Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 85585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
“It’ll be fine,” he says. “I’ll be here the entire time.”
It takes effort to swallow past the emotion rising in my throat. “I know. And I appreciate it.” More than he could possibly realize. More than I’m capable of putting into words.
He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. “Your brother loves you. He’ll understand.”
I’m desperate to believe that. Curled against him, with Elody’s laughter drifting down the hallway and Laiken’s steady presence wrapped around me like armor, I almost do.
“I really hope you’re right,” I whisper.
Laiken’s gaze stays steady on mine. What I find in his eyes is the quiet promise of a man who shows up and knows how to stay.
“I am.” He drops another kiss against my forehead, lingering for half a second before shifting, as if he’s about to say something, until the elevator dings.
The sound slices straight through me, and my eyes widen despite myself.
“It’ll be fine,” he says again, gentler this time, as if he knows the first reassurance wasn’t quite enough. “I’ve got you. I will always have you.”
He kisses me once more before rising to his feet. I stay on the couch for a beat longer, my hands flexing against my knees as my stomach roils, nerves flaring beneath my skin.
This is it.
There’s no more hiding.
As Laiken heads toward the entryway, I push myself up and trail a few steps behind, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug. I’m suddenly aware of everything at once. The faint trace of his cologne that clings to me, the warm gleam of the penthouse lights against polished marble, and the distant sounds of Elody playing in her room.
Life continues even though mine is about to shift.
The elevator dings again, softer this time, as the doors slide open.
My brother’s voice reaches us before he does. “Hey! We’re here.”
Rina’s laugh follows, filling the space as they step inside. Even though Oliver is dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt, he looks as if he belongs on a billboard wearing an expensive suit. His hair is slightly mussed, like he couldn’t be bothered to comb it.
Rina is at his side, wearing a cream-colored coat with a scarf tucked neatly around her neck. The moment her gaze meets mine, her expression shifts. It would be impossible to miss the concern, reassurance, and understanding in that one look.
Oliver’s attention flicks to Laiken first and then to me.
His brows lift slightly as he moves farther into the penthouse. “Hey, kid. How’s married life treating you?”
Before I can answer, Rina closes the distance between us in three quick strides and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight enough for emotion to well in my chest.
“Don’t worry,” she whispers near my ear. “It’ll be okay.”
I swallow hard as the pressure builds behind my eyes.
When she pulls back, I nod once, knowing that if I try to speak, I’ll burst into tears. There is so much emotion churning inside me.
Oliver clears his throat, glancing around the penthouse. “So, where’s your little tornado of energy?”
“She’s in her room playing,” Laiken answers easily. “I told her we’d order pizza in about an hour.”
My brother pats his stomach. “Good. I’m starving. I made sure to save my appetite, since tonight’s on you.”
Laiken huffs out a laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you back next poker night. It’s at your place, remember?”
Rina’s brows lift as she turns toward Oliver. “Oh?” Her tone is deceptively calm. “That’s strange. I don’t recall you mentioning anything about it.”
He winces before quickly recovering. “Remember the spa night I set up for you and the girls?”
A slow smile curves Rina’s lips. “Sneaky.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is strategic,” Oliver counters, flashing a grin.
Rina snorts, clearly unconvinced but amused.
Laiken gestures toward the living room. “Why don’t we move in there and I’ll grab some drinks.”
“I’ll take a beer,” my brother says, already on his way.
Laiken’s gaze shifts to Rina. “Water? Or can I get you something else? Maybe juice or tea?”
“Water sounds perfect,” she replies. “Thanks.”
He nods once before his attention settles on me. “Do you want a water too?”
The question is casually asked.
Oliver’s gaze slides toward me and his mouth twitches as he teases, “What? Let me guess—you’re pregnant too?”
The words hang in the air as everyone but Oliver freezes.
My brother stares at the three of us, confusion knitting his brows as the smile drops from his face. “Why do you all look like that?” he asks. “It was a joke.” His voice falters as his eyes dart to mine. “Kia?” His tone shifts, cracking just enough to give him away. “You’re not pregnant… are you?”
My heartbeat roars in my ears, drowning out everything else. Even though I open my mouth to respond, nothing comes out. The truth feels lodged somewhere between my chest and my throat.
When my gaze flicks helplessly to Laiken, he gives me the slightest nod, and my nerves give way.