I studied him, taking in the turmoil on his face.
“I don’t blame you,” I whispered. “If that’s what you think. That night… I was so scared. I-I thought you were hurt and I-I was going to lose you?—”
“Don’t, Rosalie,” he said, his voice thick.
“Don’t what?”
“Just… don’t, OK? I’m fine. I’m sorry, I was a shit bodyguard. I fucked up. I was in my head and not paying attention. I told Klaus I know a few guys on the team who would make excellent guards for you?—”
“I don’t want them. I want you,” I said fiercely. “I’m not letting you leave.”
He stared down at me.
“Ryder. Please. Stay,” I whispered. “I need you.”
“I’ll stay,” he whispered back, his voice thick. “Get dressed, OK?”
He backed away from me and went to the door, leaving me alone. At least he was going to stay. Maybe in a few days, he’d be more open to talking.
At least I hoped so.
Klaus quickly liftedme into his arms and brought me to the leather wraparound couch in the living room.
“Where’s Ani?” I asked. “And Evan?”
“Busy,” he murmured, kissing along my jaw as Ryder sat staring at his phone on the other end of the couch.
“Where’s Ellis?”
“She is insistent on changing Mr. Rufus’s clothes one more time and said she wanted to surprise us and made me leave her alone in her room.”
I smiled at that. She was sassy when she wanted to be.
“Are Ani and Evan talking to Enzo?”
“Mhm.” Klaus kissed my bare shoulder.
“Should we talk?” I asked, pulling away from him.
He sighed and closed his eyes. He was quiet for a moment before speaking.
“Evan told us about you and Cole. I’m pissed, if you want to know the truth, but not at you. Maybe not even really at him, at least for that portion. I would very much like to choke the shit ass out when I see him for taking you. That won’t go unpunished.”
“I think he’s punishing himself enough,” I said.
He sighed. “I’m sure he is, but he does need some hard truths spoken to him. He is a father. If he wants back into your life, he needs to prove himself. It’s not just you who will end up hurt. It’ll be our little girl. I won’t stand for that.”
I kissed him gently. “I love how protective you are.”
“I love how fucking sexy and sweet you are,” he answered back, kissing me again. “If he got you pregnant, I might beat his ass just a little harder.”
“I’m scared,” I whispered.
“I know, baby. Let’s try to keep from worrying about it. We’ll get it all checked out.”
“I can’t believe you’re OK with this.”
“I’m not OK with it, but I know there are some things that can’t be changed. This is one of those things. It happened. It’s over. Now we wait and see. I am hoping the guy gets his shit together so I don’t have to stomp his ass into the ground.”
