Page 31 of Katie 3

“We don’t have time to fix this. We don’t have time to get everything in order,” he says slowly.

“You have time to say two sentences to me about this.”

“She asked if I wanted her to get rid of the baby and I said no. I meant it. I’m not ashamed of her. I’m pissed at the situation. And the situation is about to get worse.”

My mind swirls. Brad is going to be arrested, detained, have a bail hearing, and then trial itself. It means it’s happening soon if Dad’s already here. All the shit I said to Katie was… fuck.

I thought he had some last-minute option for us so we could escape this path but instead, here he is confirming that we’re fucked.

“When?” I ask. “How did it get—”

“We’re going to have to head back tomorrow so it doesn’t look like he’s evading arrest.”

My world folds in on itself, imploding. But Brad speaks up as he walks into the kitchen. “I’m not going back.”

My dad looks between us. “Carter, take care of this.”

How am I supposed to do that when all I can picture is my brother kicking someone’s ass while he’s detained and waiting for trial? How am I supposed to make sense of anything when horrible futures keep playing out before my eyes? All the options are worse than the last, ending with Katie alone, pregnant, and terrified just like she imagined.

We’re so fucked.

Chapter fifteen

Henry

Ihead up the stairs. I know Katie needs to sleep. I know why Carter mentioned her stress. I get it. I’ve seen pregnancy before—obviously with my two boys. But Katie’s not showing. For just a little longer, she’s my angel. My survivor that’s already had to deal with too much and I’m afraid that this will be too far.

I know she’ll lie for Brad. I know she’ll do it well because she has to. That doesn’t mean that the fallout of that decision isn’t going to weigh too heavily on her shoulders. Her being strong doesn’t mean she’ll look at Carter and me the same way.

Despite all the time I’ve spent crafting this case, all the time I’ve spent trying to process the reality we’re in, one thing remains true. I’m a greedy bastard and I want Katie. She wants me. She came to me, pouting and hurt and upset, and knowing I made her feel that way ruined the control I was trying to enforce. It’s time to truly fix that.

I open the door to the master bedroom and find her sleeping in underwear and a large t-shirt with a collar around her throat.I slowly ease it off her, not wanting her to get used to the feeling of being owned so obviously.

Won’t work in court,I think.

That’s the thought I use to cover my own hunger for her. I drag the covers down her body and slowly trail my fingertips over her thigh and along her hip, pulling the shirt up. She has on a pair of frilled panties that hint at how innocent she can be. It makes me want her more. I gently trace the frills, getting closer and closer to her slit until she lets out a soft moan. I continue teasing her with light strokes until she spreads her legs and lifts her ass for more. I guide her shirt up her body, my fingertips tracing around her belly button and continuing up and up.

So little. I trace the soft curve of her breasts and push her shirt up. I cup each breast, then lean down to lick over a nipple.

She arches for me, my sweet angel, so responsive even in sleep. Playing with her feels normal, natural. Giving in to her temptation is exquisite. I groan and slowly lick between her breasts while dragging her underwear to the side to trace her pussy, slowly letting my fingers sink deeper.

Rubbing her clit, teasing her entrance, then thrusting my fingers into her.

Katie

My hips roll and buck slowly as my eyes flutter open. Henry’s there, fingering me, licking and kissing my breasts, his gentle strokes, gentle teasing bringing me to an easy orgasm. It ripples through my body and I moan. I can’t resist.

I whimper and open my eyes. “Henry… please.”

He looks at me and his eyes widen. “You don’t usually… I mean, you never…”

“Don’t stop,” I beg. “Please.”

He groans and claims my lips, his tongue so slick and sure across mine. I moan and pull him closer, tasting him, welcoming his familiar weight on top of me. He rips my panties, then grinds against me.

I reach between us, but he shakes his head. “Lay still.”

I blink at him, lean back, and deliberately lift my hips to grind against him even as he pulls his pants down. I want him. I want all of them. I let out a soft whimper and finally he fills me. I gasp against his mouth.

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