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She would never admit it to anyone, but Nikki loved to play around in the dirt. While she attempted to grow plants, they always withered and died somehow. It still didn’t keep her from trying or enjoying herself. If nothing else, she could tinker in peace at the new cottage and not worry about upsetting Delphine.
Glancing at Rafe, she wondered if he had a green thumb on top of being a supposedly brilliant cook. If he could garden and cook, in addition to being a skilled soldier, Nikki might need to scream into a pillow. No man should have so many talents.
Rafe stopped on the front porch and glanced over at her. “Shall I do the honors, or should you?”
“You asking my permission makes me nervous.”
“What? I can be nice if I try.”
Sighing, Nikki waved at the door. “Just open the bloody thing already. The sooner we’re inside, the sooner I can pick out my room.”
Rafe’s gaze turned heated. “Pick whichever room you like, but know that your room is mine as well.”
“Rafe—”
“I won’t give up on this. I’m here for our child, but I’m also here for you, Nikola Gray. I can’t protect you if you keep me at a distance.”
For a split second, hope had swirled in Nikki’s chest. But Rafe’s sense of duty smashed it to pieces. “I can protect myself.”
Not waiting for him, Nikki shoved Rafe aside and entered the house.
Chapter Eight
Bloody stubborn woman. No matter what Rafe did, she took it the wrong way.
As he followed her into the cottage, he tried to come up with a new plan of attack.
Mentally, he understood Nikki was a tough woman who could look after herself in dangerous situations. But in his gut, the thought of failing to keep Nikki and their baby safe made him ill.
He’d had the same battle with his sister over the years. But at least in Jane’s case, she had truly needed Rafe to help out sometimes. However, with Nikki, it was a whole different story. And not just because he hurt her in the past, although that sat heavy on his conscience. She had saved his unit’s arses a few times back when she had served in the army.
Nikola Gray was truly a unique and capable woman.
As said woman looked around the place in silence, Rafe gave
it a cursory scan. The inside of the cottage was simple, with a sofa in the living room, a small table in a dining nook, and a kitchen at the back. After noting the possible escape routes via the doors and windows in the cottage, he gestured toward the stairs. “Shall we check out the bedrooms?”
Nikki’s gaze shuttered. “I will, but you’re going to stay down here.” He opened his mouth to interject, but Nikki continued, “I just want a few minutes alone to think and then go to sleep. I know there’s a crap-ton of things to talk about, and we’ll do that. But let me rest first.”
Stunned at her truthful admission, Rafe nodded. “Okay. But if you try to escape through one of the windows, I’ll hear it and stop you.”
Nikki sighed, and Rafe truly noticed the shadows under her eyes for the first time. Fuck. So much for taking care of the mother of his child.
“Copy that,” Nikki murmured. “Wake me when Sid gets here.”
As she passed, he reached out an arm to grab her wrist. Nikki tugged, but he didn’t let go. “First, tell me what’s your favorite meal.”
“If I’m making it, then eggs, bacon, and toast.”
“And if you’re not?”
She scrutinized his eyes a second before asking, “Why? Are you going to cook for me? I thought we were each cooking for ourselves.”
“Just answer the bloody question, Nikki.”
Raising her chin, she said, “Lasagna with loads of garlic bread.”
“Done.” Rafe released her wrist. “Now, go to sleep.”
