No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 842

As I curled up tighter on the couch, Ernest settled beside me, gently taking my hand. "Hey, feeling a little spooked?"

He hadn't really shared anything too terrifying-just some tales of negotiations he'd been part of and how the other side had tried to test him.

But it reminded me of those undercover cop movies, where the protagonist goes deep into enemy territory and has to prove their loyalty.

"Ernest," I murmured, "Can I have a hug?"

Earlier, I'd been a bit distant, so he was cautious, simply holding my hand, not daring to embrace me.

He scooted closer, and I nestled into his arms, wrapping mine around him tightly.

Ernest rubbed his chin on the top of my head, a familiar gesture that reassured me this was indeed my Ernest, not some impostor like Phipps.

My hand found its way under his shirt, roaming over his skin.

"Licia," Ernest's voice was tense, "I'm not hurt."

He knew what I was checking for, but I wanted to be sure. "Let me see."

he chuckled, his eyes

After all, I had a little one on the way, so he wouldn't dare try

headstrong as ever," Ernest

abs greeted my eyes, momentarily knocking the purpose of my inspection right out

for injuries?" he gently prompted with

blush crept up my cheeks.

some old

impressive," I admitted, my hands unconsciously tracing over his muscles. "The movies make

just

shared a bed, my hands always rested on those muscles; without them,

since I'd last touched

remained still,

us grew warmer, quietly charged with a sense of relief

you'd forget me and

of my mind. But

up, learned to

a bit let down? Want me to make up for it?" I teased, poking him