Page 175 of Monster

I still fear that he might be taken away from me one of these days.

He set me on the counter and passed me my toothbrush. I quickly brushed my teeth as Dominic watched me with intense blue eyes.

I pretended not to notice.

Once I rinsed my mouth, he pulled me back into his arms and carried me to our bed.

He settled me on his lap, one hand moving up and grabbing my boob.

I let out a sigh but didn’t stop him. At least he wasn’t playing as rough as he normally would. In fact, he had been gentle with me all week—which made sense now.

“I’m sorry you’re miserable, wildcat.”

I paused. “Come again.”

“I said I’m sorry you’re miserable, baby.”

I couldn’t say anything to that.

He looked down at me, smiling a little at my reaction before he chucked my chin gently.

“Close your mouth, baby.”

I closed my mouth.

Then, “Did you just apologize to me?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I know. What the hell am I thinking?”

I slapped his chest.

He retaliated by twisting my nipple slightly. I squirmed on his lap.

“Are you really sorry?” I asked.

He nodded, looking serious again. “I am. I fucking love that you’re pregnant, baby. But I hate that you’re miserable because of it.”

I deflated a little. While he was happy about our child, I was too busy feeling sorry for myself.

Was I a horrible mother?

Alarm suddenly entered his eyes, and he cupped my cheek. “Baby, why are you crying?”

I sniffled. “I’m a terrible mother, aren’t I?”

“What?” he asked sharply.

“All I’ve been doing this week is cursing you in my head while feeling sorry for myself. I didn’t give myself time to even be happy about our child. Iama terrible mother!” I wailed.

He pulled me tighter into his arms. “Fuck, no. Emmy, look at me.”

I shook my head.

He firmed his voice. “Emmy.”

I let out a sigh. He couldn’t even let me be miserable on my own.

“What?” I said, looking at him.

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