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“Last night was a mistake, Conan. We are over. For good. Done. I don’t want to be with you. I don’t want you to chase me. I want you to stay the hell away from me. There is nothing you can explain to make this better. Unless you can change what happened? You had me kidnapped and entered into a game where women die to survive your fucking sick game. I’m not a contestant.”
“No one died in The Chase, Hallie. It’s all fake. All the women are fine—they’re given new identities and a new life away from the fucking scum who entered them. There’s a bigger picture here. I’m just a goddamn pawn in this game. We maintain order for someone much higher than us. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry that you got caught up in this. If I’d known Ben had entered you, this wouldn’t be happening.”
“I’m glad no one died for me to win. But do you also see how I can’t be with a man who is capable of doing this? Who gets a thrill from hunting? Do you know how fucking petrified I was? And
that cabin? Conan, you had me tied up in a sauna and coaxed an orgasm out of me. Did you do that to other girls? How many girls did you make come that day?” “None. Because I stepped back this year. I only took control of yours because I was drawn to you.”
“So you didn’t know it was me. I could have been anyone, and you wanted to make them come. What if it wasn’t me? What...
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“You chased me for weeks. You made me believe it could be more. You made me feel again. And then I’m thrown into the fucking woods, and my whole life explodes.”
“I really, really liked you, Conan. And now I’ve lost you as a friend—and that hurts too. You can’t have wanted me, not really, if this was what you were doing behind my back.”
In my thirty years on this earth, I’ve never felt so devastated. Like my heart has cracked clean open.
“She’s not a prize, Dec. She’s the love of my life. The one I hate fucked and made love to in the same night—and still got rejected. I’ve got a whole ass future planned with her that I’m still working on, one that might just haunt me for the rest of my life. I don’t know what to do. I can’t take back what happened. And all she can see is a monster. Which I am.”
My heart flutters. Holy shit. “Hallie. What?” “I don’t know when my last period even was.” I rub my scalp. “Think, Hallie. You had one just after Ben cheated, right?”
“Did you have one after that?” “Fuck. I don’t know.” My life has been a whirlwind lately. “Okay. So maybe what, six or seven weeks? You’re normally regular, though.” I swallow the lump in my throat and look down at the test in my hand. “I really don’t think I’ve had one.”
And I just stare. Waiting. As two lines appear, I pick it up with trembling fingers. “Shit,” I sob.
Nope. That’s not true. I’d fall in love with Hallie a hundred times over and never regret it. I can’t give up on her.
“Wait. Please stay on the phone. I need to hear your voice.” “I’m never leaving you, trouble.”
“No. There’s no way in hell I’d have put you through that. I swear on my life—on everything and everyone I’ve ever loved—I didn’t check the applications. I didn’t care. Because all I cared about was you.”
“S-sorry. This is probably a bad time.” “A little. But I promise, I’m done with that now. I’d already told my brothers it was my last year before The Chase even started. That is my past, Hallie. I swear.”
I’d fucking die to protect you, trouble. Without even a second thought.”
“You’ll be safe?” “Always. We gotta talk, right? And I gotta get my girl back.” My heart skips. His girl.
“Conan. Can you hear me?” Her voice is so soft, so familiar, it feels like a lullaby. I have so much to say—so many things she needs to know. “I can hear you.”
“I love you, Hallie. I didn’t realize you could feel a love like this before you. I love you. I love you.”
“I love you, Conan. I’ve never stopped—how could I? You’re my soulmate. We will get you through this. And then you can tell me again. Every day.”
“Forever?” He can hardly get the word out.
pregnant.” I blurt it out. I have to tell someone. I feel like I’m spiraling. I need them. His eyes widen. “I can’t lose him. He needs to know.”
“You’re having my brother’s baby?” Declan’s voice goes soft.
“Conan…a dad.” His voice cracks. “I never thought I’d see the day.” “You still might not.”
“Okay. I feel fine so long as I don’t move. And fuck, I need a glass of water, doc.” He chuckles and hands me a cup. “Always the diva, Conan.”
“Love of your life?” I ask. My stomach flips. “Yes. You remember, don’t you?” She frowns. I catch hold of her hand. “Yes. I remember. And I still mean it, Hallie. I love you.”
“I love you so much, Conan.” “Thank God.” “Come on. Let’s snuggle.”
When I glance at what she’s given me, I swear to fucking god my heart stops. Five weeks, two days. A little grainy blob. “Surprise.”
“Hallie. Fuck. I don’t know what to say.” I’ve never felt happiness like this.
“Conan, I’m going to need something from you.” Then I see a tear fall down his cheek. “Oh, beastie.”
“Please tell me these are happy tears. Not ‘I’ve never wanted a kid and I want to run away’ tears.”
“They’re ‘my life is finally falling into place and I’ve never been more in love in my life’ tears.” Oh. My heart melts. “You’re going to be an amazing dad, Conan.”
“T-this is really happening. And you’re happy, right? You want to do this?” he asks. “Yes, Conan. I want it all with you.”
“Hallie, I still need to explain everything to you. I need you to understand and forgive me. If that’s even possible.”
“I’d love to move in, Hallie. And then, what if we buy somewhere together? A proper family home.”
“How am I supposed to sleep when I’m so fucking happy? I’m going to be a dad. We’re having a baby. And I’ve got you back.”
“You never lost me. Not in my heart. I think I was always going to find my way back to you.” “Or I was going to chase you until you did.” I shake my head and chuckle. “Too soon?” he asks. “No. Your dark humor is actually a major turn on for me.”
“What would you like?” she asks, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. I slide my arm around her waist. “Your pussy.”
“Conan Quinn. You are being a very naughty patient trying to flirt with the nurse.” She leans over and presses a kiss to my lips. As she goes to pull back, I grab the back of her head and kiss her harder.
“A bullet hole ain’t gonna stop me from tasting you.” My tongue slides against hers. Her hand cups my face. “If you behave, maybe later I’ll let you indulge, sir.”
“Can you be a good boy, Conan?” “You know I can for you.”
“Got it, boss. Am I clear to have sex?” Declan coughs, and Reggie chuckles. “I suppose, if she rides you? You need to not move too much. It’s been a week, Conan.”
“You should. Could lose your virginity then.” “Reggie. Tell Conan I ain’t a virgin!” Rowan demands. “How would I know?”
“Well, seeing as you watched me stick my dick in Angel’s ass last night while you face-fucked her, I’d say you’re a pretty reliable source to confirm I ain’t a damn virgin.” He slaps Reggie’s bicep.
I start to unbutton my white coat. He groans as he wakes. His mouth drops open. “Fuck. Trouble. Fuck.” He sounds breathless. “It’s Nurse Hallie to you right now, sir.”
“Oh, Mr. Quinn, you won’t be doing anything. You’re going to lie there like a good boy and let me see to you.”
“Oh, baby. Service me however you please. I remember you told me once I needed my balls checked? Now might be a good time. Tongue works best, or so I’ve read online. But while you’re there, my dick probably needs some attention.”
“There’s only one of us that’s medically trained here, Mr. Quinn. I’d appreciate it if you just shut the fuck up and let me work.”
“And if I recall correctly, you still have to beg for my forgiveness, Conan. You think taking a bullet for me was really going to be enough?” He chuckles and coughs. “I’ll do anything you want me to do, darlin’. Just tell me what.”
