Page 45 of Tiago

“I agree.”Tiago nods.

“I’ve got poker night tomorrow.I think it would be better if she stayed at your place—if that’s okay.Maybe for a few nights.At least until we know for sure that woman is long gone.”I’m being manipulated by both of these men.It’s like a little dance they’re doing.My grandfather wants my boyfriend to know he isn’t bothered about me sleeping over at the estate.

Tiago nods again.“There are plenty of rooms at the estate, and Gretchen is thrilled to have more people living in the house.She has already cleaned several rooms, so there are plenty for Reagan to choose from.”

Grandpa blows out a relieved breath, though I think it’s rather fake.“That’s settled then.”He stands, finishes his beer, and tips his head to us.“I’m going to bed.”He turns toward me.“Why don’t you pack some things and head back with Tiago tonight.”

“What about you?”I ask.“If I leave,you’llbe here alone.”

He waves a hand through the air.“Don’t you worry.That woman isn’t going to bother me.”He laughs as he leaves us.

Part of me loves the idea of going home with Tiago.Part of me worries about completely falling under his spell if I move into the mansion.We’re already together nearly every waking moment.He’s slowly wearing me down.I’ve already realized I want what he’s offering, but I’m scared out of my mind to verbalize it.

He’s going to take over every aspect of my life, and I love that idea.It makes my heart race, but will I lose myself and regret this decision in a few weeks or months?Will I look up six months from now—hugely round with his child growing inside me—and wonder who the hell I am?

Chapter17

Tiago

I’m furious with Silvia for daring to show up at my girl’s house.So angry that I can’t stop thinking about it, and I white-knuckle the steering wheel all the way back to the estate.

Reagan doesn’t say much during the drive.She fidgets next to me, though it’s hard to tell if it’s because I made her keep the dress on instead of letting her change or if it’s something else.

Surely she isn’t nervous about sleeping under the same roof as me.I’ve made it clear I will not take my cock out of my pants until we’re married, so I know she isn’t concerned that I’m planning to have sex with her tonight.

For as mad as I am about my ex confronting my girlfriend, I’m not sorry that it has made it easy for me to move her into the estate.I will still toss and turn at night, wishing she was in my arms because I’m not going to sleep in the same bed as her, but knowing she’s safe and under my roof will ease my mind.

It’s late when we arrive.The mansion is silent.Everyone has gone to bed.I texted Ryder and Dallas, letting them know I would be bringing Reagan back with me and putting her in the pale-blue room next to mine for the time being.

When we enter the kitchen, I find a piece of paper and leave a quick note for Gretchen on the island before guiding Reagan up the stairs.

She’s still quiet and nervous.That’s okay.I’ll get her tucked in and settled so she can get plenty of rest.I’m glad she doesn’t need to be in town until nine, but I want her to get to bed as soon as possible.

I lead Reagan into the navy room I’ve been using and drop the second bag of her belongings we packed tonight next to the first.I’ll put her clothes away tomorrow.There’s no need for her to unpack her things in another room.She won’t be occupying it very long.

I set a hand on the small of her back.“Go use the bathroom and brush your teeth, baby.”

She nods and moves in that direction.She already has a toothbrush in the holder next to mine.It’s one of the few things in this room that serve as a reminder to me that I have a woman who belongs with me.She might not fully occupy this space yet, but she will soon.

I grab one of my T-shirts while she’s in the bathroom, and I snag the cream I put on her bottom earlier from the nightstand.When she emerges, I nod toward the door that leads to the pale-blue room.“I’m going to set you up in the nursery.”

She hesitates, fidgeting as she stares at me, wringing her fingers in front of her.“We’re seriously going to call that room the nursery?”

I smirk.“Of course.That’s what it will be.”I head that way and open the joining door.I like that these rooms are connected.We can lock both doors on the inside and not worry about anyone opening either of them.With more and more people occupying the house, there’s a chance someone won’t know which rooms are taken and walk in.

I head for the bed, pull back the covers, and turn to find Reagan barely inside the room.“What’s wrong, baby?”

She shrugs.“I don’t know.This is awkward.”She looks behind her into the navy room.“You stripped me naked earlier and made me come so hard I’m still reeling from the experience, and now you’re going to put me in another room?I can’t decide whether I should be grateful or insulted.”

“You don’t need to be either of those, baby.This is temporary.After we get married, you’ll sleep with me, of course.”

She rolls her eyes.“My grandfather isn’t here to know if you really put me in another room.”

I grin.“Doesn’t matter.You’re still not sleeping with me.”

“Why not?Are you afraid you won’t be able to resist me, and you’ll end up breaking your barbaric no-sex-before-marriage rule?”

I shake my head.“Not at all.I’ve got boundless willpower.”

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