Page 109 of Reckless Promises

She blinks back her tears. “I love you too.”

I sink my forehead to hers and close my eyes. The car rocks around another turn, and she melts into me further.

“We’re having a baby.” I try to let that sink in, but as it does, I remember. “The poison.”

Odette shakes her head. “It was a small amount, and they used something herbal. It was more of a nausea inducer than anything. And because I’m already nauseous,the mix of it made me sick enough to pass out. But it didn’t hurt the baby.

I’m thankful in this moment for Joseph’s plan. If he wanted to kill her, he could have. But that wasn’t his goal. And that inadvertently saved them both.

“We still need to get you checked out again. By my doctor this time.” Until I hear it from him, I don’t know if I can trust anything told to her at the Morenos’ hospital.

“I can’t go back to the hospital.” Her eyes widen.

“Fuck no, we’re going home.” I can’t stand the idea of taking her anywhere else. “He’ll check on you there.”

The faintest smile ticks up in the corner of her mouth, and it’s the most beautiful sight. I’m lost in it until my phone makes a sound, and I glance at the text on the screen.

Shane: Done.

“What is it?” she asks as I tuck my phone away.

“This probably isn’t a good time…” But I’m not keeping anything from her anymore. “Your father and Sascha just got picked up by the Feds from an anonymous tip.”

“And my sister?” Her body stiffens. “And Mom?”

“They were at home, nothing to implicate them. They should be fine as long as they cooperate.”

“Thank you, Cillian.” Odette cups my face in her hands. “Thank you for everything.”

“I told you, don’t thank me for taking care of my wife.” I hug her tighter as she sinks against my chests and rests her head in the crook of my neck. “I made you a promise, till death. I’m going to keep it.”

She sinks into my hold, and I lose myself to the sound of her shallow breathing as we drive back to the house. A place that’s becoming more of a home each day but will never quite be it unless Odette is there with me. She’s the only home I’ve known, and for once in my life, I’ll settle, so long as it’s with her.

40

Odette

“You shouldn’t be outof bed.” Cillian steps in my path the moment I make it to the foyer. “How did you get past Peyton?”

“Because she’s on my side, not yours, husband.” I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck. “Besides, the doctor said I’m fine.”

“It’s not just you I’m worried about.” He plants a hand over my stomach as he tips his forehead to mine.

For a man who said he never saw himself becoming a father, it’s a role he’s already slipping into. I can barely get out of bed without him asking how I’m feeling and if I need anything. And in the span of a week, he’s blown out a wall in our bedroom to expand it for an attached nursery.

Our baby isn’t even done growing yet, and they’ve already got a top-level security system and bulletproof windows.

“Cillian, I need you to trust me.” I look up into his deep gray eyes. “If I need to slow down, I will. And if anything feels off, I’ll tell you. I promise.”

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath through his nose. “Okay.”

“Thank you.” Lifting, I plant a kiss on his lips, and he wraps his arms around my waist, tugging my body flush with his.

I’m about to drag him all the way back to our bedroom to work some of my raging hormones out of my system when the doorbell rings.

“They’re here?” Already I feel the tears burning behind my eyes as I pull away.

Cillian smiles at me, kissing me a final time on the forehead before letting me go. “Seems like it.”

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