Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, his gray gaze intense and burning.

“I haven’t touched you in days. Haven’t felt you. And I’ve been going fucking crazy.”

My breath caught. His hand moved to my face, thumb brushing my lower lip.

“I missed you,” he said quietly, and there was something raw in his voice. Something that sounded almost… real.

Don’t believe him. Don’t let him do this to you again.

But my traitorous body was already responding. Already heating up, melting into him despite everything my brain was screaming.

“You’re such an asshole,” I whispered, my hands still pressed against his chest-though whether to push him away or pull him closer, I couldn’t tell anymore.

“I know.” His mouth curved against my skin. “But I’m your asshole.”

Then his hand was sliding up my thigh, pushing the hospital gown higher. His fingers found the edge of my panties-

I grabbed his wrist, stopping him. “Julian, I just almost drowned. I’m in a hospital bed. This is-”

“I know.” His forehead pressed against mine, his breathing ragged. “That’s why I’m only going to touch you. Just a little. Just enough to remember you’re real. That you’re here. That I didn’t lose you.”

The vulnerability in his voice made my chest ache.

“You’re hurt,” he continued softly, his hand moving to cup my face instead. “I’m not going to do anything that might hurt you more. I just…” He paused, searching for words. “I just need to feel you. Need to know you’re okay.”

His thumb traced my jaw, his eyes scanning my face like he was memorizing every detail. Then something shifted in his expression.

“Wait. His brow furrowed. “The other night. In the car. You said you weren’t feeling well. That’s why we didn’t-

He stopped abruptly. Understanding dawned across his features.

“The baby,” he said quietly. “You were already feeling the symptoms then, weren’t you?”

I bit my lip, not meeting his eyes.

Understanding flickered in his eyes. “I’ll be gentle.”

But even as he said it, even as his touch remained careful and his kisses stayed soft, I felt the familiar doubt sreeping back in.

This is just physical. Just his body wanting mine. Nothing’s really changed.

I pushed at his shoulders again, more firmly this time. “Stop.”

He froze immediately, his eyes snapping to mine. “Elena-”

“I need you to promise me something. My voice shook. “Before this goes any further. Before I let myself believe you’ve changed

“Anything.” The word came out immediate. Desperate.

“Promise me you’ll try to trust me.” I cupped his face, forcing him to meet my eyes. “Not just about the baby. About everything. Stop assuming the worst. Stop believing her over me. Just… try.”