As I pulled the golf cart out of the parking space where Andi had left it earlier, my thoughts turned to Ayden. I drove around the arena, unable to get him off my mind. His kisses had been desperate. I had sensed how much each time his mouth passed over mine.

Three hours later, my lips hadn’t stopped tingling. Ayden’s hot breath and full lips left me in a haze, one that pulled me under his spell.

It didn’t take much for me to get lost in his kiss and in him. It’s what my body wanted, as did my heart. It was my mind causing the problem. It clung to all the horrible things that happened between us.

At least he’d kept his distance while Stevie and I hung out after the show. I worried he would approach us and ask to speak to me in private. Part of me hoped that if I avoided him long enough, he’d get tired and go to bed.

That hope increased when I noticed him leave the bar twenty minutes before I did.

As I passed the brick wall and entered the community, the condo came into view. The closer I grew to it, the more my insides trembled. If I was quiet, maybe Ayden wouldn’t hear me enter the building. There was always the door to my office, but the deadbolt was in place. I couldn’t open it.

Parking the cart near the sidewalk, I turned off the key and eased out. My heart raced as I approached the door. From what I could see, only one light was on inside Ayden’s suite. I wasn’t sure which, but it didn’t appear to be the bedroom.

The air vent above the door blew my hair about as I crept inside and proceeded toward the hallway. As soon as I came around the corner, I checked Ayden’s door. It was closed.

Relief cascaded through me. I’d have enough time to get in my suite, shut off the lights, and head to bed. He wouldn’t know I was in my suite unless he searched for me. By then—

All thoughts scattered the second I turned toward my suite and took a step. Ayden leaned against the wall beside my door. His dark, piercing eyes locked with mine and buried into my soul. I held my breath, afraid to move or speak.

“Were you hoping I was in my suite so you could sneak into yours?”

My throat tightened. No matter how much I struggled to speak, nothing would come out. Ayden had caught me. There was no backing out of it.

Pushing myself forward, I kept a slow stride. The closer I grew to him, the slower I moved. I was not looking forward to this conversation. Yet part of me was anxious to hear what he had to say.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” It was the only response I could give him and the only one he would accept. Offering excuses wouldn’t get me anywhere.

As I stepped closer to the door and pulled out my key, I saw him in my peripheral vision. He was staring at me, watching every move I made. “I was getting worried that you’d snuck off to another suite for the night.”

He didn’t trust me, and knowing that hurt but I couldn’t be angry. I’m the one who kept my pregnancy from him. Of course he didn’t trust me now. It had me regretting my decision to lie.

Once the door opened, I slipped inside and placed my key on the counter. The door clicked closed, and my heart slammed harder. We were alone in my suite. Our conversation would begin at any moment, but what would come from this? Where would Ayden and I stand once we said everything we had to say?

Turning to face him, I found him leaning against the door, staring in my direction. He met my eyes, then his lowered to my belly. The light above him made his eyes twinkle. Had he noticed my bump?

Andi swore to me that she couldn’t see it because of the shirt I was wearing. Ayden almost touched it earlier when he had me backed against the dressing room wall. Judging by how fixated he was with my abdomen, I was paranoid he’d somehow caught a glimpse. I still hadn’t told him how far along I was.

“Do you want something to drink?” I wasn’t sure he’d heard me until he shook his head. A second later, he took a few more steps in my direction. His eyes hadn’t moved from my abdomen.

“I can’t believe this.” His throat wobbled as he swallowed hard and stopped less than a foot from me. Then he gazed up. I noticed the tears in his eyes. “How could you keep this from me?”

Guilt crushed me. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” He scoffed at my response. I waited for him to begin his diatribe on my behavior and the truth I’d kept from him. Instead of complaining, he shook his head. “I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me.”

“Are you serious?” I snapped. “Look what has happened to us.”

“Everything bad that’s happened is because of our exes.”

I massaged my temples, the stress of this conversation already weighing on me. “You’re right, Ayden. Wesley and Izzy caused problems between us, but you’re the one who said I would be better off without you. You gave up on us the day my sister miscarried.”

“I did no such thing.” He minimized the space between us to a few inches. “Yes, I said some stupid shit that night, but I was feeling guilty over what happened. Once I had time to process everything, I was ready to apologize.”

“Ayden, you’re not the only person who felt guilt over Izzy’s miscarriage. I felt it too. When you said those things to me . . . it shattered me.”

“I’m sorry.” His raspy voice sent a chill up my spine. So did the way he caressed my cheek.

Once he lowered his hand, I met his eyes. “After I found out about the baby, my guilt increased. It didn’t feel like the right time to tell you. You needed to process what happened with Izzy’s child.”

