Stolen Hearts (The Stolen Series Book 3)

by Renee Harless

  “And, yes, it absolutely terrified me. I’ve never felt that way before. And I was afraid I’d never feel that way again. I wasn’t even scared to learn that I was pregnant. It was a piece of that perfect night I had with you that I would get to keep forever.

  “I realize that I’m a lot to handle and that you’re probably going to second guess yourself a lot,” I start to ramble then Hunter silences me with his mouth against mine.

  “You love me?” he whispers, his lips softly brushing with each word. “Tell me.”

  “I love you, Hunter. I’m sorry that it took me so long to figure it out.”

  Hunter’s kiss grows punishingly. He devours me with his lips as I fight him for control. In a split second Hunter pulls back and it happens so quickly that I don’t even notice at first. Prying one eye open and then the other I come face to face with the gray wall across from me. It’s not until I gaze down to find Hunter kneeling on the floor at eye level with my stomach.

  “I felt him kick,” Hunter says in amazement. I’m so used to feeling the flutters and kicks at this point that I almost forget that Hunter hasn’t had the chance to feel them yet. The movements haven’t been strong enough – until now.

  “Did you hear that, little guy? Your Mommy finally realized that she loves me.” The baby kicks again and I can’t help but laugh as Hunter’s eyes grow double in size over the amazement of feeling his child move.

  The weight of today begins to settle on me and I can’t control the overwhelming yawn that stretches across my face. Closing my eyes, I let the need to inhale oxygen take over my body.

  Just as my yawn subsides, I feel a sense of weightlessness. My eyes flicker open just as I’m swept up into Hunter’s arms.

  “It’s been a busy day, you need to rest.”

  “What about you?”

  “Well, first, I’m going to give my real fiancé a bath and then I’m going to put her into bed.”

  “Do I get to make a request?” I ask as he sets me on the countertop in the bathroom. I watch as he grabs a container of bath salts and the lavender soap I love so much.

  “Not too hot, right?” he asks as he turns on the spout.

  “Right. Hunter?” I call his name to grab his attention. It takes me repeating his name once more for him to finally look my way.

  “Yes?”

  “Can I make a request for after the bath?”

  Curious Hunter steps away from the filling bath and stands between my legs.

  “Maybe. What do you have in mind?”

  Reaching up, my hands delve into Hunter’s hair, the thick strands slipping between my fingers. He tilts his head back and closes his eyes in sync with the movements.

  “I want you to make love to me.”

  “Hm. . .that could be arranged.”

  I expect him to step away and carry me over to the bath to get undressed, but Hunter surprises me. I really should get used to him doing that.

  My shirt disappears from my body and swiftly my bra follows the same fate. Hunter doesn’t ask permission, not that my body would deny him, as he bends forward and captures one of my nipples between his lips, sucking on the pink tip.

  With a pop, he releases one nipple and begins to close in on the other, but not before telling me, “Why wait? We can do that right now.”

  “Mmm. . .but. . .you,” I start, loving the feeling traveling from my nipples in an electric current between my legs. “You are filthy.”

  “You want me to stop?” He pulls away from my breast and I groan at the loss.

  Reaching out, I grip the back of his head, hoping to pull him back to where he had just been.

  “I think you do.”

  Trailing his fingers on the inside of my thigh, I can feel his scorching touch through my work pants. He comes just close enough to my sex that my muscles clench in anticipation. But I’m left wanting as he halts his movements.

  “I think that you’re disgusted by my filth right now.”

  Breathlessly I explain, “No, no I’m really not.”

  “Well then, how about I rinse off in the guest shower and then come join you?”

  “You want to take a bath with me?” I ask, surprised. I’ve never had a man willingly suggest joining me in a bath. I’m pretty certain that I’ve only read that in books before.

  “I want to be anywhere you are. Especially now.”

  I’m about to ask him what he means, but then he continues that path on my inner thigh and strokes my now soaked center, my heat emanating through my underwear and pants. I try to relish his touch, mentally spur him to continue his perusal, but of course, the moment I close my eyes and let my body take pleasure in Hunter’s deft fingers he pulls them away.

