“I know.” Reaching behind her, I push the plates out of the way. “You’re the most valuable—”

“Not like that. Not like—”

“I get it.”

She lets me bend her over the tabletop. “—like some porcelain doll.”

“You’re only valuable if you’re free.” I push up her dress.

Her panties are lace ones she wore before we were captured. They curve up her sides and dip at the center, where I wedge my finger under them to feel the soft skin of her belly.

“You’re strong, Sarah.” I kiss her body. “You’re clever. You learn fast. You’re going to be with me, side by side.” I stand straight and look at her curves with my hands on either hip. I intend to slide the panties off her and get my dick out of my pants before my balls explode, but I can’t take my eyes off her. “I’m not going to like it. I’m going to protect you when I have to protect you. But…”

I drift off to run my fingertips from between her breasts to her navel.

“But what? I’m free to be protected?”

“Prima?”

“Are you okay?”

“When was the last time you had your period?”

She gets up on her elbows. “What kind of question is that?”

Colonia men have no idea how women bleed, when, or why.

“It’s a question with an answer.”

She looks away, eyes flicking back and forth, trying to remember. She never had it when she was with me. Blame stress for that time without it, and when we were trapped with the Colonia, assuming she didn’t have it then either. Stress could have stopped every single period since the day I met her, but this lovely curve to her belly isn’t from a hearty diet.

When she looks back at me, she doesn’t have to say a thing.

“Do you think…?” she asks.

My laugh isn’t because the question’s funny. It’s joy squeezing between panic and determination—exiting like a bullet.

“Yes,” I say, leaning down to kiss her. “I think you’re pregnant.”

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

SARAH

I’ve never been pregnant before, but once he says it, I know he’s right. I’m carrying his child. My love has taken root, and my decisions are no longer mine alone.

I want him with a new fever hot enough to melt the rest of the world. Everything we have to do together is paint dripping away, leaving the bare canvas behind. I reach for his waistband, but he’s already opened it so I can grip the hard source of the love he put inside me.

He peels off my underwear and runs his fingers over me and inside.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers. “You’re my life.”

“Take your life.” I guide his cock toward me.