Halsey didn’t expect Shaun to spend the night.


    After he left, everything went quiet. She reached over, picked up a piece of lime candy, and popped it into her mouth. The tangy sweetness spread across her tongue, soothing the wave of nausea she had been fighting.


    Halsey ced a hand gently over her t belly and whispered in her heart, “Your daddy bought this for us…”


    Shey back down in bed, but even after who knew how long, she still couldn’t fall asleep.


    Where was Shaun sleeping? Did he take the guest room next door?


    She quietly pushed back the nket and got out of bed, pretending to grab a cup as she stepped out into the hallway.


    It didn’t take long for her to spot Shaun. He hadn’t taken the guest room after all—he was stretched out on the living room sofa.


    The couch was big, but with his six-foot-three frame, his long legs still stuck out a little. He was covered with just a thin throw nket and had already fallen asleep.


    It was still cold at night. Why was he only using something that light? He was going to catch a cold like that.


    Halsey tiptoed back to the room and pulled a quilt out from the closet. Then, as quietly as she could, she walked over to Shaun.


    She gently took off the thin nket and draped the thicker quilt over him.


    He was already fast asleep. In the soft glow of the dim light, she looked down at his face.


    This was the first time she had gotten a close look at him since his face had healed. He was truly handsome. The cold, sharp boy from three years ago had transformed into a mature, sessful man-and somehow even more striking than before.


    Halsey stared at him,pletely entranced, then slowly reached out her hand. Her pale fingers brushed gently against his cheek.


    She softly caressed his face.


    The next second, his long, strong fingers suddenly wrapped around her wrist and pulled her down with surprising force.


    Caught off guard, Halsey stumbled right into his arms. Shaun caught her, holding her close in his powerful embrace.


    Startled, Halsey gasped, “Shaun-mmph!”


    Shaun kissed her.


    Halsey’sshes fluttered violently, and she forgot how to breathe. She hadn’t expected him to


    kiss her.


    That familiar, clean scent of his wrapped around her, and his kiss crashed over her like a wave -deep, urgent, and unrelenting. He kissed her with a raw intensity, pressing against her soft lips, then urgently deepening it, taking more and more.


    He forced his way into her world, reckless and hungry, dragging her into his storm. Halsey’s whole body melted,pletely swept up in the sudden rush of his kiss.


    Then Shaun shifted, rolling over her, pressing her down beneath him. His scorching lips moved lower, from her cheek to her corbone.


    She was wearing a nightgown that was thin and easy to slip off. Shaun’s lips trailed down from her neck, getting lower and lower.


    Halsey reached up, threading her fingers into his short hair, yanking it tight. She didn’t even know whether she wanted to hold him or push him away.


    She gasped, her voice trembling, “Shaun… Ah!”


    He bent his knee between her legs, gently forcing them apart. His hand reached down, unfastening the belt around his lean waist.


    Everything happened in the dark, fast and fierce. It gave Halsey no time to think.


    Her mind snapped back into focus. She quickly raised her hands and pushed against his chest. Do you even know who I am?”


    Shaun lowered his head, sealing her lips with another kiss, not letting her speak.


    Halsey opened her mouth and bit down hard.


    “Ow…’


    11


    Shaun flinched at the pain, but his movements slowed. He buried his face in her hair, breathing heavily.