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After Braden and I ate dinner, we went in the bed and made sweet love again. Then we just talked to each other and cuddled, spending some quality time together. It was nice.

We went to sleep late, really late after having a bath together. But now, for some reason, I lay awake in the middle of the night in a bed, that's surprisingly cold and empty, no traces of Braden lying there before.

I sit up in bed and listen if I'll maybe be able to hear him somewhere, but everything's quiet and dark. I get out of the bed, not even caring that I'm butt naked, and pad around the bedroom, softly opening the door. I listen if I might hear something – anything that would tell me that someone might be in the suite, but it's dead silent.

I go down the stairs and walk to the kitchen, just to find it empty. I look into the living room, which is empty, too. But then I can see that the door to Braden's study is slightly ajar. I push the door away and stick my head inside. My gaze falls on the empty desk, but then I lift my head to look at the figure standing by the windows, unmoving.

My heart involuntary grips in fear until I feel it's only Braden. I move in quietly and see his naked back is turned to me. He's staring out of the window, lifting his hand to his mouth and I hear him swallow. Is he drinking something?

I lean with my hands on the back of the chair. ''Can't sleep?'' I murmur softly.

Braden's not as surprised for me to be here as I supposed he would be. His head only turns on the side and tilts down, not turning around. When his left hand drops down against his body, I see him holding a glass with not much in there.

''No. I've had this problem for a few days now,'' he answers me quietly, his voice monotone and small.

I purse my lips at his answer. ''Is something bothering you?'' I can't help but ask, worrying my bottom lip with my teeth, nibbling it.

Braden sighs and turns his head back, looking through the window again. He takes a slow, torturous sip of the drink, making me even more nervous of what's going on with him. When he finally does speak, I wish he didn't, ''Victoria made a proposition to me when I had dinner with her. A proposition is a mild word, it was more like condition. She said if I ever want to see the child, if I ever want to be in a contact with him, she wants us to marry.''

Thank God I'm leaning on the chair, because my legs tremble and a loud, sharp gasp breaks through my mouth. ''She did what!'' I shriek out in pure disbelief. Holy God ... this is not happening. I grip the back of the chair tighter as Braden says nothing and just continues staring out of the window. ''And what was your answer?'' I ask, now in much more controlled tone.

Braden turns around. I feel him stare at me, although I can only see his silhouette in the darkness. ''What do you think, Rory? That I'd sue her, of course. She can't do that, anyway. I have a right to see a child if it's mine. And the constant worrying if he is mine or not is killing me slowly,'' he admits, rubbing his forehead.

He shouldn't be stressing himself out so much. No wonder he got sick when he has so much to deal with emotionally at the moment. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Victoria planned that all out to the point, but I don't have any high hopes that she's smart like that. She might act like it, but I can see past her little act.

I slowly pad to him, not sure if he's happy about my presence or not. I lean on the edge of the table, still stark naked. And Braden notices it, inhaling sharply. ''We're going to get through this, baby,'' I soothe him and try to reassure him because I don't know what else to respond.

Braden chuckles dryly and puts the glass harshly on the desk beside my butt on the desk. This makes his body shift closer to mine and the heat of him warms my skin. ''I also got another call this week,'' he says and then stares at me as if he's waiting for my reaction.

I don't know what to give him so I only lift my chin up and look at him in question.

''Charles Bay was found last week and they immediately locked him up. Apparently, his crime isn't only to assault women, but to murder them also.''

I suck my breath in sharply as his words leave his mouth and I can feel my face getting pale. ''What?'' I get out in barely a whisper.

Braden nods slowly. ''He killed his girlfriend because she didn't want to give him money, apparently. He wasn't fast enough to escape from the place of crime he committed, though.''

I'm shaken up at his words, my throat closing in as if someone put a hand there and squeezed. ''I didn't know that,'' I say, my voice ashen, clearly showing how the news shocked me.

Braden puts his hands on the desk and leans toward me, his face just a whisper away from mine now. ''Of course you didn't. And you know what that means? That it could easily be you. Shit,'' he curses, hanging his head as if emotions got to him. He lifts his head back up. ''He could put his hands on you and you wouldn't ... he would ...'' he can't finish the sentence and his words get thick with emotions.

