Page 57 of Rescuing Tobias

“There are a lot of things I'd do differently if I could go back and have a redo.”

“But we can't. And we’re here now. I think that’s what we need to focus on. We both have enough baggage to fill an airplane all on our own, and we have a little one on the way. Let’s not add a whole bunch of what-ifs to the pile.”

She was right.

As hard as it was not to wish he could go back in time and do things right, that wasn't possible. It was time to focus on the future and what he wanted it to look like.

Starting with taking care of his girl, who’d had a long and stressful day.

“How about we take a shower and then climb into bed. You must be exhausted.”

Right as he said the words, a giant yawn pulled at her lips, and she shot him a sheepish smile. “Pretty exhausted,” she agreed. “I'm glad you were with me this morning.”

“Me too.” More glad than he could express. While Tobias had no doubt Isabella would have fought as hard as she could, there were at least two people in that van, likely more in the back, and they would have overpowered her.

“Sorry you had to leave Becca,” he said as he guided her through to the master bathroom.

“I wish I didn't have to, but she’s been through so much, and there is no way I'm hanging around and letting my drama touch her. After everything she’s been through, she doesn’t deserve to have it torn away from her.”

“Hey.” He hooked a forefinger under her chin and nudged her face up so she could meet his gaze. “It’s not forever. We will shut this ring down and then you can still buy a place near her and raise your kids together.”

“What about you?” she asked as he leaned into the shower and turned the water on.

“I’ll be right by your side wherever you are.”

“You wouldn’t miss the city? Your home? Being close to your team?”

Grabbing the hem of her sweater, he lifted it up and over her head, then tossed it on the floor. Reaching behind her, he undid the clasp on her bra, and her small but perfectly formed breasts fell into his hands. Leaning down, he touched featherlight kisses to each nipple, watching as they pebbled at his touch, and then dropped a kiss to her lips.

“If I have you, there’s nothing left to miss,” he told her honestly.

“Aww.” Her eyes grew watery, but her smile was warm and steady. “Pregnancy hormones,” she assured him as she brushed away a stray tear.

Dropping to his knees before her, Tobias stroked a hand across her smooth stomach, then gave his son or daughter their first daddy kiss.

“This little one is already making life interesting. I can't wait to meet him or her.” Pulling her leggings and panties down her legs, Tobias paused to lift each foot in turn and remove her sneaker before slipping off the last of her clothes.

Then he stood, stripped off his own clothes, and guided his girl into the steamy shower. They didn't talk as he proceeded to wash her wild mass of curls, and then every inch of her body, but they didn't need to. The silence was comfortable, like they’d spent years together instead of a matter of days. There was still so much to learn about each other, so much growth to occur between them, but he wanted to cherish every second of it.

While his body couldn’t help but respond to his hands running over Isabella’s curves, this wasn't a sexual thing. Tonight, he just wanted to hold her in his arms, reassure himself that they hadn't been snatched right out from under him, and be grateful that his back hadn't prevented him from getting Isabella out of the path of the van.

When he finished washing her, Tobias gave himself the quickest wash of his life, then turned off the water. Patting them both down with towels, once they were mostly dry, he scooped Isabella up and carried her into his bedroom. Tonight, she was sleeping in his bed. If after this she wanted a bit of space as they continued to get to know each another, then she could go back to the guest room, but tonight he needed to hold her.

She made no protest as he threw back the covers, lay her down, and then stretched out beside her. Tucking the covers around them, he rolled Isabella onto her side so he could spoon her, his hand resting on her stomach as though by doing so he could hold his child as well.

It didn't take long for Isabella’s breathing to even out as she drifted off to sleep, but Tobias lay awake for a while, holding his girl, marveling at the life growing inside her, and praying he would be able to keep both Isabella and their unborn child safe.

The trafficking ring was more dangerous than anyone could have expected, and he had no doubt that at some point they’d make another attempt at abducting Isabella.

Not going to happen.

He’d gladly lay down his life for these two.

“Thank you for giving me a chance,” he whispered against her neck.

“Thank you for giving us a chance,” she whispered back, half asleep.

Tobias was smiling as he drifted off to sleep, certain in the knowledge that he would do whatever it took to protect what was his. Nothing was going to get in the way of the future he was envisioning, not a trafficking ring, and not his own issues.

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