Page 68 of Her Cruel Alpha

I elbowed him. “That’s not funny. They don’t like me.”

“I was being serious.” He pulled me closer to him, kissing me on the forehead. “And they do. They get like that when they are scared.”

We headed out to the car and drove home. It was dark out, and I was tired. I hadn’t realized I was working off the last of my energy at this point.

Henrik pulled into the house, and we headed inside. But Henrik hooked my arm, pulling me to him as soon as we were inside. He reached up, cupping my face, and just stared at me. I could see the worry in his eyes, the utter fear from before.

I placed my hands on his chest, feeling so much bubbling to the surface.

“I love you,” he said, breaking the silence. “And I have loved you for a while. I don’t want to keep acting like this isn’t real because it is. Everything about this is real.”

My eyes widened.

“I don’t ever want to lose you and I was so scared I was going to. I was terrified that I would never get to watch you grow old and watch our child grow up.”

I felt tears bloom. “I love you too.”

He seemed relieved and his expression seemed to melt. “You do?”

I nodded. “But I thought you were going to leave me because you got what you needed. You needed a child, and I’m pregnant. I saw you with Ashley and…”

He shook his head. “She means nothing to me, Katie. Nothing. You are my everything. I don’t want anyone else but you.”

I looked past him toward the kitchen, where I spotted a huge bouquet of flowers and a fancy feast. I tilted my head, breaking his hold on my face, and stepped towards the kitchen. The closer I got, the more I noticed.

There was soft music playing and chocolate candy laid out. The lights were dimmed, giving the space a romantic feel. My eyes dropped on a little box that sat near the flowers.

“I was going to have this conversation over dinner, but it’s all ruined.”

My eyes were glued to the box, and he noticed. He reached for it and popped the lid open. My eyes widened at a ring.

“I have a ring,” I said, confused.

He nodded. “You do, but I wanted to switch it out. That ring was forced while I’m asking you this time. Do you want to stay with me?”

Tears broke free as I stared at the teardrop diamond. It was stunning and beautiful. Not that the ring that was on my finger wasn’t, but it was just a ring. I had been told to wear it while this… this was something I wanted. I was picking Henrik this time.

I nodded, and he took my hand, took the ring off, and replaced it with the other. I stared at it, unable to control the giggle that broke free. He wanted me.

He walked into my space and reached up, cupping my face. “I love you so much.” He kissed me softly, and I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer.

I didn’t think this would ever be possible. Finding someone who made me feel safe and wanted me like this. I thought it only existed in fantasy.

Henrik hoisted me up and set me onto the counter. I tightened my hold on his chest, and he held me so close. I inhaled his scent, letting it wrap around me.

He leaned back. “Do you remember Sam’s baby shower party?”

I scowled. “Why do you have to ruin a nice moment?”

He smirked and shook his head. “I’m not trying to ruin it. Do you remember that day?”

I nodded. “Oh, I remember that day. You rejected me. You could have been nicer about it.”

His eyes looked at me with so much pain. “Do you think I wanted to?”

I suddenly didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

He sighed softly. “Katie, I had a crush on you long before that day. But I had no choice but to reject you. I couldn’t stand the idea of being with you, and months later, you haven’t paired me up with another person.”

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