Page 68 of Betrayal

Hunter was at her side in an instant.‘Sit down,” he said, guiding her to a seat.“Want chocolate?”

“Please.”She patted his cheek, before turning to the others.“Kate’s doing fine.So far everything is exactly as planned.”She huffed out a breath.“Liam’s great.We’re close to full dilation.I can’t think of anything else.”

Hunter handed her a cup and sat beside her.“It’s not up to your usual standard,” he apologised.Struggling to identify the emotions washing through him, he was conscious of a wish to hold her, to lift her into his lap so he could cocoon her from all harm.

“It’s great.”She rested her free hand on his thigh.“Niall.I’m so pleased you’re here.Liam was worried about ...”She waved her cup in a circling gesture."Who called you?”

“Hunter.”

“Good call.”

Her smile smoothed out Hunter’s concern—for her, for Kate and her baby.

“I can’t wait to tell Kate and Liam that you and Lucy are here.”She drained her cup.“Time to go.”She leaned against Hunter, touching him almost from shoulder to ankle, then was gone.

Two hours later, a smiling Anna returned to the room.“Here’s Lily.Mother and daughter are doing well.Liam held it together.”She held up her phone to show them the video.“Okay, Liam cried like a baby when it was all over.And that’s probably it for tonight, folks.”

“It’s six in the morning.”Niall grabbed the phone to replay the video.“She’s gorgeous.Look, Mum.”

Hunter opened his arms and Anna walked into them.She had a whole smorgasbord of smiles, but this one held joy and relief, exhaustion, and exhilaration and love.

“We can go now.”She leaned back, her impish grin back in place.“I could sleep for a month.”

“Any idea when they’re going home?”Mary asked.

“Maybe later today or tomorrow.They’ll let us know and work out visiting hours.”Anna yawned.

“Mum, do you want us to drop you at Liam’s or come home with us?”Niall asked, one arm pulling Lucy close.

“Liam’s,” Mary said.“And I might sleep for a month too.”

Fifteen minutes later, Hunter swung Anna’s legs into the car and strapped her in before sliding in the other side of the ride share.

“I forgot to ask where we’re going?”Anna slumped against him.

“My place.”He put his arm around her shoulder, while she dozed.

Hunter held her.He loved her.He had no doubts.And he’d do anything to keep her safe.Keep her and her family safe because that’s what Anna would do.

“Where are we?”she mumbled.

“My place.”Placing his hands behind her knees, he lifted her into his arms.

“I forgot.”She yawned widely.“You don’t need to carry me up the stairs.”

“You’d prefer a fireman’s lift?”He swung her in a half loop.

“No,” she gurgled, settling back against his chest.“Nice.”

The bedroom light, which they’d forgotten in their rush to leave, acted as a guide through the dark apartment.The bed looked like a bordello after an orgy, bedding and pillows strewn everywhere.He lowered her gently to the mattress.

“I’m going to undress you.”

“I won’t enjoy that as much as I should.”She spoke with her eyes closed.

Shoes first, then her trousers, before he pulled her into his body to undo her bra.He hauled the bra and shirt off in a single move, then pulled a clean T-shirt over her head.“Say goodnight, Anna.”

“Goodnight, Anna.”Her giggle was ghost-like.“Thanks for being there.”

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