BOOK II.
Four months have passed since Ashton and Ria's relationship fell into ruins. He's convinced that she hates him and she believes he never loved her. Giving up on each other, they attempt to mend their loneliness in the arms of their past; Ch...
❝I want us to take a moment of happiness. Even if it's brief.❞
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ASHTON BRUSHES HIS FINGERTIPS along the freckles across Ria's face.The afternoon sun dances over her tan skin and provides a golden-like perfection to her complexion.
Every day, he's made sure she gets at least eight hours of sleep. Whatever she doesn't get at night, she gets in the afternoon with a mandatory nap. She complained at first, about this and all the other rules he laid upon her, but there was no fighting the obvious fatigue in her body.
They both need sleep.
Losing the ones they trusted and cared for. Living with the pressures of death lingering around every corner. It's exhausting.
Ashton trails his fingers along Ria's stomach, feeling the warmth emitting from it as if he can feel their child living inside. He doesn't believe it's worth it, but he can't make Ria change her mind. Her head is as hard as a bull's despite her heart being as delicate as a flower.
The connection she feels for this unborn child is unfathomable.
What are the chances? Her odds?
I can't lose you. I just can't.
"You're not sleeping," Ria whispers and places her hand atop his.
"Neither are you."
A smile cracks across her lips and her eyes lift in a languid manner. "So why are you watching me not sleep?"
"Cause I'm thinking about things."
"Like?"
"You. Us. The baby. All the shit we're caught up in."
Her smiles wanes and her other hand shifts to caress his cheek. "We just have to wait three more weeks. Your men will invade his mansion, get Camilla out safely, and kill Vincent. If they fail, you'll just have to."
Hearing the word kill slip from her lips so casually still manages to make his heart ache. "And you're okay with that?"
Her eyes grow vacant and she nods. "He's the only one. Just him. No one else ever again."
"I know," he whispers.
"After that, we're getting new therapists."
"I know."
"And baby classes?" she inquires with a fragile hopefulness.
"Yeah," he breathes.
"I want you to be happy about this, Ashton. Be a little more optimistic."
"It's hard to be happy if I know there's a chance of losing you." He intertwines their fingers and kisses the back of her hand. "But I'll have all the hope that I possibly can for you and this baby."
