Page 54 of The Aether

As she stared down into his wide, baby-blue eyes, she thought perhaps he had. Offering her index finger, she smiled as he gripped it and a second warm pulse was transferred from him to her.

“You’re going to be as strong as your papa, aren’t you, my little man?”

He gave her a toothless grin as he released her nipple.

Vivian shifted him to her shoulder and covered her breast, then proceeded to burp him. Sensing she was no longer alone, she sought the source.

Damian lounged in the door opening, his arms crossed and an indulgent smile on his perfect face.

How had she gotten so lucky to gain the attention and affection of the Aether? He was so dynamic and important, yet he held no artifice or conceit. His every action was thought out, as if he weighed the consequences of every possibility before making a single move.

Deliberate.

Damian wasalwaysdeliberate.

What would it be like if he wasn’t? She couldn’t recall him ever simply letting go. Not even during lovemaking. The one place he was free to be himself had been her bed, and yet he hadn’t been. Looking back, it seemed a sad way to live.

“What has you thinking so hard, my love?”

She smiled in the face of his curiosity. “You don’t know? Can’t read my mind?”

“I could, but you called me a creeper earlier.”

“A stalker, and I said it was creepy that you could.”

“Right, so I decided I won’t.” He straightened from the wall and strolled across to them. Holding out his arms, he asked, “May I?”

“Of course. He’s your son.” After handing Nate off, she stood. “Here, take a seat.”

“I’m too wound up to sit.” Rocking the baby, Damian approached the window and looked out over the estate. “I can still feel him out there. Like a buzzing in my mind.”

“I’m assuming you mean Morcant.”

“Yes.”

“But he can’t get through the wards?”

“No. Nor the extra barrier I’ve added to encase the property.”

“You’re still worried, aren’t you?”

“I’m trying not to be. It’s imperative we set aside negative emotions.”

“Is that possible? People have negative thoughts every day.”

He turned and raised a brow.

“Am I too fat? Am I pretty enough? Am I interesting?” She paused and smiled softly, feeling the old insecurities rise up. “Does my husband love me as much as I love him? Does he forgive me for being foolish and leaving when I should’ve faced my fears and stayed?”

“The first three questions should never plague you, my love.” Damian’s expression softened as he gazed at her. “And as for the last two.More, and of course he does.”

“Really?”

His look turned thoughtful as he contemplated a response.

“Please give me the unvarnished truth, Damian. No matter how badly you think I’ll take it.”

“I was trying to understand why you didn’t believe me the first time I said it.”

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