My heart clenches at hearing him so broken and lost, carrying that much of a burden, worrying his pretty head like that. ''Braden, don't. You're thinking things you shouldn't. I'm okay now and he can't get to me anymore. I'm safe now, here – with you.'' I cradle his face in my hands. ''He didn't hurt me much. That's what's important. Alright?'' I kiss the tip of his nose.

Braden grunts something in response, but when he kisses my cheek, I know his dark thoughts vanish from his mind. ''Let me take you back to bed,'' he says, comes around the desk and lifts me up in his arms as if I weighed nothing. I could feel his muscles strain and I couldn't help but feel them.

''You seem to have a little obsession with my body, love,'' Braden says jokingly, his voice now playful and happy instead of dark, empty and barely heard.

I muse. ''I seem to have a little obsession with all of you,'' I reply, but my words are serious and meaningful.

Braden puts his face in my hair and inhales. ''Well, I seem to have a big obsession with you.''

I laugh at his words, but the laugh dies on my lips as Braden crashes his mouth down on mine in a gentle, toe-curling sweet kiss that makes me crave so much more than he's going to offer me probably.

***

The day that Braden gets to find out results of paternity test he took comes way sooner than any of us want it to. We lost ourselves in each other for the entire weekend. Braden took me to the cabin he rented out for us as a surprise. We took long walks there, walking around the frozen pond and enjoying the view of a white landscape, covered in snow.

We were also making love a lot of times, neither of us sated. It was amazing and it was just what we needed; to go away from everything for a bit and just relax.

But now that the reality is back, it hits us with full force. I've been nervous this whole day, anticipating the results. My mind went through a set of different scenarios what's going to happen if Braden is indeed a father of the child and the scenarios if he isn't. I preferred the scenarios where he isn't a father, though, for apparent reasons.

It's going to test our relationship on a whole new level if he has a child with that snake. Especially when she's so adamant that she wants to come back in his life all of a sudden. And I'm afraid Braden might cave and let her have him. He did fall for her lies once, didn't he? Why wouldn't he the second time?

Maybe because he loves you and he'd never leave you for a woman like Victoria and a woman who once burned him deeply? My own mind argued with my thinking.

It's really nice when I'm starting to argue with my own damn self, though. Am I getting crazy? I wouldn't be surprised.

Braden comes pick me up after work and we both drive together to the hospital. The drive passes quietly, the small space of inside of the car is filled with tension that neither of us knows how to break. I want to give him some words of courage. I want to reassure him with something, but I can't find myself saying anything. I need to reassure myself because my nerves are all over the place.

I can only put my hand on his and squeeze it, silently telling him that I'm here and we're together.

Victoria is already there, waiting for us with a big, bright fake smile on her face. She comes straight to Braden, kissing him warmly on both cheeks, suspiciously close to his mouth. My hold on Braden's hand tightens and I step closer to him.

She's taller than me, even without her high heels, but Braden's still easily towering over her. I sneer at her, but she only has eyes for Braden, drinking him in in that gorgeous Armani suit that hugs his body in that delicious way.

I want to rip her eyes out.

I don't greet her and she doesn't greet me back. And Braden's only greeting is him saying her name in a cold, bored tone that makes Victoria's eyes flash dangerously. She's alone today, surprisingly not bringing her son with her to push it in Braden's face even more.

''Ready to find out the news, daddy?'' Victoria teases Braden with a bright, cheerful voice.

It makes both of us cringe and Braden gets stiff. ''Don't call me that again,'' he threatens. ''I don't want to hear it from your mouth ever again.''

Victoria's smile slips a bit, but she reacts quickly, straightening it back. Braden wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me into his solid body, plastering me to his side. ''Let's get this over with,'' he exhales.

He leads us to the reception where we're immediately sent to doctor's office. Ah, the perks of being Braden Campbell, I think to myself as I try to keep up with his long, powerful steps.

The doctor accepts us immediately, his eyes falling on me as soon as we step into his office, his eyebrows slightly lifting, but he stays quiet. ''Mr Campbell,'' he greets Braden, shaking his head.

