“It’s not sweet. It’s a necessity.” He touched her belly, and felt the baby kick against his palm. “You’re both too important.”
Her expression softened. “You’re serious.”
“Completely.” He’d never been more serious about anything in his life. “Move in with me. Let me take care of you. Both of you.”
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’ll camp on your doorstep until you change your mind.” He managed a small smile. “Or possibly carry you to my house myself.”
“Bossy and possessive.”
“Protective.” He kissed her. “There’s a difference.”
She laughed. “Fine. I’ll move in.”
CHAPTER 23
“You’re awfully bossy when you’re being protective.”
Chloe watched Victor’s jaw tighten. He was already cataloging her belongings, mentally sorting what she’d need from what could wait.
“I prefer thorough.”
“Mmm. Controlling?”
“Careful.” He turned to face her, those luminous blue eyes intent on her face. “There’s a difference.”
She stepped closer. Close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his skin. The transformation had left him flushed, energized. Beautiful.
“I’m teasing,” she said softly. “I like that you want to take care of me. That you have been taking care of me.”
Some of the tension left his shoulders. “I need to. Both of us do.”
Both. Victor and Hyde. Two parts of one extraordinary man.
Her man.
Mine, something fierce whispered in her chest. All mine.
“So what’s the plan?” Chloe asked. “Pack everything? Call a moving truck?”
“Pack essentials for now. A few days’ worth of clothes. Toiletries. Anything you can’t live without.” Victor glanced toward the damaged roof. “We’ll come back for the rest when the roads clear and the structure’s been inspected.”
Practical. Sensible.
Also slightly presumptuous.
“And if I wanted to stay here?” Chloe asked. “Fix the roof and continue living independently?”
Victor went very still. “Do you?”
The honest answer sat on her tongue. Heavy with truth.
“No,” she admitted. “I want to be with you. I just need to know you’re asking, not ordering.”
His expression softened. “I’m asking. Please move in with me, Chloe. Let me keep you safe. Let us—” He touched her belly. “Let us be a family.”
Family.
