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His words from earlier repeated inside her head: I’ll be damned if I let my daughter grow up without a father.
Placing a hand over her lower abdomen, Nikki tried to imagine a life raising a daughter, or maybe a son, with Rafe. Even forgetting the whole mating him was illegal tidbit, it was highly likely she and Rafe would kill each other within a few non-frenzy weeks of interacting.
Memories of Rafe’s tongue caressing her body, including between her thighs, heated her skin. If they fought, she had no doubt that the make-up sex would be extraordinary.
Of course, there was a lot more to life than sex.
Opening her eyes, Nikki moved to the shower and turned on the hot water. As she stepped into the spray, she focused on the more pressing matter of her father. Given what Nikki’s biological mother had done, Hector wouldn’t want Nikki’s child to be given away to strangers.
However, before she convinced her father of her adoption plan, Nikki needed to convince herself again about why she wanted to do it in the first place.
~~~
Rafe leaned against the wall in the hall and resisted running his hand through his still damp hair. Clearly, there had been some miscommunication however many days ago the frenzy had hit. The question was whether Kai had withheld it on purpose or not.
If Rafe had gone in knowing about adoption, he might be okay with it.
Okay, that was a fucking lie. Rafe would never give up a child of his. One of his arsehole uncles had knocked up a woman in Australia and left her to rot. Rafe would never do the same.
In that second, Rafe decided that if Nikki honestly didn’t want the baby, he’d raise him or her on his own. The tricky bit would be convincing the DDA to allow him to do it. He’d also probably have to ask his damn sister’s mate for help with the dragon bits.
Regardless, any child of his would have a home and be loved.
Nikki’s door opened and screeched against the floor. His mouth fell open when he faced her.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her in something other than her Protector uniform. Nikki wore a simple long-sleeved maroon tunic top that hugged her slim figure, complete with gold and black leggings that showed off her toned legs. Her hair was damp and slightly curling. He barely noticed the faint circles under her eyes. All he noticed was the lack of confidence in her gaze.
Rafe growled. “You’re fucking beautiful, Nikki. Own it.”
Fire flashed in her eyes. “Gee, thanks for your permission. I never would’ve been able to feel pr
etty without it.”
Taking hold of her bicep, he drew her close. “Can’t you take a compliment, woman?”
She raised her chin. “Maybe. But I have a feeling you’re just trying to sweet talk me so I’ll protect you from my father.”
Judging by the firmness of her jaw, Nikki was being serious.
Rafe barked out a laugh and Nikki frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“After serving nearly eighteen years in the army, handling your father should be easy enough.”
“You are aware he can shift into a rather large red dragon, aren’t you?” she drawled.
He scrutinized her face. “I’d almost say you’re worried about me.”
She stepped back and Rafe released his hold. Nikki went around him, careful not to touch. “Not that it matters. I’m kicking you out the front door before I go to talk with him.”
Like hell. Rafe drew Nikki up against his chest. He ignored her narrowed eyes and replied, “I’m not leaving my child until I know I will be a part of her future.”
“So, if it’s a boy, you’ll just waltz away? Good to know.”
Clenching his jaw to keep from shouting, he lowered his face nearer to hers. “Stop deflecting every time I try to have a serious discussion. You can’t brush this under the carpet, Nikki. You’re more than aware of how stubborn I can be. I’m staying.”
“Then for once, I hope the DDA springs a surprise visit. Then you’ll be out of my hair.”
“You don’t mean that. And I’ll prove it.”
