His

Chapter 35

Despite the pain he put me through, I was able to leave. Well, I should say I quietly snuck out around 4:30 when he fell asleep. I knew how loud the engine was, but I didn't care. I needed to get home before he could find me.

I noticed Antonio's bedroom light on the moment I entered the house, and I could sense the concern in his eyes. "Where the hell were you?"

"Antonio, please don't yell at me."

His eyes traveled down to my arms, noticing the bruises. "Who did that to you?"

"He was waiting for me after work and..." I felt tears slide down my cheeks as I tried to explain myself.

Antonio shook his head. "You don't need to explain yourself any longer. I will keep you safe, I promise."

"You didn't text or call me at all tonight."

"I know, I was with Rob. I deeply apologize."

"Are you sure you weren't with another woman?"

"No, why would you ever ask me that?"

"I just... didn't know."

I could tell my accusation hurt his feelings. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have."

Shaking his head, he kissed my forehead. "Let's get some sleep, okay?"

Nodding, I followed him and went upstairs. "You aren't sleeping in the guestroom tonight, Tally. You are staying in my room."

"Are you sure?"

"Get changed. I will be waiting."

I grabbed clothes out of the drawer, painfully changing. I had never seen Ryder that violent, but I had surely seen his true colors tonight.

I crawled in his bed the moment I entered his room, and he grabbed my hand. "Promise me something."

"What?"

"That you are all mine."

"I... promise."

"I will protect you, I am so sorry I was not there tonight, but I will not allow anyone to lay their hands on you ever again. I promise, Tally."

After a short round of sex, I had realized he didn't pull out. Although it was not the first time, the thought of possible pregnancy scared the hell out of me. I know that it is something he most likely would not want, but I ignored the negative thoughts, forcing myself to fall asleep shortly afterwards.

*** I woke up the next morning, thinking about an unwanted pregnancy and I knew that Antonio could tell something was wrong. "What is it?"

"You didn't pull out last night and you know I'm not taking anything."

He nodded. "And?"

"What if an accident happens?"

"I am 45 years old, Tally. I am capable of taking care of a child."

Those words really shocked me. "I thought you would be angry."

"Why would I be angry?"

"Because you're at the age where you wouldn't want kids."

"Well, it's not something I specifically want, but accidents happen."

After the brief conversation, we stopped speaking about it for the rest of the day and I tried to enjoy my day off, but it was hard to not think about it. What if I tested positive? Would he leave me, or would he actually stay if he actually likes me?