She didn’t want the sincerity in his voice to break through the shield she was so desperately trying to keep up between them. Still, she couldn’t stop the fluttering in her stomach or the curious melting sensation in her region of her heart. She recognized that she was very vulnerable where Elijah was concerned. She’d spent her teenage years dreaming about him. He had figured prominently in every single fantasy. In college, when she was so lonely, she had daydreamed about him.

“Elijah, I know you and everyone else thinks I came from a wonderful home, the princess everyone doted on. But that just isn’t the truth. I loved my grandfather, but he sent me away when I was very young. I spent most of my childhood in boarding schools. Yes. They were private schools and I got a great education, and I had the best clothes and shoes money could buy, but I didn’t have a home.”

Elijah transferred his hold from her hair back to the nape of her neck, his fingers beginning a slow massage she was now very familiar with. He didn’t interrupt her. He didn’t remind her of their guests. He simply waited for her to continue.

“I didn’t have friends at school. My grandfather made certain my bodyguards went into the classrooms with me. That didn’t endear me to teachers, administrators, students or the bodyguards. I was different. I always was going to be different. I blamed his worries about me on the fact that my mother and father were murdered. Then I was kidnapped. I have to tell you, security was much worse after that.”

“I do remember that,” Elijah murmured. “Your grandfather went ballistic.”

She nodded. “It was a terrible time. He didn’t keep me home, although I begged him to. He sent me right back to school, but with different bodyguards. Alonzo was one of them and he practically didn’t leave my side. Still, there was another attempt. After that, he made it clear I wouldn’t be going on dates or to the home of any friend. I was even more isolated.”

She sighed and made a move to inch away, to put some distance between them. The heat from his body had begun to seep into her, warming her. His masculine scent surrounded her until she felt as if she was breathing him in with every breath she drew. Instantly, his arms came up to surround her. He locked his hands over her waist.

“Stay put. I’m interested.”

“I can tell you just as easily from a distance.”

“Yes, but I want you right here. Close to me.” His hands dropped lower until his palm was over her womb, his fingers splayed wide. “I like sitting here on our bed, you between my legs, my arms around you and our baby in my hand. Talk to me.”