Page 75 of Conail

"I wanted to lie down for a bit. I'm just finishing this and then I'll--" She paused. "If you want to go to her, then go."

He came further into the room and sent her a frowning look. "Why the hell should I do that?"

"She's--she was--" She gulped the tea down and set the cup aside with enough force to rattle the saucer. "I don't care." She rose unsteadily and swayed, her hand pressed against her chest.

He was in front of her instantly. "What is it?"

"Nothing."

"Dammit! Tell me."

Her eyes flashed. "Don't shout at me." She bit down on her lip and felt the nausea rising. "Oh God!" Wrenching from his hold, she raced towards the bathroom and made it just in time.

Sliding down on his knees, he rubbed her back as she retched pitifully and blamed himself for upsetting her.

He waited until she was finished before wrapping his arms around her and sitting on the floor with his back to the wall as he cradled her. She wrapped herself in a ball and laid her head weakly on his chest.

"Baby," he crooned softly. His hand cupped her cheek and turned her face upwards. Moisture beaded her forehead and upper lip. "What can I do?"

"Nothing." She burrowed against him.

"I thought it was over."

"It never usually is. I feel better."

"More tea?"

She blew out a breath. "God, no."

"Water?"

"Not just yet. I just want to stay here for a bit."

"The floor is cold."

"You're warm."

He held her close, hands soothing her back. "What you said back there about me going to her--"

"I would have pushed you in the snow and buried you, if you had."

He chuckled, feeling the tension easing. "Then why--"

"I was jealous and feeling awful."

"There's no need," he assured her quietly.

"There's every need." She lifted her head to stare at him. "You love her."

"Loved," he traced one round cheek. "Past tense." He shook his head. "The thought never occurred to me to go to her. My place is with you."

"She's beautiful," she whispered.

"Yes." He would not insult her by denying what was fact. "But you're exquisite. Glowing from the pregnancy." He toyed with the ends of her hair. "It's growing. Are you going to cut it?"

"I don't know." She kissed the hollow of his throat and felt a thrill when his pulse skittered. "Maybe. What do you think?"

"It would be interesting to see you with long hair. Babe, the floor is cold."

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