"Was I too hard on Ellie earlier, love?" I ask as we rest on the bed, Jerol's arm caressing my belly while the other one is caging my shoulders to him, our faces almost touching.

"I did not hear everything, but I know that spoilt brat of Monzano. She thinks she can control the world." He says, snuggling to me.

"She is such a pain." I whimper.

"Did she insult you. Did she say anything to hurt you?" He queries, worry and concern detectable in his voice.

"Nothing I can't handle, love. But, don't you feel anything? Like the need to defend her? Get close to her?" I implore, burying...