16. Soren

It's odd, really, how things have turned out over the last week or two. How I've gone from a prison I couldn't wait to get out of to being brought to one I never want to leave. In all fairness, Adonis is doing everything he can to keep me safe after the attack. I know once the threat is eliminated, things will change, and I'll be allowed my freedom again.

How I fell in love with the head of a criminal organization is beyond me. I always swore to stay away from my father's world, but there was no avoiding Adonis after we met in the bank. Even before the robbery began, I realized we were fated to meet.

And now, here I am, about to pee on a stick.

"Open your legs," the man in question demands with a feral growl.

"Can't I pee in peace?" I hide my snicker at his scowl.

The things we've done and said together shouldn't leave me embarrassed to pee in front of him. I'm not really. It's a natural bodily function, but I'm having a ton of fun teasing him about it.

"Baby girl, if you don't open your legs and pee on this stick for me, I'm going to bring you to the edge of orgasm so many times you'll be crying before I even think about letting you fall over the edge." I know that's a threat. And it honestly sounds like it might be painful, but I'd kind of enjoy it.

Snapping my legs open, I cross my arms and pretend to pout. "Ah, baby, don't do that. I'd never stop you from coming for me." I grin in triumph. He glares and rips the packaging off the pregnancy test and waits for me to pee a little, as instructed, before holding the stick in the stream for a few seconds.

What I don't expect is for him to place the stick on the counter, grab some toilet paper, and wipe me clean before pulling me up and settling me on the counter.

"Why do you look so shocked?" he asks while washing his hands.

"You…did…that…" I wave my hand from the toilet to me and back to him.

Shaking his head, laughter falling from his lips, he leans over to place a kiss on my cheek. "You're so adorable, baby girl. Do you honestly think there isn't anything I won't do to or for you? There is no limit to my devotion." Stroking his cheek, I can see it. I've been getting glimpses of it here and there, but since the attack, I can feel his obsession like a living, breathing entity in every room we occupy together.

Drying his hands, Adonis steps between my legs, runs his fingers through my hair, and tilts my head up for a kiss. Slow and sweet is new for him, and the passion I feel in the act brings tears to my eyes.

"I know you're young, that we're new, and there is so much to learn about each other, but I fucking love you, and I'm going to spend my life showing you just how much. Whatever this test says won't change anything." His dark eyes search mine, imploring me to believe him.

"I know that, Adonis." Pressing my palms to his naked chest, I enjoy the way his muscles ripple under my fingers. The way the warmth penetrates my flesh and makes me tingly all over.

Pressing his lips to my forehead, I take a deep breath before reaching over and grabbing the test. I don't know whether I want it to be positive or negative; I figure I'll find out once I see it.

"Are you going to look?" he asks, and I shake my head, squeezing my eyes shut tighter. "Want me to tell you?" His tone is neutral, so I can't even get a hint.

"No. I just need a second," I whisper.

"It's okay if you don't want one yet. I can't say I'll be alright with birth control if we need it, but I'll try. I'd do anything to make you happy." Could he be more perfect?

Inhaling a deep lungful, I wait another second before exhaling and opening my eyes…

One pink line.

Negative.

Tears crowd my eyes.

"Baby girl." Adonis' strong hand tilts my chin up, and I watch him through glistening tears. I have no idea how to feel. "It's okay." He takes the stick from me and tosses it in the trash beside the counter.

"I'm not sure what I'm feeling." My honesty has him caressing my back.

"How about we take the day, go to the beach, and you can just have a timeout from everything?" I think I love him even more.

Wiping my eyes, I ask him, "Is it safe to do that?"

"I'll make it so." I've learned to trust Adonis' promises, so I give him a nod of approval, and he sets everything in motion.

* * *

Two hours later, we're sitting on a private beach overlooking the ocean, watching the waves roll into the sand and push back out. It's both relaxing and aggravating.

I want to be in the water, allowing it to wash over me. To cleanse away all the negativity, but Adonis won't let me with the frigid temperature and the possibility of me getting hurt.

He had an umbrella set up with some lounge chairs on the sand, a cooler filled with brunch items was also delivered; and while I'm enjoying the heat of the sun and the salty spray of the sea, I feel unsettled. I don't know what I expected after taking that pregnancy test. If I was hoping to be carrying his baby or if I even wanted to. Children aren't something I've thought too much about, but now, it's all I can think about, and I feel like I'm failing already.

We have so much time to worry about creating a family, that I want to enjoy the alone time we currently have, but I can't stop wondering, what if…

Would we get married if I were?

Would the threats run dry or amp up?

Would my parents accept my choice of man and finally love me?

I bolt upright at that stupid question. Of course, the answer is no. "What is it?" Adonis asks, immediately at my side and rubbing a soothing hand across my bare back—the bathing suit I have on leaves little to the imagination.

Turning to face him, I blurt out, "I want children. I want a large family filled with love, movie nights, and game nights. Big Sunday dinners and brunch on Saturdays. Beach trips and Disney trips. And I never want them to feel like a burden. Like they have to do something in order to please us and earn our love."

Concern etches his eyes as he takes in what I said. "Until you, I didn't realize I wanted that either. We'll have it one day when it's the right time." His easy smile releases some of the tension I've been feeling.

"Do you know who attacked me yet?" There are so many uncertainties surrounding us presently that my nerves are frayed around the edges.

Pulling me into his lap, Adonis leans back in the chair. "I have my suspicions, and Zak has secured a meeting tonight. I'm hoping to have things resolved by then."

"You're leaving a lot out." Licking my dry lips, I glance up at him, hoping he'll expound.

He doesn't, of course. "I know, baby girl. I want to be certain first." I have to agree because I know he won't say a thing until he's ready. The man is like a brick wall, hiding more secrets than the mortar keeping the bricks in place.

"Tonight, you'll tell me then?" He sighs as he looks into my eyes before acquiescing, and I know that's the best I will get. For now.