Page 66 of Breathtaking

But of course, he doesn’t.

This is Maddox Beneventi.

I’m beginning to realize he’s never told me no.

He presses his lips to my stomach and smiles. “Tell me where and when,principessa. And maybe buy us some more furniture so I can stop sleeping on the damn couch. It’s not as comfortable as it looks.”

“I told you I’d sleep there,” I argue, stuck on the fact that he saidus.

And what does he do but laugh at me with a beautifully possessive look in his eyes. “I’m not letting my pregnant wife sleep on the couch.”

“I’m not your wife yet,” I argue jokingly because I’m not sure what to do with the way I love those words.

“Technicalities don’t matter.” His hands frame my belly, like he’s trying to memorize it, and my goodness, the feel of them on me sends my mind into overdrive.

“I bought furniture today,” I whisper, and I swear a look of disappointment floats across his face before he shoves it away. “But the bedroom sets won’t be in for six to eight weeks.”

“Oh,” he murmurs and drops his hands before he stands. “Maybe I’ll get an air mattress like Maria.”

“Rome stopped by earlier and moved the mattress from the guest house into the spare room for her.” They thought I didn’t hear them as she yelled at him to watch the walls while he was carrying it up the stairs.

Maddox nods, resignation settling in his eyes.

“Maybe you could sleep here.” This is such a bad idea. “If you stay on your side of the bed, I mean. You might have to share it with Meatball though. He likes that pillow.”

“You sure?” he asks softly, and I wish I could just give in.

Just give us what we both know would feel incredible.

But I can’t. Because I’ve never just wanted this man physically.

Physically, he could give me everything I ever wanted. Hell, he already has.

It’s the emotional fallout I’m not sure I can handle.

So I do what I do best. I deflect.

“Hands to yourself though. Got it?” I tease and turn off the television, while Maddox rounds the bed and climbs into the other side.

He gets in and pulls the blankets up, then presses his lips to my temple, and I melt momentarily into his touch. And for that moment, I’m safe and cherished. For that brief moment, I forget everything else. The fear. The heartache. Everything I’m giving up for a chance at giving my baby the life he deserves. For one quick moment, it’s all fine.

Until I wake up tomorrow and reality sets back in.

LENNON

I don’t need a happily ever after.

I don’t believe in fairytales and haven’t for a long time.

Prince charming doesn’t exist. He’s a lie.

I want someone who’s going to show up for me.

Someone who will fight for us.

A prince lives his life for his country.

I want someone who lives his life for us.

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