Page 54 of Forbidden Love

But something kept tugging at the edge of her happiness like a frayed thread she couldn’t ignore.

It wasn’t a secret, not exactly. But she hadn’t told Brock. She just didn’t know how to bring it up without shattering the peaceful bubble they had created.

“Hey, you ready to go outside?” Brock’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts just as his arms wrapped around her waist from behind. He pressed a soft kiss to the curve of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “Or are you still daydreaming about what we did last night?”

She smiled, leaning into him. God, it was so easy to get lost in him.

“Yeah,” she murmured, her voice soft.

But he didn’t move. His hands remained on her hips, and after a moment, he gently turned her to face him. His eyes searched hers, instantly picking up on her shift in mood.

“What’s going on?” he asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’ve been quiet all morning. That’s not like you.”

“Are you saying I talk too much?” she asked with a fake frown.

“Don’t change the subject.” Brock cocked an eyebrow at her, seeing right through the deflection.

“Fine.” She sighed, then glanced around to make sure no one was close enough to hear. Emily and Tammy had already gone outside. “I’m just sorry that I was so caught up in my own stuff that I didn’t realize you were going through something, too.”

“Deb, there was no way you could’ve known. And yeah, it’s something I still carry with me, but it was a long time ago.” Brock tilted her chin gently so she had to look up at him. “Is that really what’s been bothering you?”

“Yes,” she admitted with a nod, then gave a small shrug. “I just... I don’t know.”

“I love you,” he whispered. “And I promise, if I ever need to talk about it, I’ll come to you.”

“I love you too,” Deb said, hugging him tightly before pressing a kiss to his lips.

“Get a room!” Hunter and Emily called out at the same time as they passed by.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Emily said with a grin, “but I’ve got to pee again.”

Hunter rolled his eyes but followed her, grinning proudly as he did.

Deb laughed and shook her head as she turned toward the door, but Brock stopped her, gently turning her back to face him again.

“You are one special woman, Deb,” he said softly, then kissed her once more.

“You haven’t seen her grumpy yet,” Hunter snorted as he walked back into the room.

“Is Mabel here yet?” Deb asked innocently, but in truth, giving Hunter shit was on her daily to do list.

“You seriously invited her?” Hunter growled, not hiding his annoyance.

“Of course I did,” Deb replied with fake seriousness. “She’s part of this community.”

“Not cool, Deb.” Hunter pointed at her accusingly as he stepped outside. Brock chuckled and followed him.

“You never did tell me who this Mabel person is,” Brock said, winking at Deb.

“She threatened my dick, man,” Hunter’s voice could still be heard through the door as it closed behind them.

“Is he still going on about Mabel and his dick?” Emily reappeared, making her way toward Deb.

“Yep,” Deb replied with a chuckle, loving every bit of it. She glanced at Emily, who looked a little pale. “You feeling okay?”

“Ehh, a little sick today, but I’m fine,” she replied, then smiled. “How’s it going with you and that handsome Shifter?”

“Good,” Deb said, blushing before rolling her eyes when Emily wiggled her eyebrows. “Great, okay? Now come on, let’s go outside and enjoy the day.”

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