Branna(18)

I stared at the entryway with wide eyes. Stunning didn’t cover it. It was incredible. The décor was like something out of an interior magazine. Everything was crafted with wood—all different shades, shapes, and varnishes stood out and got my immediate attention. I didn’t feel a lick of heat, but the décor gave off a warm winter’s home vibe, and I was totally digging it.

Without waiting for my husband, I ventured down the lengthy hallway and entered the first door on my left. It was the kitchen and sitting room combo, and it nearly knocked me off my feet. The ceilings were incredibly high with wooden beams zig-zagging from wall to wall. The paintings of breathlessly beautiful landscapes hung on the wall opposite a ten foot, in both height and width, glass window that overlooked the serene forest.

I felt like my mouth was agape from the moment I entered the cabin, but it definitely hung open when I looked to my right. The fireplace had to be the best part of what I’d seen of the house so far. It was tall, at least six foot in height, and made of solid cobblestones. The different shades of grey and navy on the stones complimented each other greatly as they scaled up the wall. Logs and blocks of coal lined the inside of the fireplace, and I couldn’t wait to cuddle up next to my husband on the suede sofa that sat a metre or two away from the mouth of the fireplace.

“You like it?” my husband asked as I felt his arms come around my waist.

“Like doesn’t cover it.” I hummed as I placed my hands over his on my stomach. “I love it. This place is beautiful, Ry.”

Ryder kissed my head. “I’m glad you feel that way, sweetheart. Put your feet up on the couch, and I’ll get a fire going. I bet it will look great with this fireplace.”

I agreed.

Ten minutes later, Ryder snuggled up next to me on the sofa as a roaring fire blazed just a couple of metres away from us. I could smell no smoke, just the musky twang of pine. I closed my eyes and listened to the crackle and pop of the flames as they coated the pinewood and coal and turned them to ash. The sound was lulling me into a peaceful sleep—one that my husband refused me.

“Don’t even think about napping.”

I groaned as I snuggled my face into his neck and inhaled his scent.

“Nope, wake up. You have to eat before you sleep.”

My belly growled in response.

“Food does sound good,” I murmured.

“I’m glad you agree with—Branna.”

I smiled as I nipped at Ryder’s skin with my teeth before sliding my tongue over his sweet spot.

“Baby,” he moaned. “Food first. Sex later.”

I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him back against the cushions. I straddled his thighs before he could stop me, and I was so glad I had taken off my leggings under my dress before we sat down to cuddle. I locked my eyes on Ryder’s and smiled.

“I want to play.”

He swallowed. “You don’t play fair.”

I rolled my hips forward, feeling his growing erection under me. Ryder hissed as he brought his hands to my hips and dug his fingers into my flesh.

“Take your dress off,” he almost growled.

I gripped the hem of my dress and pulled it over my head. Not a second later, I undid my bra and tossed it behind the sofa. I groaned at the freedom that no longer wearing a bra brought me, and Ryder groaned at the sight of my growing breasts. I clicked my tongue at him.

“No bitin’ or suckin’ on me nipples.”

“What?” my husband asked. “Why not?”

“Because,” I chuckled, “they’re very tender today.”

“Dammit,” he grumbled.

I bit down on my lower lip and rolled my hips forward once more, but instead of a delightful ache pulsing between my thighs, I felt another sensation entirely.

“Shite,” I shouted as I pushed off Ryder and ran out of the room in just my knickers.

“What’s wrong?” Ryder hollered after me.

“I have to wee!” I yelled as I ran down the hallway and almost kicked open every door in sight.

I had passed by two bedrooms before I found the room I was looking for. I almost ripped my underwear off my body as I pulled them down and practically fell onto the toilet. I hated how little bladder control I had so early on in my pregnancy. I could never hold it for very long before I was pregnant, but now, I was lucky to get a minute’s warning.

I flushed the toilet when I was done, and washed my hands. I glanced around the bathroom and admired the décor. Whoever designed this cabin did a hell of a job because I couldn’t find a single flaw in it... until I looked into the mirror. I stared at my reflection and furrowed my brows. There were coloured streaks of lipstick on the mirror, but as I moved to get some tissue to wipe it clean, I froze. When I moved, the lipstick streaks moved with me.