  A grunt echoes in the bathroom and with my eyelids still sealed shut Hunter places a kiss on my forehead before the sound of his footsteps trail out of the room.

  Alone, I go ahead and slide down from the counter, remove my clothes, and step into the bath. It usually takes me a good five minutes to get the water to the perfect temperature, but Hunter seems to nail it the first time around. My muscles instantly relax as I slip into the frothy liquid, the scent of lavender pleasantly filling the space. Slinking as low in the water as I can go, my knees and my head are the only parts of my body exposed.

  Reaching across the tub, I grab a hand towel from the small rack and settle it behind my neck at the same time a soaking wet Hunter steps back into the bathroom with a half-eaten sandwich in his hand. I don’t have time to think about why he opted for food right now. I’m mesmerized by the tiny droplets of water cascading down his chest, following each ripple of muscle as it travels closer to my favorite part of him. A part that gravity and cold seem to have no effect on as it stands proudly before me in all of its grandeur.

  “Keep staring at it and you’re either going to give it a big head or a complex.”

  “I’m fairly certain your cock’s ego will stay intact,” I saucily respond.

  Hunter grins down at me as he gestures for me to slide forward. He slips into the water, pulling me back against his chest. Though his tub is larger than most I’ve seen, his legs bend almost in half to fit his muscled body.

  “Is the temperature okay?” Hunter asks and I nod to let him know that it’s perfect. Cupping his hands together, he pools some water in his palms and then expels it over my left shoulder, repeating the motion again on the right.

  Something about the water dripping over my skin, the temperature and scent of the water, and the steady up and down movement of Hunter’s chest as he inhales and exhales his breath makes my eyes grow tired and I find myself curling against his body as best as I can.

  “Relax, sweetheart. I’ll carry you to bed when the water starts to cool. We have a big weekend ahead of us.”

  Noncommittally I moan as I shut my eyes and nestle against Hunter’s shoulder. I vaguely recall him saying that we have a lot to do this upcoming weekend, but my only concern right now is making the most of this moment of relaxation, even with a massive erection pressing against my hip.

  Chapter Fifteen – Hunter

  GOD, SHE’S BEAUTIFUL.

  Her hair fans across my pillow, legs twist between mine, and her hand delicately rests under her chin. Taylor looks like every man’s fantasy with her breasts exposed over the top of her pillow she’s clutching against her stomach.

  Staring at her now, I know that there is absolutely nothing that I wouldn’t do for her, for Tabitha, and for the little boy growing in her stomach. Not that I had any doubts before, but maybe until I heard her say those three magical words I was holding a piece of myself back. But last night after her bath, we made love. And never have I ever felt so connected to her, or anyone, that way before.

  Her eyes flutter against the pillow and I wonder if she’s going to wake up, subconsciously realizing that I’m staring at her. But, luckily, I’m saved as a soft snore sounds from her mouth, or nose, I’m not quite sure. Taylor cuddles against her pillow closer to her body and I know that
I’m in the clear.

  Rolling gently from the bed, I snag my phone from the nightstand and reach blindly into my dresser for a pair of pants, and then slowly closing the door as to not wake Taylor. In the living room, I tug on my pants as I let the phone ring to the number I’ve kept on speed dial for just this occasion, and maybe another for farther down the road.

  Just as I button my pants closed the caller answers on the other end.

  “Hunter? Is anything wrong with Taylor?”

  “No, no, Taylor is fine. Great, actually. She finally admitted that she loves me.”

  “About time.”

  I chuckle at my friend’s comment.

  “So, what can I do for you, Hunter?”

  “I need you to help me with something for Taylor and I need it tomorrow.”

  “Well, what do you have in mind?”

  I go into detail about the party I want to hold for Taylor and I can hear the excitement on the other end of the line.

