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Chapter
Thirty-Four
ALLISON
I’m not sure how long I sleep. An hour, a lifetime, I have no idea. But as I open my bleary eyes, I can’t help but let out a sigh. I feel safe and secure. A sense of calm and peace washes over me. I am home. It’s not even the place, really. It’s the safety that I feel about being with this man.
Hendrick is without a doubt my home.
When I push myself up to a seated position, my stomach clenches, and I know I’m going to be sick. Morning sickness which is turning into during-the-day, whenever-it-feels-like-it sickness is really not for me, but at the same time, I don’t want to complain because I know that not everyone gets to experience this. While it’s not necessarily something I planned, I still feel so very grateful to be sick.
Once I’ve cleaned myself up and brushed my teeth, I decide to search for Hendrick. That is, until something shiny catches my eye. It’s the sparkle from my ring as it hits the light, and I glance down at my hand.
Immediately, my lips twitch into a smile, then I frown. What if he bought this for her? I’m pretty positive he felt nothing for Harlow. But there is the fact he was going to marry her. I had her wedding, though I didn’t even think about wearing her dress because that would have been too weird. But do I have her ring?
Chewing on my bottom lip, I go in search of my husband. I don’t know why, but this feels important to me. I’m not sure why it should. It’s not like she ever wore the ring. I don’t know if it’s an irrational pregnancy hormone thing or not, but I’m also not sure that I care.
I don’t have to look far for him, just a few steps down the hall before I hear noises coming from his office. When I step inside, I’m surprised to see that all his computer monitors are on. He’s also looking down at his phone and writing something out.
He doesn’t even hear my approach. He is focused on his work, but that isn’t what has me completely surprised. It’s what’s on the screen. It’s video footage of the inside of a house, his cousin’s house.
I can see Tait and Tatum sitting across from one another at a table talking. I can hear their voices, but I’m not paying attention to their words. I’m just shocked that this is what’s happening.
“Did you bug their house?” I ask.
Slowly, Hendrick turns around, his eyes find mine, and they look wild. I open my mouth to ask him another question but decide to snap it closed. “You do not come into my office, Allison. I have things in here that are not for you, including this.”
His words come out dark, menacing as if he is not the same person who just hours ago told me of his unwavering, undying love after eating me out until I came all over his face. I think about asking him why he’s being so mean, but then I decide against it.
He’s right. This isn’t my business, and I look like a nosy little bitch standing here watching him. He doesn’t know if I’m listening to what’s going on or not. He doesn’t know if I’m going to go and tell someone what I saw or heard. He doesn’t know, because other people he’s supposed to have trusted have done just that.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping. I’m sorry. I just woke up and was looking for you. I should have knocked.”
Hendrick stands to his feet, facing me, his gaze still dark as he stares into my eyes. I am frozen, captivated, and held by him. Then he sighs and lifts his hand, wrapping his fingers around the back of my neck as he draws me close to him, my face buried in the center of his chest.
“I was being a dick. I’m sorry. I’m just stressed out, and I haven’t slept. Both excuses are worthless, but I am sorry.”
I decide that this is definitely not the time to talk about the ring. Maybe I should never bring it up, because even if it was purchased for her, I love it. She’s dead and was a betraying bitch, so whatever.
“Do you want me to make some breakfast?” I ask, my gaze sliding around his shoulder to the empty energy drink cans on his desk. No doubt those suckers have to do with his dark mood.
“Protein would be great,” he murmurs. “I have a couple more hours here, then I have to meet my brothers and my father. What are you doing today?”
I almost laugh, mainly because it’s comical as shit. “The baby doctor is today, and I have a standing appointment with your mother for counseling.”
His lips curve up into a grin. “Text me the time and place for the baby. I want to be there. And my mom? You’re on your own with that head-shrinking shit.”
“How can you call it that?” I ask, totally surprised that he’s said what he has. His mother would probably slap the shit out of him if she heard that.
The ice is now broken. Whatever darkness he had is gone, because he bursts out laughing at my words and a sparkle returns to his gaze. I like that. This is the Hendrick I adore. The fun, smiling, absolutely sexy Hendrick.
He shrugs a shoulder. “Because, sunshine, she hates it, so that’s why I say it. It’s only in jest. I’ve been known to visit her office for a chat more than once. Sometimes I welcome her shrinking. Sometimes not so much.”
Rolling my eyes to the ceiling, I take a step backward. “I should tell her you said all of that,” I quip.
“Do it and I’ll spank your ass. Well, in that instance, do it because I would love an excuse to paint that pretty ass of yours red,” he growls.
I smile, and I feel so sexy and mischievous right now. “Do you need an excuse?” I ask.
