Nikki knew that rationally, but sometimes she still had a hard time believing it. Being abandoned by her mother had done a number on her, to say the least.
Rafe’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “If we have a daughter, you should name her Rafelia after me if I don’t come back.”
She pushed aside the ridiculous name to focus on what was more important. “Of course you’re coming back. I’m not changing a year or more’s worth of nappies by myself.”
He grinned. “So that’s the only reason you want me to stick around? To change nappies?”
“You may have a few other uses,” she muttered.
Rafe laughed. “Then another one should be to use my name as inspiration for our daughter. She’d never have to worry about someone else having her name.”
“Exactly. The poor dear would have to grow a backbone fairly quickly, or be forced into hiding during most of her adolescent years.”
“Any child of ours will not lack a backbone. I’m fairly confident about that.”
Nikki couldn’t keep up the lightheartedness any longer. “Don’t joke about not coming back. You will come back, plain and simple.”
“For more than changing nappies?” he asked teasingly.
Nikki stopped walking and faced her human. “I’m serious. I’m not sure I can survive another heartbreak, especially since I love you this time around.”
Rafe stilled and Nikki mentally cursed. Why, oh why had she told him that?
Her dragon huffed. The truth is always best.
Cupping her cheek, Rafe whispered, “Tell me again.”
She could barely hear anything above the thumping of her heart. Swallowing, she decided in for a penny, in for a pound. “I love you, Rafe Hartley. And the thought of you not coming back to me or seeing our child born shatters my heart.”
Five long seconds ticked by and Nikki wondered if she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life. Then Rafe smiled slowly, and she finally breathed again.
Leaning closer, his breath tickled her lips as he spoke. “You are stubborn, opinionated, a bit bossy, and bold. You’re different from any woman I’ve ever met.” Nikki’s happiness morphed into a slowly burning anger. Pointing out her more negative qualities had to be a joke. Maybe Rafe needed a kick in the cock. She’d been hurt by his words before and didn’t need it again.
But Rafe continued before she could say or do anything. “And I love all of those qualities about you.”
She eyed him. “I’m not sure what to say to that. Was that supposed to be a compliment?”
He stroked her cheek. “It means, you bloody woman, that I love all of you. I could say you were beautiful, caring, funny, and kind. But any man could say that. I want you to know that it’s what sets you apart that I love most of all.” He placed a hand on her abdomen. “And as crazy as it may be, I hope all our children share those same qualities because the world needs more people like you, Nikki. I love you.”
Nikki opened her mouth and shut it.
Rafe Hartley loved her. And not just her ability to breed or be a soldier, but all of her.
Her beast stretched her wings. Of course he does. Why wouldn’t he?
Tears prickled her eyes. “Tell me now if you’re serious, Rafe. I can’t handle it if you’re just saying you love me before a mission to make me feel good and then come back only to pretend it’s true for my sake.”
He growled as he moved his hand to her back and pulled her flush against him. “We really need to work on your trust issues. You are fucking beautiful, clever, and designed as if a perfect fit for me.” He nuzzled her cheek and then met her gaze again. “I want you as my mate, Nikki Gray, if you’ll have me. Because even if it takes my entire lifespan to convince you of how bloody wonderful you are and how much I love you, then I’ll do it. I’m not about to let you go and give another bloke a chance.”
Her dragon hummed. Trust him.
Not wanting to lose the best male she’d ever known, she took the plunge and nodded. “I’ll mate you, Rafe Hartley. But on one condition.”
He frowned. “What?”
“The name Rafelia is off the table.”
He grinned. “I can live with that.”