Page 33 of Laced With Secrets

Dominic’s expression turned smug. “See? Doctor’s orders.”

“How did you—” I started.

“He called ahead,” Dr. Westfield said, not even trying to hide her smile. “Wanted to make sure I knew to emphasize the no-ladder rule.”

“You called my doctor?” I asked Dominic, not sure whether to be exasperated or touched.

“I’m taking no chances,” he said unapologetically. “None.”

“Smart alpha,” Dr. Westfield said approvingly. “So, you’re scheduled for your final appointment with me in four weeks. My office will coordinate with Dr. Hassan’s.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Dr. Westfield nodded and slipped out the door, the soft click of the latch echoing in the sudden quiet of the examination room.

I started to hop down off the examination table, but Dominic appeared before me, his broad frame caging me in. His hands found my waist, strong fingers crinkling the hospital gown as he lifted me with effortless care, setting me gently onto the floor.

I gazed up at him, warm affection unfurling in my chest. “Kiss me.”

His steel-gray eyes darkened at my request. Without hesitation, he bent down, his lips meeting mine in a touch so tender and innocent it made my knees weak.

When he broke away, the corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Now get dressed before I forget myself and proceed to compromise you right here.”

I snorted, feeling the heat of his body still radiating against mine. “As if you have any compunctions about compromising me.”

My alpha’s rich chuckle rumbled between us, not a hint of remorse in the sound as he gathered the sonogram printouts and held them like they were precious artifacts.

“The pup’s grown a lot.” The corners of his mouth softened as his thumb traced the tiny silhouette.

“Seven weeks makes a difference,” I said, echoing Dr. Westfield.

Dominic’s fingers interlaced with mine as we stepped out of the doctor’s office. The afternoon sun bathed us in light, but the January air bit through my clothes, making me shiver.

“You can wait inside while I get the car,” Dominic said, his brow furrowing as he noticed my reaction to the cold.

I shot him an exasperated look. “Oh no, you don’t, alpha. The car is literally right there.”

My finger jabbed toward his silver Aston Martin, gleaming in the sun barely five spaces from the entrance.

Dominic turned his head away, his jaw set in what could only be described as an alpha’s version of a pout. I pressed my lips together, fighting the smile that threatened to break across my face.

“I’m never missing another appointment,” he said, opening the passenger side door for me. His voice was fierce, final. “Never. I don’t care what’s happening, what meeting I have, what crisis Blake’s dealing with. I’ll be at every single one.”

“Okay,” I said softly.

“I mean it.”

“I know you do.” And I did. Could feel his certainty through our bond, absolute and unshakeable.

He got in and started the car, carefully placing the sonogram pictures in the center console where they wouldn’t get bent.

He turned on the heater. “Better?”

“Much,” I said, peeling off my gloves and extending my fingers toward the vent. A sigh of pleasure escaped my lips as the warmth caressed my skin.

I glanced over at Dominic, only to find his steel-gray eyes fixed on me, dark with unmistakable hunger. “So. Intimacy is safe.”

“That’s what she said.”