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“Sorry, baby,” I lie, knowing full well I won’t do that. She’ll carry my child whether she wants it or not.

“Fuck you, Felix,” she hisses, pushing away from me. Her dark eyes are flashing, but I can see the vulnerability underneath like she’s just trying to hold herself together.

“Fine,” I say, pretending to give in. “But for now, let’s justenjoy each other.” My hands glide over her soapy curves, feeling the warmth of her flesh beneath my fingertips.

“Asshole,” she mutters under her breath, but she doesn’t resist as I pull her close again, our bodies melting together under the hot spray.

As the water washes away the evidence of our sins, I can’t help but wonder why she isn’t already pregnant. She’s been here months through two periods, but no baby yet. It’s frustrating, but I won’t give up.

“Hey,” I murmur, brushing a wet strand of hair away from her face. “It’ll be okay. Trust me.”

“Trust you?” she scoffs, looking at me like I’m a monster. Maybe I am, but when it comes to Aurora, I’ll do anything.

“Trust me, baby,” I whisper, my voice soft but firm. “No matter what you say, I’m gonna fill you again and again. One day, you’ll be round with my child, and maybe then you’ll see things differently.”

“Fuck you,” she repeats, but her words are hollow, the fight draining out of her as the water continues to flow over us, washing away everything but the raw truth of our desires.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Aurora Henry

The flickering light from the television dances across the room, barely reaching us under the covers. I’m snuggled up on Felix’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my cheek. It’s soothing, almost like a lullaby.

“Can’t believe we’re watching this shit,” I mutter, not really paying attention to the random movie playing on the screen. My mind is wandering, lost in daydreams and memories.

Felix’s fingers fly across his phone, texting away like some fucking madman. His other hand rests on my shoulder, but I can tell he isn’t really focused on the movie or me. What the hell is he doing? Who the fuck’s he talking to?

I lift my head from Felix’s chest, staring straight at him. His fingers pause on his phone screen, and he finally meets my gaze. He lets out a soft chuckle and sets his phone down.

“What’s up?” he asks, his voice low and smooth.

“Who the fuck you texting?” I demand, my jealousyboiling over. I don’t like being in the dark, especially when it comes to him.

Felix smirks, obviously amused by my bluntness. “Now, darling, there’s no need to get all worked up,” he drawls. “It isn’t anything to worry about.”

“Then why are you hiding it from me?” I ask, challenging him.

“Never said I was hiding anything,” he replies, leaning in close so that our noses are almost touching. His dark eyes bore into mine, daring me to keep pushing.

“Then tell me what you’re doing on your damn phone,” I say, not backing down. If he thinks he can intimidate me, he’s got another thing coming.

“Fine,” he says, his smirk growing wider. “You really wanna know?”

“Damn right, I do,” I shoot back, not breaking eye contact.

Felix’s laughter crackles like thunder, and I can feel its vibrations through his chest. “Jealous, darling?” His smile is wicked as sin, and I’m caught in that predatory gaze. “I got nothing to hide. Passcode’s 3423. Knock yourself out.”

He goes on, telling me he texted Angel about some inscription he found on the man’s wedding band. My curiosity ignites like a firework, and I prod him for more information.

“What did you find? Spill the beans, Felix.”

“Alright, alright,” he says, still grinning. “It’s just the initials LH with a tiny love heart. Seems sweet, right?”

My body locks up, stiff as an iron rod. I’m yanked back into a memory from when I was nine, holding my dad’s ringas he unclogged a rainwater pipe. The same damn initials were there, with the same shitty little heart. I’d asked my dad about it, and he told me it was for my mom, Laura Henry.

“Shit,” I mutter, my breath coming out shaky. Images of my parents flash before my eyes, and I can’t help but feel sick at the thought of them. I pushed them away after escaping hell, unable to even look at their faces without getting hit by a tidal wave of PTSD.

My body is still shaking as Felix sits up, snatching me from my thoughts. He grips my face with his rough hands, forcing me to look into his dark eyes. “What’s wrong, darling?” he asks, concern lacing his voice.