Page 54 of Best Friends
I inhale his warm piney scent, shuddering against him. “You wanted me to remove your bite.”
He swears under his breath, pulling back to study my face. His eyes are red-rimmed as he whispers, “I didn’t know what todo. I thought you regretted The Claiming and I just didn’t know how to fix it.”
“I don’t regret it. I hoped one day you’d claim me,” I say softly. “I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, but I’m not unhappy about it at all.” I rub my cheek against his shirt, relieved to be in his arms. “I thought a lot about why I’m being such a coward.”
“You mean why you wanted to hide our relationship?”
“Yeah.” I wince. “It’s embarrassing to admit, but I don’t feel worthy of being your omega. You’re so amazing and everybody loves you. You could have any omega you want.”
He pulls back, and he lifts my chin with one finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You’re the amazing one, C. I told you, you’re it for me. I was serious. You’re the omega I want. You’re the omega I’ve always wanted. I was just terrified to tell you in case you didn’t want me back.”
My pulse picks up speed. “Of course I want you back. I can’t stand the idea of you with anyone but me, even if I don’t feel like I deserve you.”
He laughs, looking relieved. “We’re a couple of real insecure idiots, aren’t we?”
I smile grudgingly. “Apparently.”
He lets out a shaky breath. “If… if you still want to keep our relationship a secret, I’ll do it, C. Just don’t keep me waiting forever, okay?”
My heart aches at his husky offer. “It’s okay. I… I think we should be honest with everyone.” I touch the bite on my neck.“I don’t want to hide anymore. I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel like I’m not proud of being your omega.”
“But if you’re not ready to come out, I… I can wait.” He grimaces. “I’ll try to be patient.”
“No, I think we’ve waited long enough,” I murmur. “Other people will just have to get over it if they don’t approve. Fuck them.”
“You sure?” he looks worried.
I smile, rubbing my finger over the line between his brows. “Yeah, I’m sure. I want to put us first. You’re right, I haven’t been good at doing that, but I want to be.”
“That means a lot, C.” He puts his big, warm hand on my stomach. “Will you be okay if you’re pregnant with my baby? Or would you rather… wait and try again later?”
I put my arms around his neck and I kiss him. Then I whisper, “I hope I am pregnant. I want to have your babies, Malc. The idea turns me on.”
His eyes flicker with heat. “Yeah?”
I nod. “Never wanted to have anyone else’s babies, but I want yours.”
“Fuck, that’s hot,” he mumbles, rubbing my stomach. “I can’t wait until your belly is big and fat with child.”
I shiver. “That’s sexy to you?”
“Oh, yeah. It is if it’s you.” He lowers his hand to cup my groin, smiling salaciously when I groan. “Can’t wait to fuck you when you’re fat with my offspring, C. I could come just thinking about it.”
We kiss and I’m trembling by the time he lifts his head, his eyes still glittering with lust. But then his frown returns.
“What about your job?” he asks hesitantly. “What about the fact that Captain Jones might try to put you on desk duty if you’re pregnant?”
I scowl. “If Captain Jones tries to put me on desk duty before I’m even showing, I’m going to throw a fucking fit. I’ll go to the police union if I have to. It’s not fair that I’d be riding a desk when the baby is the size of a grain of rice.”
“I agree. Me and Chey will back you up. I promise.” He pulls me close again, kissing the side of my head. “I’m so fucking happy right now. You sure it’s okay if people know about us?” He glances down, his gaze searching.
“I’m sure.” I grimace. “I won’t lie, there’s some nervousness about coming out. It’s going to be hard on me since I like my privacy. But you’re worth it. I refuse to lose you because I’m worried about what people think of me. You’re too important to me.”
His smile is warm and he looks relieved. “God it feels good to hear you say that. I was so scared I’d fucked up and lost you for good.”
“No, we both made mistakes. We were both scared.”
He nods, kissing me softly. His mouth is hot and needy, and when the kiss ends, he whispers, “We don’t need to be scared. We love each other and we’re so good together. I need you by my side forever.”
