My heart filled 163

Chapter 163

After we hung up, I went to tell Dominic and Faith about my decision. Faith looked relieved, her smile soft and understanding. “You need this,” she said gently. “A break from work and, everything else.”

Dominic nodded in agreement. “Take care of yourself, Raina. We’ll be fine here.”

Thugged Faith first, thanking both of them before I went to get ready. Grandma and I finished packing in record time; the weight in my chest lifting with every step closer to seeing my babies,

Alex waited for us at the airport. When I saw him, his calmness quicted the nervous energy humming through me. He took care of the bags, his hand brushing against mine as he did so a silent spark ran through me.

He drove us to the kids, and I just could not help but notice how the place was really guarded. My eyebrows furrowed as I looked at him, silently asking for an explanation.

“I’m not taking chances where th

ople 1 love are concerned,” he said simply, his voice steady and resolved.

o the people 1

Heat crept up my neck, and 1 tumed my face away, trying to hide the blush spreading over my cheeks. His words were ringing in my ears, and there was no way to not think of the kiss last time.

When we stepped inside the house, I hardly had time to take in the surroundings before I heard the sound of little feet running toward me. My babies. Liam reached me first, throwing his arms around my legs, and 1 scooped him up without a second thought. His little face buried into

my nock as he whispered, “I missed you, Mommy.”

“I missed you too, baby,” I said, voice cracking as my little girl, Awa, joined our group, wrapping those little arms around my waist. I dropped down on my haunches, pulling them both into my hold, something in my chest tightening with emotion. It felt so damn good to be here to hold them.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex helping Grandma get settled in. His gaze met mine and held for a beat before he smiled at me. My heart stuttered.

Later that night, after dinner and after I’d tucked the lids in bed with stories and kisses, I went to the g but my head felt lighter than it had in weeks,

guest room. My body felt heavy with exhaustion,

Just as I was closing the door on myself, I felt a hand wrap gently

ently ever my

y own. I turned to find Alex standing there, his face expressionless

“You hugged the children,” he said softly, his voice low.

**Well,

of course I did,” I replied, not realizing the seriousness in his voice

“You missed them,” he continued, his eyes boring deep into mine. “Did you not miss me, as well?”

I opened my mouth, but no words would come. He tilted his head to one side, a small smile playing on his lips. “Do I not get a hug too?”

Before I could do anything he reached out and pulled me into a tight hug. Something about his embrace felt so familiar it jolted me, and for a moment I stiffened before I melted into it.

“I almost lost it without you,” he said against my hair. His voice was gravelly, husky, “I was his close to ditching the kids just so I could see you one more time.”

His words wrapped around me, sinking in deep. I pulled back a little to look at him. “It’s not like we weren’t ever going to see each other again,” I said. softly.

His eyes dropped to my lips, and I felt the air shift between us. My tongue darted out instinctively, wetting my bottom lip

He caught the movement, and his eyes went dark. “I could kiss you right now,” he said, his voice a mix of desire and restraint.

I shifted my head and let a little defiance kindle in my chest. “You didn’t care last time,” I taunted, exquisitely aware of him, though my voice never wivered. “What’s stopping you now?