  “I can definitely help. I’ll send you the details, but I don’t think it should be a problem. Make sure to call your mom so she knows what’s going on at her place tomorrow.”

  “No problem. And really, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  The call ends and I debate starting breakfast for Taylor, but as I glance over at the clock on the small table she placed against the wall I notice that the day has barely begun. She’s been exhausted during this pregnancy and I want to give her a chance to sleep in.

  Walking down the hall, I peer into Tabitha’s room and find her sitting up in her bed with her small blanket, just eyeing her pile of toys quietly. Truthfully, it kind of freaks me out to see her staring off into space. I’ve watched one too many Paranormal Activity movies.

  “Daddy,” she whispers as if she knows that her mommy is sleeping. She reaches her arms out for me to come grab her from the bed.

  “Hey, Tabby. Let’s change you from your Pull-Ups and go get something fun for Mommy. How does that sound?”

  She squeals from her spot on the bed, bouncing on her bottom at the name of Mommy being mentioned. I carry her to the changing table against the wall and put her in some clean underwear before attempting to put her in a matching outfit. At least, I think it matches. The pants are striped and the shirt has birds all throughout, but they’re the same color and Tabitha seems happy.

  She grins up at me and I chuckle as I lift her into my arms. “You like the outfit, don’t you?”

  I don’t expect a response, but Tabitha surprises me as she claps her little hands together as I carry her from the room. With her still in my arms, I dump the box of Cheerios into her small purple cup and pop the snack lid onto the top and then hold it up for her to grasp. She immediately reaches in and shoves a fistful into her mouth.

  As she’s occupied, I grab her a small sippy cup of milk and then the diaper bag that Taylor always keeps filled by the door. Just as I snag my keys from the small rack I take a second to write a note for Taylor and place it back on the kitchen table, just in case she wakes up and wonders where we’ve gone.

  Tabitha giggles as I strap her into her carseat and place the cup of Cheerios and milk in the small holders on the side, just within her reach.

  “I need you to be a good girl today, okay? Can you do that?” At her laughter, I tickle her tiny tummy and then something clicks into place. This girl, this tiny human that has opened up her heart to me, loves me without fault. Ah, the absolute worship of a child without question, without imperfection, without criticism. If only the rest of the world could see people through the eyes of a child.

  We drive across town, and then I realize that the shop isn’t even open yet by the time that we pull into the parking lot. At first, I think just sitting in the car with some music will suffice us for the next hour, but then Tabitha starts to fuss in the back and my stomach growls requesting some nourishment.

  Moving quickly from the driver’s side, I jog around the vehicle and unbuckle the toddler from her seat just as another car pulls into the lot.

  “Good morning,” she greets as she steps from her gray sedan.

  “Mornin’.” Tabitha wiggles in my arms and after glancing around the parking lot I set her down on her feet so she can toddle around the open space and stretch her legs.

  “Are you here waiting for the shop?” the woman asks, tugging a canvas bag over her shoulder.

  “Yeah,” I reply bashfully, the heat burning my cheeks. “I may have been a little eager this morning.”

  “Well, you wouldn’t be the first.” Turning toward me the older woman smiles warmly and then glances down at Tabitha, now clinging to my leg. “Why don’t you come on inside and start looking around? Early bird gets the worm, and all that.”

  “Wow, thank you. I really appreciate it.”

  Lifting Tabby up, we follow the woman into the shop. The lights flicker over the displays and Tabitha squeaks and claps in delight as rainbows shine throughout the room. Hundreds of diamonds and gems glitter and sparkle behind panes of glass and it’s all so radiant I’m afraid to step closer.

  As if sensing my nerves, the woman, who I am now assuming is the owner, prompts me to look around. “I just need to reset the alarm. Take a peek around. I’ll be with you in a jiffy.”

  “Thank you,” I tell her and then turn my gaze toward Tabitha. “Ready to help me find a ring for your mommy?”

  Starting at the far end, I analyze each stone – white, red, green, yellow. So many variations of diamonds and gemstones beckon for my attention. I’m not even sure what I’m looking at or what I have in mind for Taylor. I just assumed that when I saw it I would know that it’s the one.

