Page 86 of Blood Red Rage

“Depends on the sneeze.”

“Viking.”

“Fine.”

“And no ordering me to bed.”

“If you're tired…”

“I will decide when I'm tired.” My jaw clenched. Fuck, this was painful.

“Fine.” She stood. I immediately reached for her but then stopped myself. Her eyes dropped to my hand, then lifted to my face. Something softened. “You can touch me, idiot.”

I had her against me before she'd finished speaking. She laughed into my chest. My arms wrapped around her carefully, one hand settling over the small curve that wasn't even really there yet.

Her scent calmed something inside me instantly. “I am trying,” I muttered.

“I know.”

“I don't like it.”

“I know.”

“I still think bed rest is safer.”

She leaned back. “Don't ruin the moment.”

I shut my mouth which had her smile. Then she reached up and touched my face. “I know you're scared.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “Fucking terrified.”

“You don't have to pretend with me.”

My hand spread across her stomach. “I can hear the heartbeat.”

Her expression changed. “You can?”

I nodded. “Sometimes.”

Her eyes filled. Fuck, but these tears were different.

“Why didn't you tell me?”

“I thought you'd worry.”

She laughed through the tears. “You?”

“Apparently I've been difficult.”

Her eyebrows shot upward. “Apparently?”

I growled but she laughed harder, and there it was. The sound I'd almost forgotten to protect while I was so busy protecting everything else. Her happiness. I lowered my forehead to hers. “I'll do better.”

“You don't have to be perfect.”

“I'd prefer it.”

“I know.”