Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271 A Love She Deserves

:.

Chapter 271 A Love She Deserves

ARDEN

“Have I gotten fat?”

+10 Free Coins

The question slipped out before I could stop myself. I sat on the edge of our bed, one hand resting on the bump on my stomach, the other fiddling with the hem of my loose dress because none of my other clothes fit now.

My reflection in the mirror across the room made me wince. My face looked fuller, my ankles had disappeared weeks ago, and every part of me felt swollen, stretched, and heavy.

Cade turned to me from where he was buttoning his shirt, his brow lifting just slightly. Then a small smile appeared on his lips. “You’re not,” he said gently. “But even if you are, I’ll still love you.”

I pouted, crossing my arms like a petulant child. He always knew the right words to say, and somehow, that annoyed me as much as it comforted me. Gosh, being pregnant was not easy. My body didn’t feel like mine anymore. Some days, I swore I could hear my bones creaking under the weight of this child.

I thought about Tessa and how she had gone through this without her mate by her side. Without Rowan. Just the idea of it made my chest ache. I would have gone crazy if it weren’t for Cade and his endless willingness to meet every ridiculous craving of mine.

“Pretty,” he murmured suddenly, as though speaking to himself. Then he bent down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. The warmth lingered long after he pulled away.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile.

He turned to the mirror next, reaching for his tie. But I noticed how his fingers fumbled, the knot coming out uneven and messy. A soft laugh slipped past my lips. He could tie it perfectly during our first year together. However, he had grown accustomed to me doing it over the last couple of years, and he must have forgotten it.

He didn’t ask me to fix it this morning because I’d been queasy, barely able to sit up when the nausea hit. He didn’t want to burden me with even the smallest task.

He’s so considerate. Too considerate sometimes.

“Come on,” I said softly, pushing myself up from the bed.

He turned, a smile lighting his face. My heart melted. For all his power, he could still look at

174

10:56 Thu, Sep 25

Chapter 271 A Love She Deserves

me like a man in love for the very first time.

84

+10 Free Coins

I stepped closer, my fingers brushing over the fabric of his shirt as I reached for the tie. He stood still, watching me, letting me take over the task.

“Hold still,” I whispered, though my voice caught on the sudden lump in my

throat.

As I worked the knot into place, I caught his reflection in the mirror. His eyes had closed, a yawn pulling at his mouth. When he opened them again, the exhaustion was written plain across his face.

I froze for a moment, the silk of his tie clutched in my fingers. He looked… tired.

It was because of everything happening with Montrose.

They were stronger than we thought. Their attacks and reach felt endless. And every time Cade came home late, I felt sad. Pair that with my cravings! Every ridiculous, impossible thing my body demanded at night–he was always there, slipping out under the cover of darkness to bring me back exactly what I wanted. Sometimes I wished I could just tell him no, but I knew him. He would never stop if it were for me.

“Cade…” I whispered, my voice faltering. My fingers lingered at his collar, the knot finally neat.

When he opened his eyes again, they found mine. And though I hadn’t said the words, he read it there all the same.

“I’m fine,” he said, his tone quiet but certain.

My lips pressed together, holding back the urge to argue.

“I’ll be back late,” he added, adjusting his sleeves.

“Okay,” I murmured. I didn’t want to make it harder for him. “Be safe.”

He turned then, meeting my eyes directly. He reached forward, tilting my chin just slightly before leaning down. His lips brushed against mine, carrying all the love he couldn’t fit into words.

I breathed him in, memorizing the press of his mouth.

When he pulled back, his smile was still there.

“See you later,” he said before slipping away.

My hand drifted back to my stomach, to the life growing inside me.

2/4

10:56 Thu, Sep 25

Chapter 271 A Love She Deserves

“Be safe,” I whispered again, this time to the empty room.

***

84

+10 Free Coins

The cravings hit again.

It was like a low growl in my stomach, a demand more than a request. I rolled onto my side, glancing at Cade. He was sprawled beside me, fast asleep, his chest rising and falling with deep exhaustion. Even in sleep, he looked strained. My heart pinched. He must be really tired.

I frowned as the baby kicked, a sharp little thud against my ribs. My palm smoothed over the swell of my stomach. “Wait, baby,” I whispered, as though the little one could hear me. We didn’t know the gender yet–we wanted it to be a surprise–but every kick felt like a secret language between us.

Still, my craving wasn’t going to wait.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify