"I… ah… You’ve been distant, and well… when you defeat the Keans, our arrangement isn’t needed.” Have I been reading this wrong?
"Christ, Hannah." Ash runs a hand through his dark hair. "I took you to MassArt because I saw how miserable you've been lately. I thought giving you something you wanted might help." His blue eyes lock onto mine. "I know I was distant in the past, but lately, I’ve just wanted to get this mission done so you could be safe. I can’t lose anyone again, just like—" He cuts himself off.
"Just like Meghan," I finish softly. "I know. That's why you can't love me."
"You don't know anything," he says roughly. "You think I've been avoiding you because I don't care? Because I'm dreaming of Meghan?" He leans closer, his expression fierce. "I've been staying away because I care too damn much. Because your safety is the most important thing in the world to me. Because… because I love you, that’s why."
My heart stutters in my chest. "But… you said we should keep emotions out of it.”
"Yeah, and look how well that worked out.” The frustration dissipates. "You want to know why I really took you to see the campus? Because watching you light up at the idea of studying art made me happier than I've felt in ten years."
His blue eyes hold such raw emotion. I see in them everything I’ve wanted to see but didn’t think I ever would.
“I know I’m not an easy man to love. You have every reason to tell me to take a hike. I was an asshole because I thought keeping my distance would protect both of us. After losing Meghan, I swore I'd never let anyone get close enough to hurt me like that again."
"But you did get close?” I wonder if I’m dreaming. A most perfect dream.
"Yeah, I did. How could I not? You've brought light back into my life.”
My breath catches as he presses his forehead to mine. "I love you, Hannah. Not because you remind me of Meghan or becauseI'm trying to replace her. I love you because you're you. Because somehow, you worked your way past all my defenses and made me want to live again, not just survive."
His hand slides to my stomach. "And this baby? The idea of being a father, of having a family with you, it doesn't scare me the way I thought it would. It feels right."
"Really?"
"Really." His thumb strokes across my skin. "You're my world now, Hannah. You and this baby."
Ash's fingers intertwine with mine again over my stomach. He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my palm. "Can you forgive me? Let me spend every day showing you how much I love you? Because I do love you, Hannah. And I know I've said this before, but I'm going to do better, if you’ll give me another chance.”
My heart feels like it might burst. "I love you too. So much." My heart is soaring as I pull him closer, claiming his lips in a fierce kiss. All the fears and doubts melt away.
When we break apart, I can't stop the smile spreading across my face. "I can't believe this is real. That you actually want this, want us."
"More than anything," he murmurs against my lips. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Looking into his blue eyes, I see everything I've been longing for—love, desire, and a future together.
I suppose we shouldn’t work. A sheltered eighteen-year-old woman and a man over a decade older scarred by loss. An arranged marriage as a business deal. But we do work. His strength balances my optimism. His protective nature makes me feel cherished rather than caged. Even his brooding moments just make me want to shower him with more light and love.
"We're going to be parents," I say, joy bubbling up inside me.
"Yes, we are." His smile is radiant, transforming his entire face. "And I promise you, Hannah, you and this baby will know nothing but love."
I kiss him again because I believe him. And I vow that he, too, will know nothing but love from me.
EPILOGUE
Ash
Ishift uncomfortably on the window seat cushion in Hannah’s home art studio, feeling exposed as sunlight streams across my bare skin.
"Are you sure about this position?" My dick is hanging out for God and all to see. What if someone walks in?
Hannah's eyes sparkle with that infectious joy I've come to cherish. "The light is perfect right here. Trust me." She holds up her charcoal, studying me with an artist's eye that makes my skin heat.
"I feel ridiculous." I resist the urge to cover myself. I mean, I don’t mind exposing myself to her when we’re having sex, but being her model, it feels weird.
"You're beautiful." Hannah's voice carries such sincerity, making me forget my discomfort.
