Page 125 of My Fiancé's Brother

I didn’t want to think about Matt or Irene. Those two people had consumed every moment of my life for weeks. They had taken over my small world. I just needed a break from them both.

A yawn overtook me.

He stood up and held out his hand. “Time to go back to bed.”

I let him lead me back upstairs. “I don’t know why I'm still tired.”

He watched as I pulled off some clothes and then climbed back into bed. I stared up at him. My heart ached so much. He looked down at me. I was afraid that he would leave.

“Can you lie down with me?” my voice sounded small.

For one long moment, I thought he would refuse. Then he grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it over his head. “Move over.”

I scooted over, and I watched as he kicked off his jeans. Then he climbed into bed beside me.

“Roll over,” his voice was low.

I curled up on my side, my back to him. A giant arm snaked around my waist, and then he tugged me back against him, so my back was flush against his warm torso. He curved his huge body against mine, so I was lying in a warm Jackson cocoon.

I sighed and snuggled my head into the pillow. He pushed my hair away from my neck and then I felt his hot breath against my skin.

“Did you lock the door?” I mumbled.

“You’re safe. You can sleep.”

And with those words in my ears, I drifted into a dark, peaceful abyss.

CHAPTER 45

The harsh lightof day hurt my eyes. I woke alone in bed. Disoriented, I sat up. Memories of the day before washed over me. Getting attacked. Pregnant. Being taken care of by Jackson. Falling asleep in his arms.

I staggered my stiff body to the bathroom and peered in the mirror. Hot and puffy eyes looked back at me. The swelling around my lip had subsided, but the bruises on my neck seemed more pronounced. I looked closer. I could almost see fingerprints on my neck. I shuddered. If Jackson hadn’t saved me, I would've been murdered yesterday.

Today I needed to end it with Matt, and I needed to come clean with Jackson about the baby. I dropped my face into my hands. I dreaded both tasks.

I showered and made my way downstairs. A bowl of cut fruit waited on the island. A note from Jackson stated that he had taken Chloe for a walk. My phone rested next to the note.

Twenty text messages from Matt. He was sorry. He wanted to talk. Was I okay?

I stared into space for a long moment. I had no desire to see Mattor Irene today.

I texted him back.

Me: Sorry. I should've texted you yesterday. I just needed some space.

Matt: Please come see me today. I need to talk to you.

Me: Okay

I heard two sets of footsteps on the stairs. The door clattered as it slid open. Chloe ran towards me at full tilt.

“Chloe,” I said, feeling joy. She planted both of her front paws on my legs, smiling her dog smile while I rubbed her face.

Jackson walked towards us. He assessed me.

I assessed him back. He looked serious and pensive.

“How are you feeling?”

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