CHAPTER 23

“We both know that’s the last thing you want to do, Paxton,” she muttered.

“You are carrying the Ridgway heir,” he said, pointing at her womb. “His or her well-being is my concern as much as it is yours.”

Rhiannon automatically wrapped her arms around her belly in a protective gesture.

“No, Paxton, it’s not. We are behaving like civil people, we are talking nicely to each other, but we both know the truth. You’re doing this against your will. You’d rather chew your arm off than be here. All you see in me are lies and money interest.”

“Since we’re being honest, I’ll say it one last time… I’m still mad at you and my brother… For the secret marriage, the money he invested without talking to me first, the pregnancy. But I wouldn’t blame a child for his parents’ sins.”

She stilled as Paxton’s words stung.

“I’m not willing to test that out,” she replied and took a deep breath.

Paxton flattened his hands against the wall as a dark, unpredictable energy swirled a