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“I have a surprise of my own.” She grabbed my shoulders and pulled my ear to her mouth.
My eyes widened as the shock of her words torpedoed through me. I sank to my knees once again and placed my palm on her abdomen. Placing a kiss on her stomach, I swore to cherish and protect my child and future wife for the rest of my days.
She gently played with my hair as I kissed her belly again, then gave her a goofy grin. I stood and embraced her before I yelled at the top of my lungs.
“I’m going to be a father! Drinks are on the house!”
“And a non-alcoholic drink of your choice.” I took her hand, eager to get her home and into my bed.
Chapter 54
Ella
Several weeks had passed without a single sign of Death's presence. With our diligence in minimizing Sebastian's triggers, the killings had decreased significantly. My heart swelled with joy as I saw him content and excited about our upcoming wedding and the news of our pregnancy. He had even stepped back from his duties in rescue missions and managing the bar, allowing us to spend more time together.
A gust of crisp air greeted me, and I turned around to find Death standing inside the kitchen door. My pulse raced with conflicting emotions—both happy and sad by his appearance.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.” I pushed up on my tiptoes and kissed Death, grateful that I’d slipped my engagement ring into my jeans pocket while I was packing. The engagement on top of what I needed to tell him would be too much.
He released a sexy growl and pinned me against my kitchen counter, which was littered with dishes that I was packing.
His eyes narrowed. “Where are you going, little lamb?”
“I’m putting the house up for sale.” I ran my fingertips over his cheek. “You’ll have to figure out when to see me since I’ll live in a penthouse.” I wrapped my arms around his waist, his hard chest pressing against mine.
“No. This is our place. You’re not selling.” His tone was low and deadly.
My brow arched. “I have to pay for Dad’s cancer trial. The medication is working. When I move, I won’t have a mortgage payment anymore.”
A hint of a smile graced his lips. “It’s already paid for, little lamb. When I arranged for your father to have the treatment, I took care of it upfront. If there are additional costs, the doctor will contact me.” He gripped my waist, digging his fingers into my skin. “I will always protect you, Ella.”
I ran my palm over his muscled chest, his pecs tightening as I did. At times, I was well aware that Death didn’t want me to touch him. He had to feel in control. I had to take it slow and make sure he felt safe.
“I need to move on, Death. Not from you. Not ever. Just a new location.”
“Why are you pushing this? I said no.”
“Because.” I peered into his grey eyes, fascinated with how his looked different from Sebastian’s, and with how Death had a Pacific Northwest accent. “I’m pregnant and need a bigger place for the baby.”
The kitchen grew so quiet I could have heard a feather hit the floor.
“Pregnant?” His voice sounded full of wonder.
Delicious little goosebumps peppered my skin. “Yes. I’m a few months along.”
He stepped away, staring at my still-flat belly. I suspected he was on an emotional overload. It was funny how, at one time, I refused to carry a serial killer’s baby. I doubted I would say “never” about anything again. “I think it’s a girl, but we will know for sure soon.”
Death dropped to his knees and placed his cheek on my stomach. “I swear always to protect you. I will slowly dismember anyone who attempts to hurt you. I will be a better father than my sick and twisted one ever was.” He lifted my shirt before he pressed a kiss to my abdomen as I stroked the back of his head.
“You’ll be a wonderful father.” Since I’d learned more about Sebastian’s condition, I understood that Death knew the same father that Sebastian did, but their memories were separate. Death had taken on all the trauma, then his psyche couldn’t handle anymore and split.
He stood slowly, his eyes blazing with sincerity.
“You are my queen, Ella. You and the baby will lack for nothing.”
I threaded my fingers through his hair and cupped his neck. “See, already a good father.” I smiled up at him, my heart full of what I felt for him and Sebastian.
“But we need to talk,” I continued, “and I need you to hear me and not fly off the handle before I finish.”
