“I was invited to go over to Michelle’s after work for a girls’ night.”

“When were you going to say something to me?” he asked.

“I was going to tell you when you picked me up, but things got a bit crazy. It’s not a big deal, is it?”

He stood and walked to her, standing very close. “Turn around, Angel. I don’t like talking to the back of your head.”

He saw her stiffen and then turned. His stomach tightened when he saw how blank her expression was. She was building a wall between them and didn’t know what to do. His emotions had been in turmoil since learning she hadn’t said anything to him about a man trying to touch her. It had gone downhill from there. He decided to give them some space and then bring it up later.

“No, it’s fine. You’ll ride home with her?”

Tessa nodded.

“What time do you think I can come and get you?” he asked.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. One of the girls can bring me home.”

His face darkened. “No, I’ll come and get you. Now, what time?”

“I think around nine, but I’ll call you if the time changes,” she said.

He wasn’t going to push her anymore. “That’s fine. Let me help with the dishes.”

She shook her head and turned back to face the sink. “No, I’ve got it. Go in and relax. This won’t take me long.”

He stood still for a moment before grabbing another beerfrom the refrigerator and walking out of the room. When he got to his office, he sat behind his desk and started his computer. He needed to get some paperwork done, or he’d get so far behind he’d be doing it all weekend, and he wanted to spend it with Tessa.

It took an immense amount of effort to keep his mind on work and not on Tessa. When he checked the time, he was shocked to see that three hours had passed. He turned off his computer, stood, and stretched before going to find Tessa.

All the lights were off except one in the hallway. When he opened the bedroom door, it was to see Tessa already in bed.

Dominik brushed his teeth and stripped off his clothing before sliding into bed behind her. He could tell she was sleeping deeply, so he carefully wrapped his body around her. When he checked and found her still asleep, he exhaled and relaxed.

He was disappointed that she hadn’t come to say good night because he had wanted—no, needed—to fuck her until she knew she belonged to him, and that would never change. But he also understood why she hadn’t.

He’d find time tomorrow to sit down and talk with her because he hated the wall between them. He would make sure she understood how much he loved her and was afraid for her to have his baby. If they didn’t have a discussion, he was afraid the abyss would grow between them, and he might just lose her.

The thought made him furious and sick at the same time. If that happened, he’d never be the same.

Chapter Twelve

Tessa found Michelle at the nurse’s station the next day. “Hey, girl. Is there a chance we can get together after work?”

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