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Nearly two hours later, John was home, showered and cleaned from his run. It was nearly seven in the morning and he’d barely had any sleep at this point. He pumped his legs until they burned. John learned to channel his anger and frustration in the Marines. He’d only been part of the corps for a short time, but he felt like he owed them so much more.

Stepping into his room, Alyssa hadn’t moved from the spot he last saw her in. She’d fallen back asleep in his bed—and he was glad. The bags under her eyes were a deep purple and her skin took on a pale white with yellow coloring in the areas Ben hit her.

Walking over to his bed, he dropped the shirt in his hand and lifted the covers. Alyssa was balled up in a fetal position, her little feet peeking out under her rear. As much as he shouldn’t do it, John climbed in his bed and curled up behind her. He mimicked her position, spooning her. He slipped one arm under her pillow, the other over her stomach and held her. Mmmm … she was warm to the touch and he curled into her. Shit. Was it okay to lay his arm on her like this? Would it hurt her? Alyssa stirred, cuddling into him, filling every space with her lush body. He loved the few pounds she put on. It took all of him not to run his hand down her side and over her hip to her thigh and grip it in his hand.

This was a stupid move for him to get into bed with her. His cock hardened as it pressed against her. When was the last time he got laid? Oh, right … just before Jace’s funeral … with Alyssa. He needed a good lay, but he couldn’t imagine sleeping with anyone else other than her. She owned him completely and didn’t even know it.

A little moan escaped her lips when she said, “Johnny?” in the huskiest voice he’d ever heard.

Bringing him out of his thoughts, Alyssa ran her hand over his hand. She laced her fingers through his, sliding their hands to settle between her heavy breasts.

Yeah. Stupid, stupid move on his part.

Stifling a groan, John said, “Shhh … I’m here,” then softly kissed her shoulder blade. She nodded in return, her mass of blonde locks were pulled up high above her head bearing her neck. Alyssa nuzzled her head into his arm, her hair brushing against him and pressed a light kiss to his bicep and then fell back asleep.

It took some time, but John eventually nodded off to sleep with his girl in his arms.

Sometime later, Alyssa roused. She was over tired, her body tight and sore. Yawning, she stretched her arms over her head and straightened her legs … feeling another set of legs. Her heart stopped for a minute.

What the–

Opening her eyes, John was before her, watching her intently. When had he crawled into bed with her? The last she remembered he was going for a run.

“Mornin’,” he said. “Or good afternoon?” A brow lifted at the same time his smile made an appearance. They were face to face, bent at the knees only inches apart.

Covering her mouth, she yawned again. “What are you doing here?” His brows furrowed, confused at her question. “I just mean, you didn’t seem too keen on talking to me before yet you’re here now.”

“I had a lot on my mind.”

“Care to elaborate?”

Looking down at her stomach, he ignored the question and asked her one. “May I?” with his hand raised.

Alyssa took a deep breath and nodded. She wasn’t used to anyone wanting to touch her stomach before, but John asking melted her heart.

Cautiously, John rested his hand on her expanded tummy, moving slowly. The last thing he wanted to do was bring her pain.

“It’s okay … you can push a little …” She placed her hand over John’s showing how far he can press. As she did, a kick pushed through and John pulled his hand away, startled from it. Alyssa chuckled at his wide eyed expression.

“Whoa! Does he always kick like that?”

“That was nothing. He’s only getting warmed up,” a timid smile tipped her lips. Reaching for John’s hand, she placed it back on her stomach. They both waited for another kick to come through.

“Wow. That’s crazy! It’s pretty amazing, actually.”

Alyssa stared at John’s face as he touched her belly, exploring every inch with his touch. She loved that he was curious about her belly. Ben never was. It was like he couldn’t stand to look at it.

Would he be in awe of his first step? His first bite of food?

Would he even be around? Alyssa’s smile faltered.

John brought his hand to her face. He lifted her chin until her gaze reached his. “What are you thinking about?”

She shrugged. “Nothing.”

“Don’t lie.”

“It’s nothing I want to talk about right now.” Alyssa brought his hand back to her stomach. “Please?” she asked. She loved that he wanted to touch her belly.