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Stepping through the threshold of the master bathroom, Leo couldn’t help but smile as his warm brown eyes settled on Lexi. Slipping behind her, he wrapped his arms around her torso and gently pulled her flush against him. He knew exactly what she was thinking and was intent on changing the narrative rattling around in her head.

“Stop. You’re stunning,” he assured, locking his sincere gaze with hers in the mirror. “You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”

Leaning into his comforting embrace, she smirked at the handsome man in the looking glass. He had always been incredibly sweet to her, but was even more so since her return. She was lucky to have him stand by her side through the past six months. His unwavering love and support had kept her from ending it all.

“You’re my husband, youhaveto say that,” she said, glancing to the familiar gold band gracing her left ring finger.

“Well, yes, that I am. But you know I would never lie to you, Sunshine,” he purred, moving his hands to cradle the swell of her rounded belly. “You grow more beautiful with every passing day.”

“No, I’m gettingfatterwith every passing day,” she replied with a roll of her green eyes.

Pressing a quick kiss to her temple, Leo shook his head in disagreement. He wished she could see herself through his eyes. Then she would never doubt her beauty. She was his world, and he couldn’t imagine a life without her in it.

“That’s not fat, Lexi. Your body is growing a baby,” he said, his voice filled with awe.“Our baby.”

Pulling her lips into a forced grin, she dropped her gaze to watch him lovingly smooth his hands over her pronounced stomach. She found out she was pregnant a few weeks after her abduction, and he had immediately claimed the child. Of course, there was a chance hecouldbe the father, but she knew with every fiber of her being that the child wasn’t his. She just didn’t have the heart to tell him. Besides, Kade was entombed in a coma that his doctor’s didn’t think he would ever awake from. This way, her son would be raised in a loving home with a father in his life. Agoodfather in his life.

It was best for everyone involved if Leo believed that she was carrying his child.

“Yeah, you’re right,” she replied softly.

Mumbling an agreement, he continued to caress her bump. Feeling a small foot kick against his opened palm, he let out a pleased laugh. His boy was going to be an amazing soccer player.

“He’s getting strong, huh?”

That he is Leo! Just like his real Daddy,Nikki teased.

Ignoring the ever-present voice in her head, Lexi turned her body in his arms. Raising her hands to hold his beaming face, she hummed lightly.

“He’s getting hungry,” she said, wincing slightly as she felt her son kick again.“Reallyhungry. Can we go eat, please?”

“Yeah, of course, Sunshine! Can’t let you two starve now, can I? What do you feel like having tonight? Let me guess...Italian?” Leo asked with a full smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

With a hearty laugh, she leaned forward to brush her lips against his. She had been craving nothing but pasta for months, now. It was a running joke between them. Little did Leo know that what shereallycraved was the spaghetti and meatballs Kade had made for her the first day of her abduction. That was another little secret she was keeping to herself.

“How did I know? I must be psychic or something. I guess it’s a good thing I made reservations at the Adriatic Grill, huh?” he said with a wink.

“Oh! You did? Yay! You’re the best, you know that?” she said cheerfully.

“Nah, I’m not, I just want to make you happy, little Mama,” he said. “I hope you know that I’ll do anything to make you happy. I love you with all my heart, Mrs. Estrada.”

Giving her new husband a smile, Lexi tried her best to hide the pain constricting around her heart. There was no doubt in her mind that his statement was the absolute truth. He loved her fiercely and completely. She only wished she felt the same.

“I love you, more,” she replied, ignoring the dark laugh echoing in the back of her mind.

. . .

“Do you like living here, Sunshine?” Leo asked, cutting into his garlic encrusted sirloin.

Swallowing a mouthful of spaghetti, Lexi nodded her head before setting her empty fork down on her plate. It had taken her some time to get used to the West Coast at first, she now found herself loving their new home. She was excited to raise her son somewhere safe. Far away from the clutches of the Bloodbayne Organization and the memory of Kade Volkov.

“I really do! I can’t believe how beautiful it is here. With all the mountains and trees...God, it’s amazing! You know, everyone was right. There’s nothing like Western Washington in the Summer. It totally makes all the rain worth it!” she said cheerfully.

Grinning at his wife, Leo soaked in her enthusiasm. He was thrilled to see her like this, happy and content like she used to be. Before that son-of-a-bitch had taken her. It seemed as if her therapy sessions were finally helping.

“Yeah, it does. I’m glad you’re getting used to Tacoma. I really love it here, and I think our son will, too. Hmm, speaking of our little man, don’t you think we should think of a name?” he asked, taking a bite of his steak.

Licking marinara sauce from her lips, Lexi paused for a moment. For whatever reason, they hadn’t really discussed names. It was the one thing she wasn’t sure about. Perhaps because it would make this child very real.

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