Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
“I’m in love with you too.” I finally said the words that had been stuck in my throat. His eyes widened a second as if he were truly surprised I felt the same way, and then his grin spread across his face.
“God, Leila,” he murmured. “I’ve been dreaming of hearing you say that for so long.” He pulled me in for an embrace, and I closed my eyes, letting this feeling consume me. I loved him so much, but I wasn’t done being honest.
“I’m pregnant.” Those two words were whispered, but I knew he heard me. His body tightened as if he were stone, and he slowly pulled back to stare into my eyes.
And now this was where shit would hit the fan.
When those words left my mouth, everything around me seemed to still. I watched as the surprise on Devon’s face turned to an array of emotions, but I couldn’t grasp which ones they were, which one was strongest.
“Devon?” My heart was in my throat again. “Please, say something.” I couldn’t stand this silence.
His eyes dropped to my belly, and I involuntarily placed my hand over it, even though it was flat and I was obviously not showing yet.
For several long, tense moments, he did nothing but stare at my stomach, his entire body so tense he seemed unmovable.
“Leila?” He finally looked up at me, his voice cracking as he said my name.
“I—” I didn’t know what to say now.
“How long have you known?” His expression seemed so… earnest.
I swallowed down my fear, glad this was finally being discussed and out in the open.
“I confirmed at the doctor today,” I muttered. “It’s yours,” I said, really wanting him to know. “You were...” God, should I tell him I’d been a virgin? Might as well get all the truths out there. “You were the first and only guy I’ve ever been with, Devon.” I swore the air grew thick, thick enough a knife could have sliced right through it.
He stared at me, not speaking, and I couldn’t read his expression.
“It’s mine.” He didn’t phrase it like a question, and thank God for that. “I’m going to be a father.” He sounded so… mesmerized.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I was afraid to say anything. I was afraid of all the unknowns and if this would push us away even more. I was already feeling so unsure about the night we were together, and this just set me over the edge, and I retreated.”
He was shaking his head. “Leila, I understand. I might not have then, but I do now, baby. I understand, and it’s okay. God, it’s okay. I’m here now. You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
Before I could say anything or even contemplate what he was about to do, Devon had his hands on my waist and hauled me onto his lap. I was so stunned by the sudden, jarring movement that I couldn’t do anything but grip his wide, powerful shoulders and hold on.
He stared into my eyes, and I sucked in a breath at what I saw on his face.
Happiness.
“Be with me. Be mine, Leila.” There was so much need in his voice. “Move in with me. Let me take care of you and our baby.”
I didn’t realize I was crying until I felt the hot tears track down my cheeks, until Devon lifted his hand and smoothed his thumb over my flesh, wiping them away.
“I love you, Leila,” he said as he leaned in, peppering my face with kisses. “I’m so in love with you that hearing this news, hearing you say you’re in love with me too, is like I’ve won the fucking lottery.”
I was bawling now, not even trying to hide it or stop myself. I cupped his cheeks, the days’ worth of stubble along his skin soft against my palms.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
His brows knitted in confusion. “For what, baby?”
“For being a good guy.”
He gave me a small smile. “That’s never something you have to thank me for. Being a good guy comes naturally when you’re in my life. You make me want to be a better person.” He pulled me in closer and kissed me, and as our lips pressed together, as the comfort and affection started growing into something more passionate, all I could think about was how I needed Devon.
I needed him now, and it looked—felt—like he needed me too.
18
Devon
I should’ve been gentle with her, but there was no fucking way I could control myself, not when emotions were high, the truth out in the open now.
My self-control was slowly waning. I couldn’t breathe, felt dizzy, insane with lust, with need. I was ravenous for Leila, starved for her. I desperately wanted to hear Leila calling out my name over and over again when the ecstasy became too much.
“Leila,” I groaned, trying to rein in my desire, but I felt like I was standing on a razor’s edge.