“That kid wasn’t mine. The one inside of you is.”

My heart fluttered. I liked that Ayden was showing a possessive side of him when it came to our baby. It meant he cared about our child. I knew it was because he cared about me too. That knowledge thawed some of the ice around my heart.

“I understand why you gave me space, Mia, even if I didn’t like it. What I don’t understand is why you didn’t tell me when I returned. I’ve been back for two weeks. You’ve had plenty of time to tell me.”

There was no way to deny what he was saying. Tears sprung from my eyes as I lost the battle with my emotions. “You’re right. I should have told you, but . . .”

The truth clung to the tip of my tongue. Saying it was harder than I imagined. I didn’t like to show weakness, but I couldn’t deny what frightened me more than anything.

“I’m scared, Ayden.”

In an instant, my face was pressed against his shoulder. His arms wrapped around me as his hands stroked my back. I loved being in his arms. They made me feel safe, and I needed security now more than ever.

“There is nothing for you to fear, Mia. I’m here and will be every step of the way.”

“This isn’t about us, Ayden. I’m afraid of something worse. My sister.”

He eased his head back to study me. “Izzy? Why are you afraid of her?”

Unable to answer, I moved out of his embrace and walked into the center of the living room. A picture on the wall caught my attention. It was taken years ago when my sister and I were ten. I was smiling in the photo, but Izzy wasn’t.

It wasn’t long after the photo was taken when she told me how much she hated my family, Music Haven, and especially me. She swore she would make my life miserable, and she held true to her word. Every time she came around, something in my life went to shit.

These last few months had been no different. If anything, they’d been worse. Izzy was determined to make sure I lived a lonely life. So far, she had succeeded.

“Mia, talk to me. We’ll never have a successful relationship if you keep things bottled up.”

“My sister will never let us be happy. Nothing I say will change that.”

The heat of his body radiated to mine once he walked up behind me. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me and convince me that everything would be okay. Even if he did, I wouldn’t believe him. I knew my sister better than anyone.

“Your sister has done everything in her power to keep us apart, but she hasn’t succeeded. We wouldn’t be here right now having this conversation if that were the case. We’re here because our love for each other is stronger than anything she throws at us.”

“She will lose her shit when she discovers I’m pregnant. Izzy still blames me for her miscarriage.”

“I told you to ignore her.”

“Those threats she made were real, Ayden. You may think it’s a joke, but I’m not calling her bluff. This is why I didn’t tell you about the baby. I’m trying to protect our child.”

My voice shook again. I didn’t like living in fear. There wasn’t much my sister could do to me that I couldn’t handle, but my child was off limits. So was Ayden. I would walk away from him and raise our child alone before I allowed either of them to get hurt by Izzy.

Spinning me around to face him, Ayden cupped my face and leaned closer. “I will not let Izzy hurt you, either of you. I promise. Please trust me, Mia. Let me take care of you for a change.”

His lips swept over mine in a tender kiss. I thought he would deepen it, but to my surprise, he eased his head back and leaned it against my forehead. Then he released a sigh.

“You don’t know what you’re asking for, Ayden. If Izzy finds out were together and I’m pregnant, she won’t stop until she destroys everything.”

“Let her try. She’s never going to come between us again. I won’t let her. I know what’s important, Mia, and I will protect what’s mine.”

One of his hands brushed against my hip. A second later, he touched my tiny bump. The heat of his hands warmed my skin, even through my shirt. I found comfort in it and the laughter that filled my ears.

“Wow.” He readjusted his hand and pressed lightly. “I didn’t realize you were already showing.”

A mixture of excitement and disappointment played on his face. I knew he was happy about our child, but he was disappointed with what he’d missed. From finding out about my pregnancy when I did to discovering the little bump below my navel, my actions had caused him to miss out on certain milestones. Knowing as much gutted me.

How could he forgive me?

The little mound below Mia’s waist made my heart stutter. All through Izzy’s pregnancy, I never touched her belly. There wasn’t much to feel anyway, and even if there had been, I didn’t want any part of it. This time it was different. This was my child growing inside Mia.

When her face came into view, my throat constricted. My hopes, fears, and love for Mia got the better of me. I didn’t want to lose it in front of her, but the moisture collecting in my eyes blurred my vision.

“You have no idea how much I love you, do you?”

“I won’t deny I’ve questioned it a time or two.”

Her response made me chuckle, though I wasn’t sure she’d meant for it to be funny. At least it kept me from making a fool out of myself. Men weren’t supposed to cry, but after what I’d almost lost, I didn’t know how to express my relief or my love for the mother of my child.

