Chapter 64 Loving The Monster

• Ric comes home when I’m already done replaying the recording at least a dozen times.
• He knows at once that something is wrong — maybe it’s clearly written on my face. He simply offers a smile, his eyes softening before he wraps his strong firm arms around me. The hug allows me to breathe steadily once again, dissolving the creases that have formed on my forehead. At one point he thinks I’ve had enough and tries to let go, but I throw my arms tighter around his frame.
• Ric buries his face into my neck, and I feel his smile against the nape. He hooks his arms around my hips and picks me up effortlessly, taking me to the bedroom. Placing me softly against the edge of the bed, he gets on his knees. Now, I try to let go, withdrawing my arms, but a groan of protest erupts at the back of his throat as he snuggles into my chest, pulling me close against him.