Winter Without You

My husband, Ronan Kade, and his best friend, Brynn Halcyon, were far too intimate for my liking. At a celebration party, Brynn openly bragged that he was so obedient that he did whatever she asked.

When I accused her of not having boundaries, Ronan defended her at every turn and accused me of overreacting.

The moment I turned and walked away, he was driven mad with regret.

After several rounds of drinks, my husband Ronan Kade’s childhood best friend, Brynn Halcyon, suddenly slipped her hand inside his shirt.

"Ronan, after all these years, you’ve still kept yourself in great shape!"

Standing on the couch in her heels, Brynn Halcyon gestured animatedly toward me.

"Calista, you should be thanking me. Back then, I went ten rounds with him in one night. I trained him so well that he’s incredibly useful now."

My face instantly went cold.

Brynn noticed my expression and hurried to explain, "Calista, don’t misunderstand. Ronan and I are like brothers. Doing that kind of thing with him is like touching your own arm. There’s no feeling at all.

"If he ever doesn’t satisfy you in bed, just come to me. I’ll personally whip him into shape for you."

Laughter exploded around the room.

I grabbed the cake and smashed it straight into her face, fury boiling over. "What exactly are you implying? Are you trying to claim him in front of me?"

Ronan shoved me aside, grabbed her hand, and strode out with her without looking back.

I collapsed onto the floor. From the hallway, I heard him boasting that he ruled the household and that tomorrow I would be kneeling to apologize.

I turned away and called my brother, Cassian Virel.

"Stop all cooperation with Ronan immediately. I want him ruined."

…

When Ronan saw me smear cake across Brynn’s face, he instinctively pushed me away.

"Calista, have you lost your mind? It’s supposed to be a happy occasion. Did you really have to ruin it for everyone?"

I struggled to steady myself so I wouldn’t fall. He didn’t spare a single glance for my safety, or for the baby inside me.

Instead, he pulled out tissues and gently wiped Brynn’s face. "Ignore her. Women are always so dramatic. You know I’ll always put us first."

Brynn wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, smiling magnanimously. "This is nothing. Remember my birthday? I shoved cake straight into your pants. That look on your face! I still laugh until my stomach hurts when I think about it."

Ronan’s ears turned bright red as the men around them burst into teasing laughter.

After cleaning her up, he took her hand and headed for the door.

Before it closed, he turned back impatiently. "Stay home and reflect on your behavior. The guys and I are going out to celebrate.

"Don’t think being pregnant gives you the right to throw your weight around. Who else would even want a woman with a big belly besides me?"

When the door