Amelia’s POV

During the first month, we kept everything a secret. A hidden world that existed solely between me, Ryder.

After the initial storm of fear and that phantom shadow at the window, a fragile peace had settled. Ryder’s protectiveness became the anchor of my days. He was so gentle, his hands, so capable of violence, learned new languages.

He would regularly steady the small of my back, sometimes spread his fingers over my still-flat stomach. Each morning, he would tuck blankets ...