Chapter 3: Sanctuary
Chapter 3: Sanctuary
Julian’s private estate, a sprawling stone manor on the edge of the cliffs, was warm and deeply quiet when they arrived. The household staff had been dismissed for the night, leaving them in absolute privacy. Julian led Mara up the grand staircase to his—now their—master suite.
He helped her out of the ruined gray uniform, carefully unbuttoning the damp, orchid-stained fabric and wrapping her in one of his plush cotton robes. He knelt before her to remove her sensible work shoes, massaging her swollen ankles with a tenderness that brought hot tears to her eyes.
"The baby?" he asked quietly, looking up at her.
"Active," Mara said, a small smile breaking through her exhaustion. As if on cue, a sharp kick hit her side. She took Julian’s hand and pressed it to her belly.
May you like
Julian exhaled a shaky breath as he felt the movement. "I called Dr. Evans from the car. He’ll be here first thing in the morning to check on you both. Tonight, you just rest."
For the first time in months, Mara lay down in the center of the massive king bed, no longer relegated to the small staff quarters. Julian climbed in beside her, pulling the down comforter over them, and held her until the trembling finally stopped.
