Deeper (The Deep Duet 2)

“Oh, and you’re an expert on love?”

The idiot grinned, and Rafe rolled his eyes. He liked it better when Oskar was scowling at him. It was his default look. And also, the smile was blinding as fuck. Like looking directly into the sun or some shit. It was a good thing he didn’t do that more often or all the guys might have to fight him for their women… though come to think of it, he wasn’t entirely sure Oskar was into women. The guy was always flirting with him.

“I do happen to be kind of a love expert.”

“No shit. I’ve never even seen you with a woman. Are you sure you’re batting for my team?”

“What’s the matter, Rafe?” Oskar winked at him. “You worried I’ve got a crush on you? That I see Diana as competition?”

Rafe shrugged. “I’m cool with it. I know I’ve got a nice ass. Look all you want. I’ve been told it’s a thing of beauty.”

Oskar’s bark of laughter reverberated off the walls. “Cocky bastard.”

Okay yeah, it was better all around if the German never laughed or smiled around Diana. “With an ass like this, who wouldn’t be?” Rafe deliberately wiggled his ass back and forth.

Oskar nearly choked on his apple. “If this whole thing doesn’t work out, I’ve got just the strip club for you. I’m sure you’ll clean house.” The German shook his head and added, “But the thing with your girl, something’s eating you. You probably need to talk to her. You two have done the thing where you don’t really talk about stuff, but you just bone. And while that’s fun, and there are certain relationships where that’s all you’ve got, you love her. And it’s clear that, for some insane reason, she’s all about you. Despite my dropping all my best charms on her.”

“I told you, stay the fuck away from her.”

The German smirked. “See, that’s how I know you love her. So if you love her, stop standing around with your dick in your hand, lamenting the miniscule size, and go ask her what’s wrong. Or you can fuck it out. Either way works. Talking, fucking. That’s what Noah does at least.” Oskar rolled his eyes.

Rafe glanced back over to Lucia and Diana. Maybe the guy had a point. Diana looked up at that moment, and their gazes locked. He took a step toward her, and she gave him a brilliant smile before heading toward him.

But then something went wrong. She frowned and put a hand on her stomach. Then her eyes went wild, and he saw it, panic and fear. A moment later, she sagged to the ground.

Fuck him.

Rafe had never been so terrified. Okay, there was that time at the motel. Oh wait. Also, when he’d woken up to find she’d left him. Damn this woman was trying to give him a heart attack. He ran to her, Oskar right on his heels. Matthias beat them all to her side.

Matthias checked for vitals. Rafe tried shoving him away. “Mine. I’ll check her.”

Matthias merely rolled his eyes and kept on about his business. “Everyone in this house has had a refresher on CPR, because of the baby and all. So fuck off, and we’ll make sure she’s okay.”

Rafe had never see Matthias like this… protective. That was new. But still, she was his woman. He didn’t like anyone touching her. At that point, though, all he could do was order Oskar to call the doctor.

The guy was gone in a flash. In the meantime, Diana started to come out of it. His name was the first thing on her lips. “Rafe—”

“I’m here, baby. Just relax. I think you fainted. We’re calling the doctor to come and check you out.”

“No. Don’t do that. This is all too much fuss. I’m fine.”

Matthias shook his head. “She’s not fine. Her pulse is low. She probably has low blood pressure right now.”

Rafe stared at her. “The doctor’s coming. Deal with it. I love you, so I get to make these calls.”

Breckner was at the penthouse in less than thirty minutes. By then they’d moved Diana to the medical bay, and Rafe paced anxiously outside the room while the doctor checked her out. Why couldn’t they just have any normal time together? Time when he wasn’t terrified something was going to happen to her?

Was this what love felt like all the time? It was awful. The constant worry. The constant fear. He didn’t like that one bit. Yeah, you do. Because it’s better than leaving her alone in the world.

That was true. He wouldn’t trade off for peace of mind no matter what. He wanted her to be safe. But watching her fall like that, he’d never felt so humbled. He could protect her against armed gunmen, but if she was sick? He was completely helpless.

The door opened and the doctor came out. Rafe was on him like a fly on shit. “Is she okay? What’s wrong with her? Can I go in to see her?”

The doctor patted his arm. “Yes, yes. She’s fine. She’s doing well. She just needs rest, and I’d like to get more nutrients in her. But right now everything is good. Baby’s heartbeat is strong.”

Rafe stared at him. “Excuse me? What do you mean baby?”

The doc paused. “You didn’t know? She’s pregnant. We won’t know exactly how far along until we do an ultrasound.”