  “Okay, I’m sorry about that. What can I help you with today?”

  “I’m looking for an engagement ring, but honestly, I’m not even sure what kind of ring to get. I just thought I’d know it was the one when I see it. I guess that is a bit absurd, isn’t it?”

  The woman giggles. “Women say the same thing when it comes to their wedding dress. But don’t you worry, this is why I’m here. Now, tell me about your soon to be fiancée and I’ll help you narrow it down.”

  I describe Taylor’s appearance and her jobs, but the woman, whom she introduces herself as Carol, shakes her head.

  “That’s fine and all, Hunter, but tell me about her. What are her likes and dislikes? What’s on her bucket list? What makes her smile? What made you fall in love with her?”

  “Taylor. . .well she’s. . .” I sift through my head for a response, but my thoughts jumble together trying to piece together what I know of Taylor. Then I glance at the toddler in my arms and everything clicks into place. “She’s the most caring person that I know. Headstrong and stubborn but with the biggest heart you’ve ever seen. She’s timid about new things if she knows that it could affect someone else wrongly. She’s crazy and spontaneous and does the best Lucille Ball impression I’ve ever heard. But what made me fall in love with her was not anything that she did, but how she made me want to be a better person when I’m with her.”

  I look up from Tabitha and find Carol swiping at an errant tear gleaming on her high cheekbone, but her smile is stretched so vast that I can see every tooth.

  “That was beautiful. I have just the ring for you. Wait right there.” The thin woman scurries off to the back and then returns a moment later holding a red velvet box.

  She doesn’t even bother to move back behind the counter. Instead, she walks right up to me. “We got this in yesterday. It’s as unique as your lady love.”

  The hinges squeak as she opens the small container and once I get a glimpse of the ring tucked within the padding, my eyes widen in amazement.

  Yes, this is it. This is the one.

  “Would you like to take it out?”

  “I can touch it?” I whisper in disbelief.

  “Absolutely. I can tell by the look on your face that this one is special. Hold it up to the light. Make sure that it’s the cut and clarity that you�
�re looking for. Otherwise, we can have a new one ordered.”

  Tentatively reaching out, I grasp the small band within my fingers, immediately concerned that I’m going to break the delicate gold. Carol must notice my concern because she chuckles and tells me that it will be okay.

  The white gold twists and turns around the tiniest diamonds, weaving its way around a platform of rose gold with the same small diamonds. In the center sits a pear-shaped, two-carat stone, which to my eye appears perfectly flawless.

  “It’s remarkable.”

  “I certainly think so. Do you think that this is the one?”

  “I do. What do you think, Tabitha? Think Mommy will like it?”

  Carol waits patiently as Tabitha inspects the ring, bringing her nose within an inch of the band. It seems the significance of the ring isn’t lost on her. She turns her head in my direction with the cheesiest grin that her face can muster and I know that I have her approval.

  “I’ll take it.”

  Tabitha and I arrive back at the house just as it seems that Taylor is waking up. She eyes us suspiciously but refrains from asking where we’ve been off to.

  “Mornin’, sweetheart.” I greet her with a kiss as she props herself up on the bed by shoving a few pillows behind her back, making sure to keep the sheet wrapped around her chest. Tabitha eyes her from the edge of the bed, so I scoop up a T-shirt of mine from the dresser and throw it Taylor’s way. With a heap of grace, she tugs it on without exposing herself, unfortunately for me.

  “What have you two been up to?” she asks as she settles Tabitha onto her lap.

  “Just went out to get some fresh air. How about I make you some breakfast?”

  “Pancakes?” The sun catches the gleam in her eye and I know that if she wants pancakes, then she will be getting pancakes.

  “With extra syrup?”

  She bends forward and starts tickling Tabitha’s tummy beneath her shirt, the laughter flowing around the room is so addicting I can’t help but to soak it all in. “Of course,” she murmurs.