Emma stood in front of the full-length mirror in the master bedroom, lifting her loose sweater slowly. Her breath caught as she stared at her reflection. The gentle swell that had been barely noticeable just weeks ago was now unmistakably there, a soft, rounded curve pushing outward from her lower abdomen. At just over four months along, her pregnant belly was starting to show in a way that made everyday clothes feel tighter and her body feel irrevocably changed. She turned sideways, running both hands over the smooth, warm skin. A flutter of movement inside made her smile, a dark, possessive thrill blooming in her chest.

*Their baby.*

Mark had...