Page 63 of Breathtaking

My brothers both yell at the same time, so I can’t understand either one.

“Stop,” I tell them. “Yes, Monty did this. He bruised my cheek with his fist, then kicked me once I was on the floor. I went to the hospital, had an MRI and an ultrasound, and the baby is fine.It’s a boy, by the way...” I murmur, wishing I could be celebrating as I tell them instead of dreading their response.

“Holy shit, poppet.” Atticus sighs as his smile nearly takes over his entire face. “You’re having a boy?”

I smile through my tears and nod. “We are.”

“We?” Rhys asks.

“We,” I confirm. “I found a way out of marrying Monty. But I can’t tell you. I’d be putting you in an awful position if I do.”

“My duty will always be to the crown, Lennon. But it’s not on my head yet. Tell me what you’re planning. Let me help you.”

I look between my big brothers and make a split-second decision.

One I hope I don’t come to regret.

MADDOX

“Lennon...” I call out when I walk in the house that evening, but I don’t find her or Meatball. Instead, I find Maria in my kitchen, eating a salad at my counter. “Where’s Lennon?”

“She’s lying down,” she tells me without looking away from whatever she’s watching on her tablet.

“Is she okay?” I ask, looking at the time. It’s barely seven. That’s early, even by Lennon’s standards.

“Monty called today. She didn’t answer, but he called. It’s not my place to tell you, but for her safety, you need to know, and I’m not sure whether she’ll tell you.” She rests her fork on her plate and turns toward me, a steely anger settled in her eyes. “I’ve ordered a blow-up mattress and will be sleeping in the house from now on. I need you to understand that this man is dangerous. Men who’ve never been told no are some of the most dangerous in the world. They’re convinced they can have anything they want—and can do anything they want without consequence. I listened today to Lennon convince the future king of Mornea that she has this handled, and I’m telling you, she doesn’t. If you want to be her husband, you need to be able to protect her, and I won’t keep the facts from you.”

I’m pretty damn sure this is the most I’ve ever heard Maria say, especially to me.

But now she’s speaking a language I understand.

“If she wakes up, could you let her know I just ran to my parents’ house, and I’ll be back soon?” I ask, ready to put an end to this.

Maria stares me down for a moment. “Don’t put her in danger, Beneventi. So help me God, if you do, I’ll stop you myself. I failed her once. It’s not going to happen again.”

We’re finally on the same page.

“We both failed her, and neither of us are letting it happen again. I’ll put him down myself before he gets near her.” A calm fury settles in my bones.

And something like respect shines in her eyes.

“You should let me be the one to get my hands dirty. I have diplomatic immunity. I can’t be prosecuted.”

“Noted,” I tell her before leaving.

This has got to stop.

It doesn’t take me long before I’m walking past a few cars in my parents’ driveway and into their house. Looks like I’m about to interrupt poker night, if I had to guess. I let myself in and find Nonna in the kitchen, making a cup of tea. I still haven’t gotten Lennon here to meet Nonna, and I make a mental note to fix that soon. “Principe...” she calls out and holds her shaky hands out for me to hug. “You don’t come see me anymore.”

“I know. I’m sorry, Nonna. I’ll do better.” I kiss the top of her gray hair and hug her frail body.

“You bring yourprincipessawith you. Let me see her. Let me dote on the mother of your son. Your mother tells me she’s too skinny. I’ll make her homemade pasta. We’ll get some meat on her bones.”

“She’d love that. I’ll make it happen soon. I promise.” I step back, but she refuses to drop her hold.

“You do it before the wedding. Don’t make me meet my new granddaughter that day. You hear me?”

“I do, and I will. I promise.” I look around, not seeing anyone else. “Do you know where Dad is?”

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