As I pulled her close and touched her silky skin, I thought of our relationship and how it had developed since we’d met. “We’ve loved and lost each other more times than we should have. It’s time for us to get our shit together, not just for this baby, but also for our own sanity.”

“How is that even possible? When Izzy finds out—”

I pressed my finger to her lips to silence her fears. “We’re not worrying about anyone else right now. This is about you, me, and our child.”

Sliding my finger down her lips, I pressed mine to them in a soft kiss. Her body lost its rigidness and she relaxed in my arms. When I pulled back this time, her eyes remained closed.

My heart took an extra beat.

“Maybe our life won’t be perfect. I’m sure there will be struggles along the way, but isn’t that what builds a strong relationship? We have to grow together, learn to compromise, accept each other at our worst, and push each other to be better. As long as we’re together, we can face what life throws at us.”

I raised her hand higher, playing with the engagement ring I gave her. She gazed at it too. As soon our eyes met again, I stroked her cheek and smiled.

“This is what has brought me through my low times. Despite how much you’ve rebuffed me, you haven’t taken off this ring. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

She nodded as her face began to pinch. I didn’t want her to cry. I just wanted her to realize what I had. We loved each other too much to give up.

“Please don’t cry.” I swiped the tear escaping down her cheek. “Talk to me.”

Her arms wrapped around my neck as she squeezed me. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been such an idiot. How can you still love me after what I’ve put you through?”

“Because I’ve put you through just as much hell. That all ends tonight.” When I eased back, I lowered her hand and kissed the diamond on her finger. Then I kissed her nose. “Is the answer still yes?”

She tugged her lower lip between her teeth and gazed at me with her gorgeous eyes. Everything about her melted my heart, especially her smile. She blessed me with it a moment later as she nodded.

It was the confirmation I needed to chase my fears away. I brushed Mia’s lips with mine again. She didn’t resist me when I parted her mouth and slipped my tongue inside.

As they swirled together, her breath beat against my face. The sweet scent intoxicated me, pushing me to the brink of insanity. She drove me crazy, had from day one. It only grew worse the longer I knew her.

Lifting her in my arms, she wrapped her legs around my waist and clung to my neck. I carried her to the bedroom as desperation pounded through me. I needed her. It had been too long since we’d made love. I craved her skin, her scent, and her taste.

After she lowered her feet to the floor, I wanted to rip off her clothes and drive myself deep, but I held back. This moment was special. It was more than reconciliation. It was a celebration. I was going to be a father.

My heart beat stronger. I slid Mia’s shirt up her body, tossing it to the floor. She said nothing as she observed my every move. I hooked my thumbs at the top of her pants and pushed them down. In one flick of my fingers, her bra loosened. I glided the straps away from her shoulders, easing them down her arms before discarding the bra.

Savoring every second of this moment, I went to my knees to remove her panties. Lace teased my fingertips as I tugged them to her ankles. Once she stepped out of them, her tiny, rounded abdomen gained my attention.

My skin prickled as I stared. I still couldn’t believe it was real. This was my kid. Mia and I created the life inside her. It didn’t get any better than this.

Her skin heated my lips as I placed them against the little bump and kissed it. “I love you, little one.”

Mia touched my cheek. I gazed up at her, noting the tears in her eyes. My sentiment to our baby had her emotions a wreck.

Standing, I cupped her cheeks and leaned my head to hers. “Please don’t cry. It rips me apart when you do.”

“I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “I just can’t believe I almost threw away what we have.”

“None of that matters now. The future does.” I teased her stomach with my fingers. “This is our future.”

When she nodded, I wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed her. Then she helped me undress. Her touch was gentle as she guided my clothes off my body and discarded them. I didn’t care where they landed. Once they were gone, I led her to the bed.

Her dark hair contrasted against the light blue pillowcase as she stared at me. I couldn’t resist her. She was my breath, my heart, and my life. She completed me.

Our lips fused together as I wedged my body between her thighs. My cock slid against her, teasing her clit. She whimpered against my mouth and wiggled beneath me. Then my resolve faded.

Gripping her shoulders, I slid inside her, sheathing my cock to the hilt in her wetness. Her whimpers grew longer, louder, and sensual. It made my body come alive.

When she broke our kiss, she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear. “Harder . . . Oh, God, Ayden, fuck me harder. Own me.”

I couldn’t. Our lovemaking had always been intense. I enjoyed every second, but now that Mia was pregnant, I was afraid of what would happen.

“What if I hurt you . . . or the baby?”

Her lips spread into a smile. “It’s okay, Ayden. You’re not going to hurt us.” She leaned up and nipped my lower lip. Then she trailed her mouth back to my ear. “Now fucking own me. Show me who I belong to.”