''Dr Lazer. How are you this fine afternoon?'' Braden uses his charm, speaking with a polite tone.

The doctor beams. ''I'm just fine. I won't keep you long, I know you're all probably wondering about the results of the test,'' the doctor says, his smile never dropping. It makes my uneasiness die a little.

Doctor Lazer looks through the files that are neatly organised in rows and takes one out. He opens it and picks out an envelope, giving it to Braden. ''You can open it here or you can take it home with you. Whichever you prefer.''

Braden accepts the envelope, holding it in his hand for long moments before he eyes us warily. I notice Victoria shifting on her seat out of the corner of my eye, but I can't look at her. My eyes are trained on that envelope, trying to burn a hole in it.

''I'm going to open it right here, right now,'' Braden announces. And he does. He takes a few folded papers out and begins shifting through them with his eyes. I follow his every movement, trying to see his every expression on his face, but I can't read him. My breathing is getting faster and my palms are getting sweaty. I'm toying with the ends of my coat, rolling them between my fingers.

Braden finally reacts and it's a shake of his head, his lips curling up in distaste. My heart drops down on the floor and I hold my breath, waiting, dreading the words he's going to say.

He turns the papers and pushes them under Victoria's nose. ''I don't ever want to see you again. If you ever come near me or Rory or anyone close to us, I'm going to get a restraining order. This time is a warning, Victoria. The next time it's going to be a measure.''

Braden stands up and I follow him like a lost puppy, his words still playing around in my head. Does that mean the child is not his? Does it mean he's not a father of Victoria's son? Oh, my God.

I almost have to run after him, because he's holding my hand and walking quickly with his long steps.

''Braden!'' I protest weakly as I step a little weird and my ankle hurts from it.

Braden immediately stops and turns around as I lean down and rub my aching ankle softly.

He's crouched in front of me in not even a second. ''Shit, baby. I'm so sorry. Did you hurt your ankle?'' He softly takes my foot in his hands and presses down on my ankle with his fingers. It doesn't hurt that much, it's just a small pain. I try to pull my foot back, but Braden grips it tighter. He massages it softly before he stands up and takes me up in his arms.

''You seem to really like carrying me around like I'm unable to walk,'' I point out jokingly.

Braden chuckles. ''Don't act like you don't like to be in my arms,'' Braden replies.

I give him a pointed look. ''Okay. Can you tell me what was that back inside? Is he or is he not yours?'' I think I actually do know the answer, but I need to hear it from Braden so it'll be more real.

Braden smiles warmly. ''Me and Victoria don't have a child together,'' he states, loud and clear.

I close my eyes and let my head fall onto his shoulder in pure defeat as the relief surges through my whole body. ''That's ...'' I frown. ''Is it bad that I'm happy about this?''

''Not at all. I'm happy about that, too. I don't know how I'd handle it if he really was mine,'' Braden admits, showing his vulnerability.

I put a kiss on his neck. ''I'm so happy this is behind us.''

Braden sighs deeply. ''Me too, baby. Me too.''

He carries me to the car and drives us both home. I can finally call it my home now since I'm officially living with Braden now, even though my things are still at Brooke's flat.

Braden carries me all the way up, completely immune to my protests to put me down. He lays me down on the couch and pulls the shoe off my foot. It doesn't even bother me anymore. It's not like it's the first time that happened to me and it's not like I'm going to die. ''Seriously, Braden, it doesn't hurt me anymore. I just stepped a little weird, but it's nothing big.''

Braden stares deep into my eyes. ''I'm going to bring you some ice to put on it, just in case. I insist,'' he commands.

I roll my eyes and stuck my tongue out. ''Impossible, possessive, over-protective and over-reacting man,'' I grunt.

It makes Braden grin. ''You forgot one more thing, though ...'' his eyes spark.

My eyebrow lifts up. I become suspicious. ''And that would be?''

His grin doesn't slip. ''Madly in love with you.'' He presses his lips to mine in a quick, but scorching kiss.

It's my turn to smile big at him. ''I like the sound of that,'' I murmur, gazing dreamily up into his eyes.

