Page 51 of Dangerous Intent

“Lissia.” Marchello knocked on the bathroom door. He had been standing on the other side since I entered. I sensed him there, waiting for me to blow up his life some more. As if I hadn’t done enough damage.

“You can come in.”

He slowly opened the door, but when he caught a glimpse of me on the floor, he hurried to my side.

“Are you okay? Why are you on the floor?” He dropped down next to me. “What did the test say?”

“It’s on the counter.” I pointed as I took in his shirtless torso and bare feet. “I haven’t looked yet.”

“Oh, well, I’ll get it. I can check it.”

“No!” I grabbed his hand before he could get up. “Just sit with me.”

“Don’t you want to know?”

“Eventually.” I fidgeted with my hands. “It could be life-altering.”

“Whatever the outcome, we’ll handle it together.”

“I’m scared.”

“You’re not scared of anything.” He held my hand, stopping me from twitching. “Not even of me.”

“You’re not that scary,” I whispered. “But having a baby is pretty frightening, don’t you think?”

When he didn’t say anything, my heart hurt. Why couldn’t I read him? Or maybe I could, and I just didn’t want to see what was right in front of me. He didn’t want a baby.

“I guess you’re not scared of anything,” I said.

“That’s not true.”

“I’d be a pretty shitty mother. Right? I’m all about me. I can’t even keep my birth control straight.” I sighed. “I got the shot in August, but then everything happened, and I didn’t keep track. How can I keep track of a baby?”

“You were kind of busy being my hostage and all.” He held my hand tighter. “I had access to your medical records. I could have been more aware of your schedule.”

“That wasn’t your responsibility.”

“For the record, I don’t think you’ll make a shitty mother.”

“Thanks for saying that.” I gazed up at the counter. “It’s probably ready now.”

“Do you want me to check?”

“No.” My voice cracked. “Not yet.”

“Lissia, whatever it says, sweetheart, we’re going to deal with it. I’m going to take care of you.”

“Do you want to have kids?” I blurted out the question without thinking. “We never talked about it.”

What if his answer doesn’t align with mine?Although, I wasn’t even sure what my answer would be.

“I’ve never really thought about it. I’m still getting used to being in love and being married.” His body tensed. “A baby is…”

“Too much?”

“No, I didn’t say that.”

“Tell me what you’re feeling. Now is not the time to be broody and mysterious.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “Even if they are two of my favorite characteristics of yours.”