Tenderness is a Dangerous Thing

Chapter 14: Protection

Zack looked at Anna, his expression was serious for once. “Of course, I would,” he said, his voice low and firm. “You think I would let anyone else take care of you if you were carrying my baby?” He rolled onto his back, sat up slightly, so his back leaned against the headboard, and he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You are mine,” he stated simply. “That means everything about you is my responsibility now.” His hand moved to rest on her stomach, a possessive gesture that made his words even clearer. “If you got pregnant, I would marry you tomorrow,” he said with a smirk. “Would not even hesitate.” He leaned in and kissed her deeply, a kiss that was both tender and dominating. When he pulled away, his green eyes were dark with conviction. “So do not worry about it,” he murmured against her lips. “Whatever happens, we will handle it together.”

For a moment, Anna just looked at him, a genuine smile spread across her face and she said, “Most guys would just tell me to get an abortion...” Zack’s expression darkened at her words. He pulled her even closer, his arms tightening around her like a vice. “Those guys are me not,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Do not ever compare me to them.” Anna held her breath at the intensity in his voice. She was not sure if it was because he sounded so dangerous or because it was turning her on. Zack buried his face in her brown hair, inhaling deeply. “You think I would let anyone tell you to get rid of my baby?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “f**k that.” His hands roamed her back possessively. “If you were carrying my baby, I would want everyone to know it. I would want the whole world to see you with my ring on your finger and my baby in your belly.” He pulled back just enough to look deep into her brown eyes, his eyes blazing with intensity. “You are mine,” he repeated. “And so is any future we create together.”

“That... That sounds nice,” Anna says shyly, “but... I would prefer to wait before we... You know, have kids and get married.” Zack let out a breath, he did not realize he was holding. He nodded, his expression softening. “Yeah, you are right,” he said, pressing a kiss on her forehead. “We should wait. We are still in high school, and I... I am not ready to be a father just yet.” Anna smiled at him, a genuine, warm smile that made her eyes crinkle at the corners and said, “But it is good to know you are thinking about our future like that.” Zack’s hand moved from her stomach to her waist, pulling her snugly against him. “We will have plenty of time for kids later,” he murmured. “For not, I just want to keep you all to myself.” he leaned in and captured her lips in a slow, deep kiss. When he finally pulled away, his green eyes were dark with desire again. “But that does not mean we can’t practice,” he said with a wicket grin.

Anna smiled softly. “Well, I was thinking of– of going on the pill, but maybe I could get something more, long term, the IUD.” Zack’s green eyes lit up at her suggestion. “An IUD?” he repeated, a wide grin spreading across his face. “f**k yeah, let’s do that. That means we can f**k whenever we want, wherever we want,” he said, his voice thick with excitement. “No condoms getting in the way.” He leaned up and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. “You are so perfect,” he murmured against her mouth. “Always thinking of ways to make my life better.” his hands slid up her thighs to her as, squeezing gently. “Let’s go get it put in today,” he urged. “I will take you to the clinic myself.” He thrust his hips up against hers, his erection pressing against her bare core. “Then I can f**k you bare all weekend long.” “You would do that? Take me to the clinic for birth control?” Anna stared at him, trying to imagine how she could have gotten so lucky. ‘Most guys do not want to think about or talk about birth control, never mind helping out...’

“It will cost quite a bit extra,” she said hesitantly. Zack waved off her concern with a dismissive gesture. “Money is not a problem,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You think I care about that s**t? Your comfort and safety is more important.” He pulled her down for another kiss, his lips firm against hers. “Of course, I will take you,” he murmured. “I want to make sure you are protected and taken care of.” His hands slip up her back, pressing her closer to him, “Besides, it is an investment,” he added with a smirk. “An investment in our future together.” He shifted beneath her, the hard ridge of his erection pressing insistently against her core. “Think about it,” he whispered hotly. “No more barriers between us. Just me inside you, bare and deep.”

Anna shivers at his seductive words and takes a deep breath. “You and your dirty talk,” she says with a light laugh. “So how about some breakfast then we can go to the clinic?” she asks, trying to change the topic. Zack grinned at her words, his green eyes sparkling with amusement, “Breakfast first,” he agreed, giving her ass a playful squeeze. “Then I will take you to get that IUD so I can have my way with you all weekend.” He rolled over, pinning her beneath him and pressing a quick kiss on her lips. “I will make us some pancakes, he offered. “With lots of syrup.” he pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing up completely naked, he stretched, his muscles flexing in the morning light. “You stay here and look pretty,” he said, turning to wink at her. “I will be right back with food.” he padded out of the room leaving Anna alone in the bed.

Zack goes downstairs to the kitchen. The anchor grey walls dominate the entire first floor. The base and wall cabinets against the right wall and below the large white quartz island are echo grey painted with simple shaker-style doors and sleek horizontal metal handles. Built onto the island is a deep, rectangular stainless-steel sink fitted with a tall, modern chrome faucet and resting near the edge of the surface is a metallic gold vase containing a plastic monstera leaved plant. A large French-door refrigerator is recessed between the cabinetry, while a professional-styles gas range sits beneath an integrated range hood. Natural morning light floods into the kitchen through a large black framed glass door. Through the glass, the backyard can be seen.