Page 54 of Adrian

I shift in the seat and discreetly adjust my bra.

Adrian turns toward me, takes my hand in his, and brings my knuckles to his lips. He holds my gaze while he kisses my fingers. “Your breasts are sore.”

I swallow and look down.

He tucks a finger under my chin and lifts my face. He’s smiling. “You’ve started wincing when I touch them.” He slides his hand to my waist and then up until he barely grazes the side of my boob. “Fuck, I love you.”

My cheeks flush, and I give him what he wants. A smile. The only bright part about this day is that I’m confident there’s a child growing inside me. They were made with love, and they will be loved. I will never force this baby into a profession they aren’t interested in. Not for any reason, and certainly not for money.

I shake the thoughts from my head. We have to face my parents, and then we can deal with my possible pregnancy.

“We’ll stop and buy a test on the way back to the hotel, baby.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“Hey. Look at me, princess.”

I do.

“I love you,” he repeats.

I respond in kind. “I love you, too.”

“I will be polite to your parents, princess. They’re your family. I want you to have a relationship with them if it’s possible. It tears me up that mine were taken from me too young, and I never like to see families ripped apart. So much wasted time.”

“I know,” I whisper. It must be very painful for him that he’d give anything for another day with his parents, while we may have to sever ties with mine.

“But, Blair…”

I nod. “I know.”

He tucks a finger under my chin again. “I will not let them treat you poorly, baby. I can’t sit back and allow it. Do you understand?”

I’m trying not to cry. Another symptom that’s irrefutable. I’ve been very emotional for a few days, and not just because of what we’ve gone through. I’m also tired. Granted, we haven’t slept enough, either. We’ve spent hours with the lawyer and then hours discussing what happened afterward. I’m exhausted.

“My top priority will always be you and our kids. If your parents aren’t respectful, I will ask them to leave or take you back to the hotel.”

“I understand.” I love him for it, too. It’s so nice to have someone willing to stand by my side, someone who puts my interests first.

At the sound of my mother’s voice, I inhale sharply and sit taller.

Adrian turns toward the doorway and stands, helping me up next to him. He keeps a hand resting on the small of my back.

The man never ceases to impress me. He reads a room like no one I’ve ever met. Instinctively, he has decided to greet my parents eye-to-eye instead of remaining seated. Seconds later, they step into the private room.

The first thing I notice is that my parents aren’t touching each other. For some reason, I’ve never thought about that before. They never hold hands or share a light kiss. My father doesn’t keep a palm on my mother’s back. I try to recall when I last saw them express affection. I can’t come up with an instance.

Adrian steps forward, ensuring he is the first to speak and take control. He holds out a hand. “Mr. Snyder. Adrian Gallant. Nice to meet you.”

My father is caught off guard, but he’s too polite to enter this fancy restaurant swinging, so he takes my husband’s hand, but his words cut deep. “Wish I could say the same.”

I cringe. I’m embarrassed to know these people.

Adrian ignores his rude comment and turns to extend his hand to my mother. “Mrs. Snyder. Also nice to meet you.”

My mother’s face is flushed. All she does is nod.

Adrian swings his arm around, indicating the two open chairs. “Please, have a seat.” He’s fucking brilliant. This is his meeting. Not theirs. He’s controlling every second of the narrative. They are stunned.