Ninety nine

~ Nathan’s POV

Bella pouted and whined and complained, but I did not heed her pleas. It hurt me to see her sad and letting her out of my sight to go so far away, especially during a time like this went against my protective instincts.

"But, Nathan. I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you. Pleaseeee." She begged, looking up at me with those eyes that could bring a man down to his knees.

I moved closer to her and palmed her soft cheek with my hand.

"I don't want you to leave either, Sunshine. But you have to, Damien is doing all of this because he is after you and has a grudge against me for taking you back. You're my weakness, but you are also my strength. I can't lose you, no matter what."

She tried to protest again against it, her brows furrowing together in consternation.

"Please, Bella. Don't argue with me over this. Think instead of our baby, I'm only trying to protect you both."

At my words, her eyes softened and she bit her lip, staring up at me through her lashes.

Afte