Page 53 of Bred

"You can't leave me," he grits out painfully. "I won't let you." Pulling me over the edge, he pulls my body into his, cradling me like something precious. Sobs heave from me uncontrollably.I went over the cliff. I could have died; I could have lost our baby.Realization hits me with such force, my arms fling around him holding on for dear life. He continues to hold me tightly, rocking me back and forth soothing me, afraid to let go.

"You're going to be okay; I've got you.” He picks me up carrying me with little effort back up the mountain.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

HAILEY

Staringoutthewindow,my heart longs to feel the cool winter breeze across my skin. I haven’t left the bed other than to use the bathroom. Even then, I’m carried like a fragile doll by the man that refuses to leave my side. He’s doted on me nonstop but has been surprisingly quiet. Entering the room, he silently sits the tray with my lunch on the bed next to me and pulls up a chair beside the bed.

Staring at the tray, I have to know. “You’ve barely spoken to me.”

“I wanted to give you some space. You needed time to wrap your head around everything.”

“Thank you for that.” I tell him softly.

“Why did you do it?” His cracked voice shocks me.

“What do you mean?”

Staring at the floor, his jaw tightens and he fists his hands. “Why did you go over that cliff? Was it the idea of never being able to leave me?” His piercing gaze, burning my skin. “Or was it the idea of carrying my baby?” His voice cracks.

My body heats, anger flaring through me at his tone. My nostrils flare as I glare right back at his hardened eyes. “First of all, that wasn’t a choice. My foot slipped, believe it or not.”

Seeing the truth in my eyes, his body relaxes like he’s been carrying a heavy weight on his shoulders.

“Second, it’s not like you gave me a choice now did you?” I deadpan. I’m trying to keep my tone light but I refuse to lie about how I actually feel. “You realize you went about everything the wrong way right? The first time I saw you, I immediately felt the connection between us. There was never a reason for you to manipulate me in any way. Hell, I was falling for you hard and fast. Unless that wasn’t the real you…” My voice breaks as I look away from his intense stare, shaking my head in disbelief of all that he’s done.

He drops his head in his hands with a sigh and reluctantly meets my eyes. “It was the real me. I may have manipulated situations, but I will always be real with you.” Taking my hand in his, he interlaces our fingers before placing a gentle kiss on mine.

“I know I messed up but honestly, I can’t say I’m sorry for that.” I try to pull my hand away, but he grips it tighter. “No, don’t do that, please. Look, I am sorry for how I’ve made you feel. But I’m not sorry that you’re in my home, in my bed and pregnant with my baby.”

Agitation stirs in me. “Of course, you’re not.”

His hand holds my cheek, stopping me from moving away from him. “You brought me back to life. You are everything I’ve ever wanted and could have hoped for but never deserved.”

My heart stutters at his honesty. He truly believes he never deserved love. He couldn’t be more wrong.

“I’m a selfish bastard down to the core. You bring out something in me that’s never been rational on any level. The need to consume you, to devour you until I’m all you see taunts me every single moment.” His lips ghost across mine as my breath hitches at his words. “I love you. I love you beyond what’s normal for the average person. But we’re not normal sweetheart. And that’s also what makes us perfect for each other. If you’d only give me a chance to show you how much I need you.” He places a kiss on my lips before he skates to my cheek. “I want you. To give you everything you could want in life. I just want to be by your side, to be able to love you. I know it’s wrong to ask this of you after all I’ve done, but please giveusa chance.”

His hand rubs along my stomach. “The most important thing though is the beautiful life we created together,” he whispers, pressing gentle kisses across my skin. “I know you’re scared, but I am so freaking excited to see your stomach grow with my baby. I can’t wait to see what he or she looks like with your beautiful eyes and that devastating smile of yours.” He beams down at me. His eyes soften as he holds my face in his large hands. “Let me in, baby girl. Let me love you and cherish you both.”

His words melt me and tears flow down my face. Soft lips find mine. I want him and unwavering love and attention. I want to be consumed by him as much as he wants to be consumed by me. His tentative kiss makes me realize I want to be wanted, needed, and loved beyond a doubt. And sanity.

Threading my hands through his hair, I pull back and gaze up at those mesmerizing brown eyes.

“Tell me.” He demands.

A small smile plays at my lips. He just can’t help himself. This is who he is. This is who we are. I nod my chin, a smile playing at my lips.

“Tell me your mine.” He demands again, softly. “Words baby girl.”

“We’re going to have to work on some of that possessiveness.” I say, raising an eyebrow at him. “But yes, I’m yours Holden.”

The End