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Her hands fidgeted in her lap. “I just...I never imagined telling you about the baby with gunfire. I’ve been picturing all the ways, and that wasn’t it.”

“Not my ideal scenario either,” I admitted, trying to keep my tone light. “But we’re okay. You’re okay. And our little one is okay. That’s what matters.”

A gentle knock on my window sent a rumble of anger through me. How dare the valet interrupt this moment? My body tensed, ready to fight.

“He’s just doing his job,” Serena said bluntly. “Don’t shoot him.”

I squeezed her shoulder before stepping out and handing over the keys, then rounded the car to help her out.

The penthouse suite was exactly what we needed—neutral territory, luxurious enough to make Serena feel comfortable, and secure enough to unwind. She changed from the dress that had blood splatter on one side. Seeing it stoked the flames of anger. Her brother was so disillusioned in his power that he didn’t protect his home as well as he should. The security was good, but not good enough.

Once I placed the food order, I joined Serena in bed. She snuggled into my side, hand curling possessively over my shirt.

“How are you?” she murmured.

“Good now that I have you back.”

“But your wounds?” she insisted.

“Almost healed.”

She nodded. There was still worry radiating from her. I needed to find the cause and banish it so she could fully relax.

“So....” I slid my hand over her belly. “When did you find out?”

“This morning, actually.” Her laugh was rough. “I didn’t know how I would get away with not drinking wine, but the internet said the few glasses at dinner that I’d had previously should have no adverse effects. Thank heavens I didn’t go for the vodka to put me to sleep.”

There was a question in her eyes. I wanted her to ask about my nocturnal visit. When she didn’t, I kept my mouth shut. There would be time enough to tell her I couldn’t stay away, that I’d had to taste her in the dead of night the moment I came to town.

I hummed. “We’ll get you checked out first thing when we get back.”

“Okay,” she murmured.

“Serena.” I gently tipped her chin up. “Prinkípissa.”

“Yes?” she whispered.

“This is the second-best thing that has ever happened to me.” I brushed my thumb over her soft skin. “Do you know the first?”

She shook her head, eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

“You.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You are the best thing to come into my life.”

Her sigh shook her frame. “And you’re really okay with this?”

Was that her worry? “Oh, darling, sweet darling.” I gathered her tight. “I’m blessed. More so than a black soul like me should ever be.”

She buried her face against my chest, and I felt moisture seep through my shirt. My arms tightened around her reflexively.

“I never thought I’d have this,” she whispered against me. “A husband who wants me. A baby. A future that feels....”

“Safe,” I finished for her, pressing my lips to the crown of her head.

She nodded.

“But why?” I drew lazy patterns on her back with my fingertips, memorizing every curve, every dip of her spine. “You come from a place where that future was possible.”

“No, Markos. That house? It was a cage. You saw what Sandro is like. Leo is worse. I would never have found someone—and I would never have found you if I didn’t fly free.”