Page 135 of Bleeding Hearts Duet

Chapter Sixteen

Brighton

Something warm skimmed over my neck, and I shivered as I nuzzled closer. I knew that scent anywhere. Whiskey and Ryland.

I smiled, because I was dreaming, and in my dreams, I could still have him.

“Baby girl,” he murmured. “Just let me hold you.”

I felt his warmth against my back, and I sighed against him. His heartbeat was as strong as I remembered, soothing me in a way that only he could. It felt so real. His hands were on my body. Stroking my hip, my ribs, my arms. I was falling deeper, and I knew I was going to lose him at any moment.

“Ryland,” I whispered.

“Yes, baby,” he replied. “I’m right here.”

His hands drifted over my belly, and I felt him pause. This was my dream so it could be anything I wanted. I imagined him telling me how happy he was. That we never had to be apart again, and he would take care of us. I would let him this time. Because it was just a dream.

***

I woke to sunlight streaming through the cracked blinds, and I whined. I really needed to get those fixed. Stretching out my sore muscles, a smile crept across my face. My dream had been so real last night, so very…

The scent of amber and cinnamon floated up from my pillow, and my breath hitched. I didn’t imagine that. That was real.

I shot up, clutching the blankets around my chest. Ryland was sitting on the end of the bed. But he wasn’t looking at me. He was looking at the picture of the sonogram they’d taken in the hospital. The one that I kept in my dresser drawer.

Oh, God.

My heart squeezed in my chest. He knew.

I waited for what felt like forever. He knew I was awake, but he wouldn’t look at me. He wouldn’t say anything. And I didn’t know why.

He was disappointed. Horrified. That could be the only explanation.

Finally, he stood up, his blue eyes meeting mine. I was afraid to look too deeply for fear of what I’d see there.

“How did you get in here?” I whispered.

“Anyone with two brain cells to rub together could get in here,” he roared. “And you’re fucking pregnant! How could you not tell me this?”

That was anger in his voice. Definite anger. And anger equated to disappointment. Right? My eyes burned, but I wouldn’t let him see me cry.

“It’s none of your business,” I bit out.

“None of my business?” he growled. “I’d have to disagree, Brighton. I’d say this is very much my fucking business.”

“I knew you’d react this way!” I yelled. “That’s why I didn’t tell you.”

He laughed darkly, and the cold Ryland was back, just like that. No more apologies, no more sweetness.

“No, you didn’t tell me because you wanted to punish me. You wanted to take this away from me. Well, I’ve got news for you, Brighton. That’s not going to fucking happen.”

“What are you saying?” My lip wobbled.

“Get your things together.” He walked towards the door. “You’re moving out of this shit hole. Today.”

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