Page 43 of Safeguard

AFTER WE WAITED ten minutes de-fogging the glass windows of the car, I drive us home. Well, I’m not sure driving is the correct word. Chase is sitting clench-jawed the entire way, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to need a new clutch after tonight.

We decide on my place since it’s closer, but I think Chase just wants me out from behind the wheel of his car as quick as possible. I haven’t been to my house since the ransacking, and I’m not looking forward to seeing it, but I know there’s nothing to be afraid of with him by my side.

“What the hell?” I’m stunned when we walk in and find my place back to normal, any remnants from that night completely erased.

“I had someone come in and help me straighten up the place. I knew coming back to a mess would upset you.”

“Wow. Thank you. The place never looked so clean.” I walk over and give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Let me change into some comfortable clothes and then we can talk. Oh, wait, was anyone in my bedroom?”

“No princess…just me. Let me check out the house before you go roaming around.” Chase leads me to the bedroom, then leaves me to change.

I get cozy in some baggy sweatpants and a camisole top and make my way into the kitchen. I swoon when I find him making me a cup of tea in my favorite mug.

The man’s a keeper.

“So you managed to stalk me even while you were gone?” I smirk, taking a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island.

His thick black boots stomp around my kitchen, and I focus on his sexy body movements. I’m already thinking about the dirty things I want to do to him. He’s comfortable here, and it feels so right—like he belongs.

He smirks then his expression grows serious. “I had to know you were safe. Have you had any more phone calls?”

My eyes are focused on his forearms as he pours the hot water. I’m mesmerized by the way his veins flex and roll as he moves his arms around. I wonder why arm porn isn’t a thing. Or maybe it is, I should google it later.

“Earth to Melanie.” I look up and find him smirking at me.

“Huh?” Snapping out of my fantasy, I feeling my cheeks heat knowing he caught me ogling.

“No. It’s weird. There hasn’t been anything. Maybe he’s tired of harassing me and moved on.”

Chase stares at me sternly. “Maybe he’s waiting for you to let your guard down. You have to be careful, Mel. I don’t think he would go to all this trouble, then disappear.” A chill runs down my spine because what he’s saying makes sense. How could I think this would be over so easily?

“What the fuck does he want with me?” Chase moves around the island, quickly recognizing the fear surging through my body. “Chase, I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here.” He stands behind me, his tall frame resting on me like a warm blanket.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

I sigh, leaning back into him, and reach my hands behind me to run my fingers through his hair. He leans down and nuzzles his face into my neck, the goosebumps multiply on my skin.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, princess.”

His soft lips place firm kisses up and down my neck, and my nipples harden through my shirt to the point of pain. I’m already wet and throbbing between my legs, and I want him all over again.

But we still need to talk. We haven’t broached the subject, and I’m late. I need to know where we stand if I’m pregnant.

“Chase, there’s things we need to discuss.”

He said he loves me, but I’m not sure how he feels about being a father. I love him, but If I’m pregnant, I’m having this baby, no matter what. Losing my parents so young has made me want a family more than anything, and I’m not getting any younger. I’d hope Chase would want to be part of our lives.

I wriggle from his embrace, and pace into the living area, biting my lip the whole way.

“What’s going on, Mel?” I freeze at the sound of his voice.

“I’m late.” I plop down on the sofa, too nervous to meet his eyes.

“Hey, look at me.” He kneels down, lifting my chin with his fingers. “Did you do a test yet?”

“No! I bought one, but was too afraid. I need you to know, if I’m pregnant, I’m keeping this baby. I don’t expect anything from you. I know you didn’t ask for this, and you can leave right now, and never turn back. I would understand.” My eyes are already welling up with unwanted tears.

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