I give him a skeptical look, still trying to process his explanation. In a way, I understand what he’s saying, but it still makes me feel that Sam has enabled him all these years. Had he or Aidan ever considered an intervention or some tough love? Then it hits me that I sat in his office when I caught him doing a line and didn’t try to stop him. Heck, I’d understood even. Hello, pot—meet kettle. Lucian had decided to quit and followed through completely on his own. I hadn’t pushed him or issued any ultimatums even though I was worried about him. I couldn’t throw stones at his friends when I, the woman who professed to love him, hadn’t taken action either. I had counted on Lucian to be strong enough to overcome it eventually, and quite possibly, they had as well. “I see what you’re saying,” I concede. “You know I won’t say anything.”

“And you won’t do Sam any bodily harm, correct?” His smirk tells me he knows the thoughts that have been rushing through my head.

“No, I won’t hurt him,” I grumble. “But he better not do anything else to hurt you or all bets are off. I’ll be all over him.” I’m even impressed I manage to deliver my threats in something close to a growl. I mean every word of it, too.

“Is it wrong that I’m completely turned on by this forceful side of you?” Lucian chuckles as he nuzzles against me.

“When aren’t you turned on?” I joke, and then quickly squirm as his hand circles my breast.

“Stop that!” I smack his hand away. “You can’t just grab my magic boobies anytime the urge hits.” I reach my hand out and circle one of his dark orbs. I smile when it stiffens immediately. He shakes his head, looking vastly amused.

“It’s okay for me, baby, but it’s not a direct link to my below the belt areas like it is yours.”

“Really?” I roll my lip out in an elaborate pout. “That’s not fair. You seem to like it when I use my teeth though.”

Wiggling his brows, he smirks. “That’s completely different. Having you go all animalistic is always a turn-on.” When he begins trying to maneuver me underneath him, I laughingly push away.

“I’ve got to shower and get ready for school, Mr. Quinn. I’m afraid you’re on your own…for now.”

“I could join you in the shower. It would conserve water,” he offers innocently. Oh God, I love the relaxed, mischievous expression on his face. It’s been missing for too long as he’s fought his addiction. He is so much more to me than just the man I love. He is all-consuming—my everything.

Why me? He is the gift God bestowed upon me in atonement for the horrors I endured.

I reluctantly leave the bed, with him still holding one of my hands. “It’s wonderful that you’re thinking of the environment, but I think we both know how long a joint shower usually lasts.” I drop a kiss on his upturned mouth before saying, “Rest for a few more minutes. I’ll wake you when I’m finished.” He gives my hand a squeeze before rolling over and stretching his beautiful body. I realize I’m still standing in the same spot, staring at his exposed skin like some kind of pervert. I lick my lips before walking slowly away. I wonder if it’s too late to reconsider that shower offer.

Lia

“I hate this class,” Rose grumbles next to me as the professor of our psychology class continues to speak in the same monotone voice. I have to agree that this isn’t my moment of the day either. I’ve been fortunate to have mostly professors that make learning interesting and interactive—but not Dr. Jenkins. “The man needs to kill the bow tie and tweed—then get laid. I bet you fifty bucks that there’s not a Mrs. Jenkins. If there ever was, she probably died of boredom years ago.” I try to shush her before I start laughing. Since the classroom is so quiet, everyone near us can probably hear Rose’s comments, but of course, she doesn’t care. “How’s little Quinn doing today?”

I start choking, drawing the attention of the entire class, including Mr. Jenkins. “Ms. Adams, do you need some water?”

“Um, no,” I finally manage to say and am relieved when everyone turns back to the front of the classroom.

Undeterred, Rose snorts before saying, “I meant the baby, but I’m glad to know that little Quinn came out to play this morning.” I raise my book up high, trying to block her out while I regain my composure. There was no way I could keep the news of my pregnancy from my best friend. Her calm acceptance and excitement have gone far toward helping me relax as well.

Lowering my book, I surprise myself by whispering, “There’s nothing little about it…”

She gives me a lavish smile while making a perverted up-and-down hand gesture. I quickly glance toward Mr. Jenkins to make sure he’s not paying any attention to us. There is no way I want him asking for an explanation of our conversation. “You go, girl. I’m so horny, I’d settle for anyone at this point.” The guy in front of her turns all the way around in his seat. She winks at him before motioning for him to look away.

“What about Max?” I whisper, as I attempt to follow Mr. Jenkins’s lecture enough to jot down some notes.

“He’s all show and no go at this point. We seemed to be getting close, but now he’s not returning my calls or texts. Plus the parental troops are exerting their influence on my personal life again.”

I have no idea what she’s talking about and I have a feeling this is going to require more talking than we can get by with right now. “Let’s have coffee after class, okay?”