Page 44 of Blood Bonds

“But—”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “Let me take care of you. Please.”

Her eyes widened, startled by the sincerity radiating from him. The man was a living, breathing conundrum. One minute seducing, the next nurturing.

“The baby needs food,” he added. “In case you were looking for a rational reason.”

She blinked.

Right. Food facilitated growth.

“Then sex.” What is wrong with me? She shouldn’t be demanding this. But she wanted it. Badly. For no practical purpose other than to feel. This man is going to be the death of me.

“Don’t worry, Caro. I’ll give you what you need.” His smile was positively wicked.

“Why do I think that’s not what I’m requesting,” she said slowly.

“Because you’re intelligent, angel.” He cupped her cheeks again and kissed her softly. “I do owe you another orgasm—since you asked so sweetly—and I intend to deliver.” The words were a breath against her lips, followed by a punishing nip. “After you eat something. Immortal or not, our baby requires food.”

“Our baby,” she repeated. Why did that phrase spread warmth from her chest? “You really want to do this.”

He pulled back to gaze into her eyes. “I won’t lie to you, Caro. It’s not something I’ve ever wished for, but I’ve not once considered the possibility of not having this child with you. Destiny or not, it feels too right.”

She swallowed and nodded in understanding. Whether the Fates wanted this to happen or not remained a moot point in the presence of Caro’s instinctual reactions to the life blossoming inside of her.

Protect.

Foster.

Cherish.

It was as if her soul had already vowed to do all those things without her conscious consent.

But as he said, it felt too right to resist.

“Okay, but this doesn’t mean I like you,” she whispered, not really meaning it.

He grinned against her lips. “I would hope not, angel. Otherwise, this partnership will be awfully boring.”

“What if I prefer boring?”

“You don’t.” He drew his mouth along her cheek to her ear. “Because if you did, you wouldn’t want to fuck me.”

Words failed her. A denial would be a lie. Acceptance would only stroke his oversized ego. Remaining quiet seemed her only option, though that, of course, implied her agreement.

Sethios kissed her again, soundly, before standing. “Food first, angel. Then I’ll pleasure you until you beg me to stop.”

Well. If that’s how he intended to treat her while pregnant, who was she to argue?

Her last pregnancy left her miserable and pained. Perhaps this time would be different with Sethios by her side.

Starting with more hot chocolate.

12

Fresh Alliances

Gabriel leaned against the brick wall, gaze on the courtyard across from him. Beyond it stood a building he wanted to know everything about.