Again. Amara shook her head. Still no. Julian exhaled softly. Not frustrated. Just… accepting.
"Okay," he murmured. "Then you should get some rest." His hand moved almost unconsciously, settling over her stomach. Still flat. Still quiet. But everything about the gesture felt… reverent. Like he already saw more than what was there.
Then.. He leaned in. Pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. And then another. To her belly. "I'll see you tomorrow." He stood.
And just like that…He was leaving. "You're leaving?" The words broke out of her before she could stop them, catching painfully in her throat. Julian paused. Turned back. There was a faint smile on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"No," he said gently. "I'll be sleeping at the Vale mansion." A beat.
"I can't stay in our bedroom without you. It's ours… and it's nothing without you." That did it.