This time, I didn’t hold back. I scraped my teeth across her skin and pumped my hips harder. Mia moaned louder. Her body worked with mine as she met every one of my thrusts. She raked her fingernails down my back, setting my nerves on fire. As if she hadn’t already accomplished that the second we kissed . . .

Focusing on her clit, I accentuated my movements, taking great care to apply enough friction to drive her wild. It worked. She bucked against me, bringing me back to her depths.

My cock swelled tighter. Nothing in this world felt as good as being inside Mia. I could never tire of the way she made me feel or the pleasure she brought me. To know I did the same for her was more than I could ask for. We were perfect together.

The next time I plunged inside her, her body tensed. Erect nipples brushed against my chest, drawing my attention to them. I took turns flicking each with my tongue and sucking it into my mouth.

Mia’s movements became frenzied. She grabbed my ass and held me deep as she rubbed her pussy against me. I groaned when I felt her contracting around my cock.

“Ayden . . . Oh, God!” She pulsed around me. I watched in awe as her face contorted in pleasure.

She was so fucking beautiful. I couldn’t believe I’d gotten lucky enough for her to fall in love with me. Now she was having my baby. I cherished every part of her and would for the rest of my life.

Kissing her once more, I gazed into her eyes and drove deep. Thrust after thrust caused my cock to thicken until it grew painful. I couldn’t hold back any longer.

I grunted against her neck as I came.

Her arms tightened around me and remained that way until the last of me spilled into her. I couldn’t move a muscle. Every part of my body throbbed in a rhythm that matched the one in my heart. I couldn’t speak or think, but I could feel Mia’s hands caressing me.

Once I settled my breathing, I flipped over on the bed, collecting her as I did. She gazed up and smiled when she caught me staring. I couldn’t help it. Despite having made love, I still couldn’t believe we were together again. No way in hell was I screwing things up this time. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t just lose Mia. There was more at stake. The little bump at Mia’s waist proved how much I had to lose.

“I love you.”

Her words made my heart swell. “I love you too, Mia. I love you both so much.” I placed my hand over hers as it lay below her navel. “No more breakups. We’re in this together. I’m where I want to be.”

“Me too.” Her lazy smile made me chuckle. Between the stress of the day and our intense lovemaking, I knew she was tired. The serenity of lying in bed in each other’s arms was enough to help her relax. My tension was definitely gone.

“As much as I hate not looking into those beautiful eyes of yours, I think you should get some sleep. We both need it.”

“I know.” She released a deep sigh then moved her hand from her belly to my chest. As it rested over my heart, I stroked the back with my fingers.

Curled at my side, her head laid on my chest as she snuggled against me. The heaviness in her eyes grew worse. I could see her fighting it. Perhaps she was worried I wouldn’t be here when she woke. If that was the case, she had nothing to fear. I was never going to leave her side.

After a moment of caressing her arm, sleep overtook her. Her breathing slowed as her body grew weightless. The sight relieved me. She needed rest. The amount of stress she’d been under wasn’t good for her, especially now that she was pregnant.

The thought of our baby made me smile. I placed my hand against the tiny bump below her waist. It was surreal. I’d wanted to share this experience with her instead of Izzy. Now it was happening.

Just the simple thought of my ex had my body tensing. I hadn’t forgotten the news Chris shared with me when I left on tour. Though the paternity test results hadn’t arrived yet, the fact that Chris suspected Izzy miscarried before she fell made me angry. I’d spent the first month of the tour speculating about what had happened.

Izzy grew defensive the night she fell when she first found Mia and me after we returned from New York. Once I mentioned that Mia and I were worried about the baby, she had this crazed look. Was it because she was afraid we’d figured out she’d already miscarried?

I wasn’t sure if Izzy came to find us just so she could start a fight with Mia. Did she think if they fought, she could blame the miscarriage on her sister? She had no idea we’d be on the staircase that night.

It’s why I didn’t feel right accusing her of falling on purpose. Then again, this was Izzy. I wouldn’t put it past her to break a couple bones just so she could make her sister look guilty.

As I caressed the skin under my hand, my instincts kicked in. This was my child. I had to protect the baby as much as I had to protect Mia. If she was scared of what Izzy would do, I couldn’t ignore her feelings. And knowing what I did about Izzy’s miscarriage, I couldn’t tell her she was wrong.

No matter what, I had to keep watch over Mia every day. I wouldn’t allow Izzy to get near her. I couldn’t. If something happened to either one of them . . .

Izzy had no clue how fast her world would crumble around her.