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He’s there, my silent protector. He’s been out there for a few hours now, while I was trying to rest.
But he could be here, a tiny voice inside me whispers. In the nest he made us.
But what if he is doing this all out of obligation?
What if he can’t forgive me for the awful things I yelled at him?
What if?—
My stomach cramps and I groan.
I’m finally coming down from suppressant withdrawal, and my body is a ticking time bomb for a Heat.
I have days before it turns unbearable.
And before that happens, I need to know where I stand with River.
I kick off the covers and nesting blankets.
I don’t second guess myself as I dress in the fluffy robe that I find hanging in my closet.
Then, I peek through the curtains again.
He’s outside his car, leaning against the driver’s door, arms crossed, his head turned toward my house.
Is my scent affecting him, too?
Go to him.
Dressed in my robe, silk pajamas, and plush slippers, I tiptoe out of my bedroom and down the hall to the front room where Devyn is sleeping on an air mattress.
A pang of guilt stabs at my chest.
People want to take care of you, honey.
Tammy’s words replay in my mind. Devyn should be with Ben, not here watching over her fragile friend.
And River shouldn’t be spending his evening outside my house in the cold.
Silently, I slip out my front door, lock it behind me, and head down my driveway. The night air is chilly, and the wind blows through my hair as I make my way to River.
I’m freezing by the time I reach him, but he doesn’t move as he regards me, leaning against the car door. His arms remain crossed and at first, I think it’s because he doesn’t want to see me.
But his scent and expression tell an entirely different story.
His eyes are haunted, and he lets out a shaky breath when he sees me.
But he’s just as handsome as ever.
“You shouldn’t be out here,” he says, his voice low. “It’s too cold out here for you, baby.”
Baby.
The pet name sends a chill down my spine.
I take a step closer, but his posture is still rigid, as if he’s frozen.
As if he doesn’t want to touch me.
