Chapter Nine

Then, I heard another knock on the door—firm, deliberate. This time, I knew without a doubt. It was Kane.

I opened the door, and there he stood, his tall frame leaning casually against the doorframe. He wore a dark turtleneck that clung to his sculpted torso, the fabric stretching over well-defined abs, paired with fitted jeans that did nothing to hide the raw power beneath. He looked devastatingly handsome, effortlessly so.

If I had any less self-control, I would have thrown myself at him, wrapped my arms around him, and never let go. That’s how much he had consumed my thoughts over the past week and a half.

Before I could process what was happening, the world flipped. One moment, I was standing there, and the next, I was draped over his shoulder, my head dangling upside down near his lower back. A surprised gasp escaped me, realization hitting a second too late. He had moved so fast that I hadn't even registered it.

Kane carried me to my new bed and laid me down with a gentleness that contrasted the hunger in his eyes. Then, in one swift motion, the fabric tore. My breath hitched as the cool air of the nearing winter ghosted over my exposed skin, sending a shiver down my spine. My nipples tightened, heat pooling low in my belly.

His hand wrapped around my throat—not enough to choke, but just enough to make my pulse race. His grip was firm, possessive. Then he kissed me—bruising, desperate, demanding. I moaned into his mouth, my body arching toward him, matching his need.

Every second that passed, the ache between my thighs grew unbearable. My panties were already damp with want. As if reading my mind, Kane spread my legs and settled between them, now just as bare as I was.

Then he slammed into me with full force, my back arching against the bed. My nails dug into his shoulders as he took me without mercy, each deep, relentless thrust making my body tremble beneath him. I clung to him, trying to match his pace, lost in the overwhelming mix of pleasure and pain. God, I had missed him so much.

His lips crashed against mine again, just as rough, just as desperate. I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper, needing more. Tears welled in my eyes—not just from the intensity but from the ache of knowing this might be the last time.

The baby I had longed for and dreamed of for years was finally here. But I never expected it to be like this. Not so soon.

Kane’s thrusts became erratic, his grip on my hips tightening as he drove into me one last time. A deep, guttural groan escaped his lips as he spilled inside me, his body shuddering against mine. The heat of him filled me, sending me over the edge. My back arched, a strangled moan leaving my lips as pleasure ripped through me, wave after wave crashing over my body.

I clung to him, my nails dragging down his back as I rode out the aftershocks, my body still trembling beneath him. My chest heaved, and for a few moments, all that existed was the sound of our ragged breathing and the warmth of his skin against mine.

Kane stayed buried inside me for a moment longer, his forehead pressed against mine as he caught his breath. Then, slowly, he pulled out, making me whimper at the loss.

He sat back on his heels, his hands running over my thighs before gripping them possessively. His eyes flickered with something unreadable as he studied my face.

I swallowed hard, blinking back the tears threatening to spill. My fingers trailed up his back, pressing against the taut muscles there. I wanted to say something—to tell him about the life growing inside me—but the words lodged in my throat. All because I was a pathetic coward who was scared of losing him.

Instead, Kane lifted his head, his dark eyes burning into mine. His fingers brushed over my cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle compared to the way he had just ravaged me.

"You're crying," he murmured, his voice rough, strained.

I turned my head slightly, unable to hold his gaze. "It’s nothing."

His jaw tightened. "Don’t lie to me."

A bitter laugh bubbled up, but I swallowed it down. How could I tell him? What would he even say? Would he leave? Would he stay?

"Tell me," he ordered, “Was I too rough? Did I hurt you?”

“No, it's not that...” I swallowed and laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck, “I've missed you so much, and I tend to cry when I miss someone. A grown-up crying like an infant, embarrassing, isn't it?”

Kane’s gaze softened, but the tension in his jaw remained. His fingers traced my cheek, then slid down to my chin, tilting my face up until I had no choice but to look at him.

“I don’t think it’s embarrassing,” he murmured, his voice quieter now, almost contemplative. “I think it’s honest.”

His words sent a fresh wave of emotion crashing over me. I wanted to believe him, to let myself bask in this moment, but the secret I carried pressed against my chest like a weight too heavy to bear.

I forced a smile. “I guess I’m just tired.”

Kane studied me for a long moment before sighing. He pulled me closer to his chest, his hand splayed against my lower back as if anchoring me to him.

“I shouldn’t have stayed away,” he admitted, his breath warm against my hair. “Not for this long.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, my fingers curling against his bare skin. I wanted to say, Then don’t leave again. But I couldn't.

Instead, I whispered, “Will you stay tonight?”

Kane didn’t answer right away. His fingers traced slow circles against my spine, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm. Then, finally—

“Yes.”

Relief flooded through me, but it was short-lived. Because deep down, I knew one night wouldn’t be enough. And eventually, he would leave.

I’d be left alone with his baby growing inside me. I shouldn't be heartbroken cause this is what I signed up for.