''Me too. Rest here while I go get you some ice and then I'm going to prepare something quick for us to eat.''

''But I'd like to help you with it,'' I whine in protest.

Braden levels me with his look, his face serious and his eyes hard. ''I'll be right back. Wait for me here.'' His voice doesn't give any space to object. He goes out of the room before I can reply to him.

So I just sit there, cross my arms and sulk until Braden comes back with some ice. He raises his eyebrows at me when he sees me. I look away from him, lifting my chin.

''Don't get the attitude with me because I want to help you, Rory,'' Braden says dryly, his lips tightening in a straight line.

''Yeah, because I'm obviously such a child, yeah?'' I say moodily. I don't like him to order me around like that and he has no right to. I'm old enough to know what's good for me now and I can make the decisions for myself. If he thinks he's going to bark orders to me to stay in the place and wait for him like a dog, he's sorely mistaken.

Braden pinches the bridge of his nose. ''You're surely acting like one right now.''

I purse my lips, blinking at him. I cock my head on the side. I stand up and get right in front of him, looking up at his face. ''Stop trying to order me around, Braden, because I won't let you. I'm not that woman and if you expect one like that, I fear you'll be disappointed.''

Braden sighs and his expression softens. ''I don't mean to order you around. I just worry about you, alright? I want to protect you from this big bad world and I'm afraid I'm not succeeding.'' He grimaces, his face remorseful, his voice soft and smooth as a velvet.

I give him a tight smile. ''You worry way too much. I'm not going to break, Braden. I know how to look after myself. Don't worry yourself so much about it. And don't order me around, also. I'm not your worker, Braden. You can order me at the bar, but right here, right now, I'm your girlfriend – your equal, and I want to have some say about the decisions that concern me. You can't just decide for me and expect me to follow your order like a dog.''

Braden seems to think about my words, because he continues looking right into my eyes, shifting from one to another. After a few moments of both of us just staring at each other, both lost in our own thoughts, Braden finally nods. ''I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come off like that. Of course I see you as my equal; you're my better half and I'd never see you for less than you are. You know I want to worship you, sweet girl. You're my everything and I value you the most.'' He kisses my forehead, lingering there, letting his hot mouth stay there for a few moments.

My eyes close and I inhale him in – my sanctuary, my safe place.

''I need to feed you now,'' he announces.

I sigh. ''I guess it's too much to suggest me helping you?'' I bite my lip.

Braden grins. ''Let me pamper you.'' He has that boyish smile that I can't resist.

I drop my shoulder. ''I'll watch you then.''

Braden puts his arm around my shoulders. ''As you wish.'' And he guides us to the kitchen where I spend the next 45 minutes or so watching him move around the stove, admiring how good he is.

When we're halfway through the dinner, speaking almost nothing, because I'm too hungry and the food is just too delicious, so I don't even bother to talk to him about anything, Braden is the first to break that comfortable silence. ''I need to talk to you about something important before I completely forget about it.''

I stop chewing and look at him expectantly, silently prodding him to continue talking.

''All the money you've sent me as the payment for the flat you and Brooke lived in is in a separate account and it's going to be transferred back to you.''

I stare at him, chewing very slowly. I try to read his expression, wondering if he's completely serious. But he continues talking. ''I knew you're going to be mad at me and have an argument about it, but, please don't. I don't need that money and I want you to have it back.''

I narrow my eyes and swallow the food. ''You're absolutely insane, aren't you?'' I huff. ''I know that if I argue with you now, I won't do anything and it's going to be pointless. I'm going to have to learn to receive the things you give me with a big smile and a polite thank you, won't I?'' I mutter.

Braden leans back in his chair, his eyes boring deep into mine. ''Yes, because you're going to get a lot of them,'' he says casually, grinning sheepishly.

I roll my eyes. ''Please, just don't buy me some extravagant and ultra expensive gifts a lot. I seriously don't need them.''

Braden scowls and crosses his arms in front of him. ''Of course you need them. Especially when we go out. I want to show you off.''

I groan and throw my head back. ''You'll have to give me some time to adapt