Page 130 of Ruthless Vengeance
He runs his hand through my damp hair to smooth it back from my face. “We should get some sleep.”
I hum, the soft thuds of his heartbeat already pulling me under.
He kisses my forehead. “We have a big day tomorrow.”
I struggle to keep my eyes open. “Why? What’s happening tomorrow?”
He brushes his thumb across my cheek before leaning in to kiss me. “We’re house hunting.”
My eyes fly open, and I push myself up onto my elbow to look at him. “Are you serious?”
He nods, looking far too pleased with himself. “You said it yourself, we need our own space.”
“I did, but…”
“But, what?” His eyes shine. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t particularly want to be under this roof when there’s two screaming newborns. Besides, you need somewhere you can work on your designs in peace.”
I laugh, though the sound is slightly watery. “Marco…”
He leans closer, wrapping his arms tighter around my body. “You need space for all your sketchbooks and sewing supplies… And your growing belly.”
That last one makes me freeze.
I haven’t had much of a chance to really process the reality of what this pregnancy means for my future, but what I do know is that I will always put my baby first.
“I can’t do the course.” The words spill out before I can stop them. “Not now I’m pregnant, Marco. There’s no way I can juggle both?—”
He places a finger over my lips.
“No. You don’t get to say that.”
“But—”
“We’ll figure it out, love. I’ll get someone to manage Nox full time, and I’ll work from home more. Hell, we’ll hire a nanny or two if that’s what it takes. Whatever you need, Clara, I will give it to you.”
“Marco…” My voice thickens with tears. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’ve already given up enough. I’m not letting you put your life on hold again. Not for me, not for the baby, not foranyone.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes at the reality of what he’s gifting me. “You really mean that?”
He leans in and kisses me softly. “You deserve this. Your dreams matter just as much as mine, asours.”
I reach up and cup his face, stroking my thumb over the stubble that is coating his jaw. “How did I get so lucky?
He grins, causing his eyes to crinkle in that way that makes my heart flutter. “You didn’t. I did.”
I laugh, burying my face in his neck.
I never thought I would ever feel such peace, but as I drift off to sleep wrapped in Marco’s arms, there’s one thing I know for certain.
This is what home is meant to feel like, and tomorrow we’ll go and find the walls to match.
EPILOGUE
Clara
Fourteen monthslater
