Tangled by Temptation (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 7)
Corey sat down next to her, opposite Shane. “We like spoiling you.”
“I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. It’s been a tough few days.” She smiled. “I feel so relaxed now, knowing that Juan is okay.” Her eyes lowered and she twisted her hands together.
He touched her on the cheek. “Baby, what’s troubling you?”
“You have nothing to fear here, sweetheart.” Shane grabbed her hand.
She nodded. “This is so hard to say. I know it’s past time, but I’m not sure how to tell you since you’ve been so wonderful to me.”
“We’ve come too far to be left in the dark.” Though it did seem she was opening up to him and Shane some, her tone told him she still was bent on ending the relationship. He looked over at Shane, who was clearly sensing the same thing. “We need to know now, Belle.”
“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for Juan and me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you since the rattlesnake bit him. You’re good for Juan. His face lights up whenever you are around.” Her lips began to tremble slightly. “What I’m about to say, please, don’t let that change how you feel about him.”
His gut tightened. “Nothing you can say will change that, Belle.”
“He is our son,” Shane stated firmly. “Stop beating around the bush, baby.”
“I’m sorry.” She closed her eyes. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
He kissed her cheek. “Spill it, baby. What do you have to say?”
She opened her eyes and took a deep breath. “I just want us to b
e friends.”
Shane’s face darkened. “Friends? Is that what you really want?”
“I’m sorry, but I think it would be best.”
Corey locked his eyes on her, demanding her full attention. “Are you breaking up with us, Belle? Is that what you came to say?”
“Yes.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I wish it could be different, but there are things about me you don’t know.”
Corey put his hand on her shoulder, knowing the time had finally arrived to unlock her secrets. “What things don’t we know?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”
Shane’s hand landed on her leg. “But you are wrong, Belle. It matters to us.”
“You want to end the best thing that has ever been in our lives. We deserve to know the reason.” Using the deepest register of his voice, Corey asked, “Do you understand?”
She gulped. “Yes, but—”
“No ‘buts.’”
Shane cupped her chin. “You. Will. Tell. Us.”
Her eyes widened, and she blurted out. “I can’t have children.” She blinked, brought her hands up to her mouth and started sobbing. “I can’t…I can’t…I can’t give you babies.”
Oh my God, my poor angel. “You think that changes anything about how I feel about you? It doesn’t.” He pulled her in tight. “Not one fucking bit.”
Carrying that kind of burden, no wonder she’d been holding back for so long.
“You’ve already given us a child, baby.” Shane squeezed her from the other side. “Juan is our son. We are his dads. I’ve never felt so complete in my life. I’m in love with you, Belle. I can’t let you go.”
“You took the words right out of my mouth, bro.” He brushed the hair out of her eyes. “Sweetheart, you have given me more than I ever dreamed of. I can’t imagine a single day without you in it. I love you. I will always love you.”
Her tears subsided. “And I love you, but I’m not sure that’s enough. And what about your parents? Don’t they deserve grandchildren?”