Page 89 of Risk

Love is what broke my father and sent him down into a spiral that wrecked not only his life, but mine and my brothers’.

I fear that if I love someone, like my father loved my mother, and I lose that person, that it will break me beyond repair. Like it did him.

And I know without a doubt that it would be so easy for me to fall in love with Kaden.

So, me refusing to believe his words made it easier for me to protect myself.

Because being with Kaden would be a huge risk for me.

But now, I know…he’s a risk that I want to take.

I press my hand to his cheek, bringing his eyes to mine. “I am so sorry that I hurt you that morning.”

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. I deserved it. I’d hurt you when I left you in the hotel room to wake up alone.”

“Kaden,” I say firmly. I need him to hear me. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

I watch his eyes intently as he absorbs my words. He blinks slowly, accepting them.

Then, he whispers, “I’m sorry I hurt you too.”

“Apology accepted. So, we’re even then.”

“I guess so.”

“Ask me then.”

“Ask you what?”

“To be your girlfriend.” Even thoughgirlfriendseems inaccurate and a little tame for us, considering we’re currently pregnant and living together.

The most beautiful smile lights up his whole face. “Artemis Kincaid, will you be my girlfriend?”

The way he says it, sounding so high school, makes me giggle.

“Yes, Kaden Scott, I will be your girlfriend.”

The whoop of laughter that emits from him makes me laugh harder.

My laughter is abruptly cut off when his mouth lands on mine, and he kisses me—and there is nothing tame about this kiss.

It’s a claiming.

The start of something monumental.

A kiss that tastes like forever, steeped in always.

THIRTY-ONE

When I wake this time, it’s with my head on Kaden’s bare chest, my bump resting on one of his muscular yet comfortable thighs, my leg draped across his.

His heart thrums steadily beneath my ear. His hand is splayed across my bump, his other curled around my back, fingertips resting against the side of my bare breast.

After Kaden asked me to be his girlfriend and I finally laid to rest my fears, we made out like teenagers, then fucked like porn stars. Well, Kaden fucked me with skill and precision, and I let him.

Balboa left my bedroom the moment we started getting hot and heavy—I’m guessing to go sleep in Kaden’s room.

After we finished having sex, Kaden cleaned me up, got back into my bed, wrapped me up in his arms, and stroked my hair until I fell asleep, which didn’t take long. Seemed that hand that was in my hair made its way to my boobs during the night. Not that I’m complaining.

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