73

KATHERINE

“You?” My eyebrow went up.

I can’t remember where I got these bruises from but King Derek isn’t exactly out of the option. He can do anything, after all.

“I didn’t touch you.” He was watching me in an unnerving way, and I gradually swallowed hard when he pointed downward. “You know what? I want to see your stomach?”

Laughter filled my chest, brewing it so fully I find his words so hilarious. He wants to take a look at my stomach in here in the woods? With his men surrounding us? Impossible.

“I have no bruise there. You don’t have to worry.” I quickly said. He scoffed and when he stepped nearer, I stumbled, and fell forward, into his chest.

My heart skipped a beat. He noticed it too and rather than pushing me away, his hand came upward to pat at my head.

That action was enough for me to develop an extreme panic attack.

Did he just—? No. Can’t be.

I summoned the courage to tilt my head upward and I screamed. I’m fucking hugging him.

I attempted pushing myself away. He