Page 68 of Demon Boss' Baby Load

18

KNOCKED UP

Even though he’dknown this was a possibility, Nat still panicked a little. “I’m—”

He looked around and saw the kids dozing. They weren’t ready for news like that, especially if they thought Duke might abandon them in favor of his own flesh and blood.

But he also couldn’t keep it bottled up. The news was just too big.

Duke must’ve seen his dilemma, because he said, “Let’s put the kids to bed first. Then we’ll talk.”

Nat blew out a breath and nodded gratefully. “Thanks.”

Duke brushed a kiss against Nat’s forehead. He went around collecting everyone’s abandoned clothes, making sure Nat had Wanda secure in his arms. He pulled Nat to his feet and scooped up Teddy and Mallie, one child in each arm. “If my arms were empty, I would be carrying you. Just so you know.”

Nat spluttered. “But I can walk!”

“I want to prove to you that I can provideeverythingyou need.”

Nat wasnotgoing to examine too closely, how his ovaries swelled at the sight of Duke carrying his children. “Is there anything youcan’tprovide?”

Duke snorted. “I’ll let you know.”

They walked through the mansion together, up the beautiful hardwood stairs and down the brightly lit hallways. Duke dropped off Teddy and Mallie in their shared bedroom, tucking them into their beds.

“They didn’t want separate bedrooms?” Nat asked. There were a number of empty guestrooms on this floor.

“They wanted to be close,” Duke said quietly. “They fought hard to stay together through the foster system. I imagine they were terrified of losing each other.”

Nat was an only child, but he knew too well the terror of being separated from Wanda.

“Maybe they’ll ask for their own rooms when they get older,” Duke said with a shrug.

Nat admired Duke’s soft expression as he watched the children. Then he looked at the siblings himself, and knew for a fact that—

“I’ll protect them with everything I have,” Nat said solemnly. “Not just the—our... our baby and Wanda, but Mallie and Teddy too.”

Duke turned, his eyes glowing faintly white.

For a few heartbeats, Nat thought Duke might pounce on him. But Duke stood still, just watching Nat with that intense gaze.

Nat blushed. “I should, uh, put Wanda to bed.”

Duke swept him off his feet. He carried Nat out of the room and paused in the hallway so Nat could shut the door. Then he brought them to his bedroom, setting Nat back on the floor so he could tuck Wanda into her crib.

Nat fidgeted. “You didn’t mention how long I should stay...”

“Nat.” Duke hauled Nat onto the bed with him. “If you’re carrying my child, my entire home is open to you.”

“Even your closet?” Nat couldn’t help asking.

Duke’s gaze darkened. “By all means, wear my clothes.”

“Does that mean I can also sneak food from the fridge and hide in your office to eat it?”

“You don’t have to hide,” Duke said, looking puzzled. “But do it if you must.”

“I can lie on the couch anytime I want?”

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