Chapter 69

Chapter 69:

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“Come here,” he murmured.

He pulled her onto his lap with surprising gentleness, settling her against him. His hand came to rest warm and steady over her stomach, rubbing slow circles that eased the tight knot of discomfort.

Cathryn softened into him, letting the rhythm of his heartbeat and the clean, post-shower scent of his skin chase away the last of her tension. For the first time in her life, she felt something close to safety—quiet, steady peace in someone’s arms.

Her father had never held her. He had never offered comfort—only harsh words and the crack of a whip, leaving her bruised and wary of any man who stood too close.

Marriage to Liam had brought nothing but cold shoulders and cutting insults. But here, now, she was wrapped in warmth she’d never known.