“Too rough?” he murmured. There was no remorse in his voice.
“I can handle it.”
“Good. You don’t know how much I want to tear you apart.”
I shuddered. My back felt a bit raw and I could still feel him inside me. Pulling away from nibbling my neck, his blue eyes locked on mine.
“I want you to skip your next birth control shot.”
“Why?” I asked, bewildered.
“Dreaming of you heavy with my kid,” he said. “Turns me the fuck on like anything.” His hands lowered to my belly. “Need to get started with our family, Angel.”
“Uhh, we’re getting married in May. I don’t want to worry on whether I’ll fit into my wedding gown.”
“Eloping has its merits,” he grumbled.
“Told ya.”
“Still,” his eyes took on a proprietary gleam. “It’ll all be worth it when I finally put that ring on your finger for all the world to see.
I sighed. “You’re such a freaking caveman.”
“Get used to it,” he murmured, attacking my neck again. I settled contentedly into my man. All wrapped up and cuddled on his lap was the best place in the world to be. One would say we’d gone through the most extreme situations as a couple, but we came out of them stronger and more committed to each other. Grant still had a problem letting me out of his sight. I felt his anxiety every morning when he left for work. He texted me often and called me at least twice a day. I wondered how he ever got any work done. I had a few more therapy sessions with Dr. Jones and Grant was coming with me to the remaining ones, but I think he should go see a therapist on his own as well.
My eyes started to wander around the cabin and something, or some things, caught my eyes above the fireplace mantle in the living room. Disentangling myself from my man who muttered in protest, I walked to the unfamiliar objects.
My breath caught.
Five miniature wood sculptures of a wren lay before me. They were arranged in different stages of flight. The first had its wings tucked to its side and the last had its wings fully spread in flight.
“What are these?” Grant murmured as I picked the last one and caressed the intricate grooves carved into the wood.
My heart pushed into my throat, clogging my words.
“Blaire?” he whispered, brows drawing in concern.
Eyes filling with tears, my lips trembled but I managed to smile. I took a deep inhale, then exhaling, I said, “Liam.”
The End
Acknowledgments
My thanks to Christina Trevaskis of Book Matchmaker for letting my words take flight. Your guidance through every stage of the manuscript, from first draft to last, gave me the confidence to write with inspiration.
Much praise to my editor, Kristan Roetker of Edit LLC—your understanding of my characters and story polished the book to my ultimate vision.
To Laurie and Ms. D, I can’t thank you enough for your valuable insights that helped me enrich the story.
To the community of bloggers and readers, I am eternally grateful for your support.
And lastly, to S—greatest husband ever. Thanks for taking care of me and Loki while I get lost in the world of my characters.
Connect with the Author
Find me at:
Facebook: Victoria Paige Books
Website: victoriapaigebooks.com
Email: [email protected]
Also by Victoria Paige
Guardians
Fire and Ice
Silver Fire
Smoke and Shadows
Always
It's Always Been You
Always Been Mine
A Love For Always
Misty Grove
Fighting Chance
Saving Grace
Standalone
Deadly Obsession
* Most series books can be read as standalone.
Captive Lies Page 30