He plucked the tiny headphones from her ears. “That’s quite a satisfied grin, Mrs. Chase.”

The thick cushion dipped as he climbed onto the daybed. He pressed his lips to her stomach, licking a bead of water that rolled across her skin, and then a heartbeat later sealed his mouth over hers, kissing her passionately. As if he had to. As if the fifteen minutes without touching her had been excruciating. And as if he hadn’t had her in every way possible the night before.

Allie moaned, and when her lips parted, his tongue thrust into her mouth, stroking hers with lush, velvety strokes. She craved her husband constantly, but when he was like this, his lust for her so raw and untamed, it made every cell in her body come alive.

“So what caused that look on your face?” he asked when he finally broke their kiss.

“Huh?” she asked, her senses momentarily stunned. “Oh, um, just thinking about Harley.”

His lips brushed across her cheek. The stubble on his jaw brought with it a reminder of how it felt between her thighs, and a jolt of pleasure shot through her core.

“Your nearly naked husband is kissing you and your mind is on a barking squirrel? I see.”

“Not now, before.” She giggled as his lips found her neck. “And more the way my nearly naked husband is with said squirrel. I see right through you, Chase. You enjoy having her around.”

He made a noise that was more grunt than agreement as his mouth moved across her collarbone. “She’s good for Nick, who I’m sure has let her have the run of the penthouse while we’re gone.”

Nick and Harper made good use of the third floor when she and Hudson were out of town. Despite their best efforts to train and clean up after Harley, there always seemed to be one puppy puddle left behind. One that Hudson would undoubtedly discover with his bare foot.

“Tell the redhead to hurry up and house-break the damn thing.” He chuckled against Allie’s skin. “And while you’re at it, tell her to do the same for Nick.”

Allie rolled her eyes, though she knew he couldn’t see. “Say what you want, but you’re very sweet with Harley.” Her voice grew serious. “You’ll make a great father.”

Hudson stilled. After a beat he lifted his head, and when his eyes met hers they conveyed a look that was a mixture of loving concern and sheer panic. “Are you . . .” He swallowed hard.

“Oh God, no,” she said, realizing she had inadvertently given him the impression she was pregnant.

Hudson rolled onto his back and exhaled. She hadn’t meant to scare him, and she could certainly understand his relief from a timing perspective. They hadn’t been together that long and most of that time had been spent dealing with situations far beyond those any normal couple would face. Wanting time to enjoy each other was understandable; desirable even.

But then again, they weren’t teenagers anymore. And they were married. Would it really have been so bad if she had been pregnant? The image of a little boy with Hudson’s blue eyes and dark wavy hair filled her mind, and a warm sensation washed over her before settling right in her belly. She hadn’t thought even for a moment that she might be pregnant, nor was she ready to be a mother just yet, but she couldn’t deny the twinge of disappointment she felt over not carrying Hudson’s baby. More than that, she couldn’t deny the concern she felt over the contrast in their reactions.

She gazed across the chaise at her husband, his arm resting across his eyes, and her heart sank. They hadn’t really discussed the topic of children before they got married. Hell, they hadn’t discussed marriage before they got married.

Allie shifted to her side and propped herself up on one elbow. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Just took me by surprise. Hadn’t really considered the possibility.”

“Well, there’s always the possibility, even when you’re taking precautions.” She gave a small laugh. “And we do tend to practice quite often.” Her lame joke earned no reaction, causing her even greater concern. She took a deep breath, and when she spoke, her voice was small. “I know we married in a rush, Hudson. And not under the best circumstances.” Her throat tightened. “If you’re having second thoughts about . . .” She stopped talking, unwilling or unable to finish the sentence.

Hudson lifted his arm. In one swift move he rolled her beneath him. “Don’t ever say that again. Don’t even think it.” He bore his weight on his elbows so he could look into her eyes. The intensity she saw there was rivaled only by the emphatic tone of his voice. “You’re my fucking world, Allie. The air I breathe. You are the love of my life. You were ten years ago, you are now, and you always will be. Forever.”

“But you were so relieved—”

He shook his head. “You caught me off guard, that’s all. Of course I want children with you. Do you have any idea what it does to me to think of my child growing inside you?” He reached between them and his fingers brushed her stomach, sending goose bumps racing across her skin. “Christ Allie, I want that. But I’m a selfish bastard and I’m not ready to share you yet.”

“I was afraid maybe now that the dust had settled—” This time it was Hudson’s raised eyebrow that kept Allie from finishing her thought. His gaze was dark and playful all at once, and if it was any other topic she would have pushed the envelope a bit to see how the scenario played out. But their future wasn’t a joking matter. So even though her body was already responding to the thought of whatever delicious torture he might punish her with, she let the naughty fantasy go. “Fine,” she said, blushing under the heat of his stare. “I won’t say it.”

Hudson grinned down at her. “Progress.” He reached for her hand and brought their entwined fingers to his lips, pressing a kiss to her wedding band. “You’re stuck with me. I would have thought the vows, not to mention these rings, would have proven that point.” A crease formed briefly between his brows, then a knowing smile curved his lips. “Don’t move,” he said, dropping a quick kiss to her mouth before climbing out of the daybed.

Allie rolled onto her stomach and watched him through the glass walls of their villa. He was on the far side of the room, partially obscured by the gauzy white fabric that hung in billowy curtains around the bed. She couldn’t quite make out what he was looking for, but whatever it was had something to do with his suitcase. She flipped over when he turned back toward the glass, but not fast enough. Busted.

“Do you ever do as you’re told?” he asked. His voice was meant to convey disappointment but amusement lit his eyes.

“What?” Allie asked in feigned innocence. “I didn’t move.” She grinned. “Much.”

Hudson smiled and shook his head. “I had these drawn up before we left.” In his hand he held a thick document, folded into thirds and tied with a white satin ribbon. Without opening it, she knew it was a legal document, but what she didn’t know was what kind. It wasn’t a prenup, that was for sure. They’d married not only once without one, but twice. Ben had urged her to allow him to draft something that would protect her family assets, but she’d assured him no such paperwork was necessary. She planned to be married to Hudson for the rest of her life. If their relationship ended, losing half of the assets she acquired during the course of their marriage would be the least of her concerns. Besides, with Hudson’s net worth topping into the billions, he was the party with more on the line. Which is why she’d asked him if he wanted her to sign a prenuptial agreement. That conversation had lasted approximately ten seconds. Just long enough for Hudson to say the words “No fucking way.”

“Consider this a belated wedding gift,” he said, passing her the document then stretching out alongside her on the chaise.