?Chapter 81:

I smile, still catching my breath,pletely spent but satisfied. “And you’re mine, Ryder.”

JASMINE

The early morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred, instantly regretting it. Every muscle in my body ached in ces I didn’t want to think about, especially the tenderness between my legs. Ryder’s arm was draped possessively over my stomach, his slow, even breaths ruffling my hair as he slept beside me. His scent—a blend of masculine soap and something uniquely him—clung to the air, filling my senses.

As I blinked away the remnants of sleep, the memories fromst night came rushing back. My cheeks heated up, not because of the intensity of what we’d done, but because of what I’d said before. “I’d rather die than let you touch me.” The defiant words still rang in my ears, the certainty with which I’d repeated them now a p in the face. Oh, the irony.

Damn it. What the hell had I been thinking? Pride had puffed me up like a balloon, and Ryder must’ve worn that victorious smirk of his as he watched me unravel beneath him. I’d sworn he wouldn’t have me, but my body had betrayed me, surrendering too easily to his touch, his kiss. There hadn’t been even the slightest struggle.

And now I had to face the cold, hard truth: I no longer had control over myself. He owned my body, my desires, my every craving.

My eyes drifted from the ceiling to the source of my inner turmoil—Ryder. He wasn’t just handsome in a boy-next-door kind of way. He was something more dangerous—intoxicating and dark, like a forbidden drug. Every touch of his, whether rough or gentle, had sparked something electric inside me, leaving me wanting more. My cheeks heated again, the memories ofst night ying like a reel in my mind.

I needed to stop thinking about it. If I didn’t, I’d be walking around with a flushed face all day.

But then reality hit me like a freight train.

The pills.

I wasn’t on birth control.

Andst night, in our reckless abandon, we hadn’t exactly been careful. Pregnancy.

The word sent a jolt of fear through my chest, making my stomach sink. I tried to sit up, but Ryder’s arm tightened around me, pulling me back into the warmth of his body.

“Where do you think you’re going?” His voice, thick with sleep, rumbled against my back. His hair was a tousled mess, partially covering his face as he shifted closer. Part of me enjoyed the feel of his strong arm, the possessive warmth of his body. But then again, I was too sore to entertain the idea of repeatingst night’s activities anytime soon.

“Nowhere,” I murmured, trying to sound casual.

His eyes, those deep blue pools, blinked open slowly and locked onto mine. He smirked. “You’re thinking aboutst night, aren’t you?” I didn’t even bother denying it. I just nodded.

His smirk faded, reced by a more serious expression. “We’ll figure it out, Jasmine. Together.” His voice was surprisingly tender. “Are you still sore?”

That word—together—sent a strange flutter through my chest. But then, panic bubbled up again. I blurted it out before I could stop myself: “Ryder, I’m not on the pill.”

His eyes darkened, his brow furrowing as he processed what I’d said. He rubbed his head, clearly deep in thought.

“We’ll handle it. Whatever you need,” he said finally.

I knew what was hanging unspoken between us: the possibility of a baby. Ryder’s child. My heart clenched. Sure, one day I wanted a kid, but this wasn’t how I imagined it. Not under these circumstances. I bit my lip, avoiding his gaze. “What if I’m already pregnant?”

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