They said their goodbyes, and Mika hung up the call. “What do you think, Daric? About all this?”
He rose from his chair. “I think … I have a gut feeling that your assassin isn’t connected to all this.”
“It’s not? But then, who could have sent them? My only real enemies are the mages. You know I haven’t had much of a life outside GI.”
“I don’t know.” His mouth tensed into a grim line. “But I will do my best to find out.”
“If it’s not the mages then you shouldn’t bother—no, don’t worry about me. So far, no one’s tried to attack me again.”
“Still, it’s a good thing you have your protector with you.” There was something about his tone that sounded like he wasn’t surprised about her and Delacroix. “He will ensure nothing happens to you, so I’m glad to leave you in his hands.”
A thought popped into her head. Were those rumors about the warlock true? “Daric, did you see—” But before she could finish her question, he disappeared. How convenient.
“Cher.” The door opened, and Delacroix poked his head inside her office. “All done for the day?” He walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders, the contact never failing to make her feel calm. “Why don’t we leave early tonight? It’s the weekend, you really shouldn’t be working.”
“I can’t rest with all the stuff that’s going on. You know that—oh!” She moaned as his fingers began to massage the knots in her neck. “Yes … don’t stop.”
“You know I don’t,” he chuckled. “I heard you complaining this morning to your mother that your clothes don’t fit right anymore.”
“Yes, please remind me how I’m fat,” she said glumly.
“Non, that’s not why I said that. Do not try to start a fight, cher.” He muttered something in French under his breath. “You are beautiful, and I want you now more than ever.” There was a gleam of possession in his eyes as he placed a hand over her growing belly. “But you need to be comfortable. How about we go shopping, and you can get some new clothes, then we get some dinner? Anything you like.”
“Anything?”
“Absolutely.”
“All right.” She grabbed her purse from the back of the chair and walked over to her closet so she could take her coat out. “But dinner first. I want two racks of barbecue ribs to myself, French fries, a baked potato with everything on it, cornbread and honey butter, plus two desserts. If you try to take a bite, I’m going to stab you in the eye with my fork.”
He laughed. “I value my life far too much, cher.”
Not surprisingly, she did feel better after food. After her humungous dinner, they went to a popular department store in Midtown so she could get some new maternity clothes. Delacroix seemingly had the patience of a saint as he waited for her outside the dressing room, never complaining as she tried on outfit after outfit. She ended up with two large bags of clothing which he grabbed from the cashier.
“I’m pooped,” she declared as they walked out of the maternity section. “Can we go now, please?”
“Wait.” He stopped, then nodded to the display on the right. It was a nursery set-up with a crib, changing table, and rocking chair, all decorated with a circus animal theme. “Let’s stop in there for a couple of minutes.”
“Oh.” God, she hadn’t even thought of where the baby would sleep. The birth seemed so far away in her mind. “I don’t have to worry about it for a while.”
He took her hands in his and kissed each one. “Cher, I’ve been thinking.”
She tried to sound as casual as she could. “Oh? About what?”
“You know, we’re runnin’ out of time, and the baby will be here soon.”
“I have plenty of time.”
“We have less than four months, according to Dr. Blake,” he said. “With all the trouble brewin’, you won’t have much time to prepare, and I know your work is important. I could never ask you to give it up.”
“Oh.” Thank God.
“So, I want to make it easier for you. Move in with me.”
Now that, she didn’t expect. “M-m-move in?”
“You practically live at my apartment,” he pointed out. “You only go home to change your clothes, and you won’t keep anything more than a toothbrush at my place.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I have too much stuff. I don’t want to clutter your place. I know guys can be sensitive about that.”
“Most guys, yes, but you haven’t asked me if I minded?”
She bit her lip, unable to answer him.
“Why do you think I asked to be moved to a larger apartment? Mika, if it’s not obvious by now, then let me say it: I want you to be with me. You and the baby. For us to be a fam—”
“Don’t push me!” She yanked her hands away. Panic had set in and her emotions were starting to spin out of control. “You said you’d give me time. It’s only been two weeks.”
“How much time then, Mika?” He rubbed his hand down his face. “When will you let me in? At least a little bit. Leave a crack in the door so I can take a peek. Tell me what’s been bothering you. I know there’s something you’ve been keeping from me.”
“Oh, and I suppose you’ve been open with me all this time?” She shot back. “Do you want to tell me the real story of that night you called Nick to get you the hell out of that Podunk town? Why you left the clan who took you in when you were orphaned?”
His mouth clamped shut, and his eyes flashed with anger. “I’ll get the car,” he said in a robotic tone. “Wait for me outside.”
She knew she had made a mistake. “Marc. Marc!” But he didn’t stop or
