Page 73 of Zone Protection

She’s become the person I want to share all of these big moments with, as well as the little ones. And I can’t wait to see her in my jersey, my baby in her belly … yeah, this night needs to end fast.

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

EMMA

Beingat the game meant more to me than I’d realized when I booked the ticket. It wasn’t just about showing up; it was about showinghimI’m here. For him. For this baby. For us. He’s shown up for me in ways no one else ever has. He deserved to see someone in the stands just for him. I wish I’d realized it days ago, but I’m here now, and that’s what matters.

I’ve seen Archie play before, but this time was different. Now that he’s mine—now that we’rereal—it’s like I felt every hit in my own bones. Every time he pulled himself up off the ground, I had to remember how to breathe. And when they won? God, the happiness on his face was everything.

But it’s been almost two hours since I saw him after the game. I’ve been scrolling the team’s feed, screenshotting every glimpse of him. And even in the photos, grinning with his helmet under one arm, there’s still something else there. A shadow behind his eyes. A weight I’m just starting to notice.

I’m getting anxious to see him, so I put my phone down and head into the bathroom. Wouldn’t hurt to brush my teeth, hair, and maybe do a quick wash of my face.

My phone buzzes. FaceTime.

“Hi, baby,” he says, and my chest immediately loosens.

“Hey. Did you have fun?”

“Emma!” someone calls from behind him—blond, tall, and full of charm.

“Hi, um … Ace?”

“Aston,” he corrects with a wink. “The better-looking twin.”

“Oh no.” I laugh. “Definitely Archie’s brother.”

Archie pushes him aside. “Go away,” he mutters, half amused, half feral. He steps into the hotel bathroom and closes the door for privacy. “I’m coming to get you.”

“I can just meet you there,” I offer. “I’ll call while I walk?—”

“Emma.” His voice drops into something low and resolute. “You are not walking anywhere alone. Not in a strange city. Not at night. I’m coming to get you. Be ready.”

I swallow hard. That tone. It should annoy me, but it doesn’t. It lands somewhere deep. Safe.

“Okay,” I say, quieter now. “I’ll be downstairs.”

“Damn right you will.” His eyes soften. “Can’t wait to see you, darlin’.”

When we hang up, I stare at my reflection. Heart fluttering, lips curved into a smile I didn’t know I was wearing. He’s stubborn, yeah. But he’s mine. And this caveman thing? It’s kind of hot.

Looking in the mirror, I run my fingers through my hair. I’m not sure why I’m starting to feel worried about how I look. Overall, I’m a confident gal. But meeting his parents? This is a big deal.

I swipe on some lip gloss, grab my coat, and head for the lobby.

Ten minutes later, I step outside just as Archie rounds the corner with another guy—I think it’s his brother Aiden—striding toward me like he’s afraid I’ll vanish if he blinks.

“Hey—” I start to say, but he cuts me off by pulling me into his arms, lifting me off my feet.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.” His voice is rough against my ear. “Couldn’t relax, knowing you were walking.”

“I was fine?—”

He pulls back just enough to look at me. “Don’t care. You’re mine. And you’re carrying my baby. That means you don’t get to befineout in the dark. Not on my watch.”

I should bristle. But I don’t. Because the truth is, it’s been a long time since someone cared enough to be this … intense about me. My parents have always erred on the side of caution, but this is different. It’s Archie. He doesn’t smother. He shields.

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