Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 377

Chapter 377 Scaredy Cat

LUNA

I guess I’ve seen Abel become scared of two different things now. Losing me–and this Viking ship.

The first swing was mild, but when the ship tilted higher, I heard the faintest sound leave his throat. His arm slid protectively

around me as the world tilted back.

By the time we were nearly upside down, Abel was gripping the safety bar so tightly his knuckles had gone white. His jaw was set, but his eyes were squeezed shut.

And yet, even in that moment of fear, his hand instinctively found my stomach.

He wasn’t even thinking about it. It felt like some primal instinct told him that if he held on, neither of us would fall.

The sight of that was ridiculous and yet so endearing.

The ship swooped down again, wind whipping my hair into my face, but I couldn’t look away from him. His lashes fluttered open for a split second, and our eyes met. His face was pale, but he still managed the tiniest, most embarrassed smile.

I laughed–loud, unfiltered, the sound swallowed by the rush of the wind.

He groaned. “Don’t–say–a word,” he said between clenched teeth.

I bit my lip, but the laughter bubbled out anyway. I couldn’t help it. I reached for his hand, prying his fingers off the safety bar just enough so I could lace mine through them.

“I’m right here,” I whispered, though the wind carried my words away.

He squeezed back, like he’d heard me anyway.

And just like that, the fear on his face softened. The lines around his mouth eased, and even though the ride climbed higher, he didn’t close his eyes again. He looked at me instead.

I wanted to live.

I really wanted to live for him and for our baby.

When the ride finally slowed, he was able to breathe properly.

I let out a breath and smiled. “You okay?”

He just pursed his lips, looking straight ahead.

I couldn’t help it–I started chuckling. I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You’re so cute, big baby.”

He shook his head, muttering something about “never again” as he guided us off the platform. But even as he tried to compose himself, his thumb rubbed slow circles against my hand.

We walked through the crowd, still holding hands, and I could feel the faint tremor in his fingers. For all his efforts to appear unfazed, his body told on him.

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Chapter 377 Scaredy Cat

I grinned. “You’re not talking,” I teased. “Did the ship steal your voice?”

He finally looked at me. “I’m… processing.”

I burst out laughing again. “Processing your near–death experience?”

He gave me a dry look but didn’t let go of my hand. We walked in silence for a few moments.

Then, just when I thought he was back to his usual self, he said quietly, “I want to appear strong for you.”

I stopped walking.

“You don’t have to do it all the time,” I said.

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I reached up, brushing a strand of hair off his forehead. “You don’t have to be strong for me, Abel. I’m your safe space. You can be scared, tired, angry–whatever you are. You don’t need to hide that with me.”

He stared at me for a moment. Then, slowly, the corners of his mouth lifted. .

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” he murmured.

I smiled faintly. “You fought for me. That’s enough.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “That Viking ship might’ve been harder than any battle I’ve fought.”

I giggled and reached for his hand again, placing it over my stomach. “Snow thinks so too.”

His eyes softened immediately. Then he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

“Let’s go,” I said, lacing our fingers together again.

He chuckled lowly. “Where to?”

“Anywhere,” I said. “As long as it’s with you.”

We were all together again, the six of us, laughter spilling into the night. The smell of roasted nuts and caramel hung around us, and the last few fireworks painted the Ylarc sky in streaks of gold.

Abel walked beside me, his hand resting lightly on my back. Every few steps, he’d check if I was tired. I’d lost count of how many times I told him I was fine, but secretly, I loved it.

We had just finished dinner at one of the outdoor booths, plates still warm from the grill. The food had been simple, but we devoured everything like it was a royal feast. People had stared as they passed us, and honestly, I couldn’t blame them. Sitting. there surrounded by them–who all looked like they’d walked straight out of a magazine–was a sight that drew every curious eye. I didn’t even know where to look half the time.

Arden joked that the booth’s owner was giving us extra portions just because of the “collective, male beauty tax.”

It was nearly time to head back to the docks when we spotted a cotton candy machine at the corner of the street.

“Cotton candy!” Arden exclaimed.

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Chapter 377 Scaredy Cat

“I want one shaped like a wolf,” Cade said dryly, folding his arms.

“You’re getting a heart,” she replied, already dragging him toward the stall.

And just like that, we were all swept up.

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Rowan and Tessa got matching star–shaped cotton candy. Arden got a heart and made Cade hold it while she laughed at how ridiculous he looked. I chose a frog because–well, why not? Abel insisted on buying me another one, shaped like a cat.

“It’s for you and Snow,” he said, eyes glinting in amusement.

“Snow can’t even eat yet,” I said, grinning as I accepted both.

“Then I’ll eat for her,” he replied smoothly, plucking a bit of the cat–shaped one and feeding it to me.

I laughed. “You’re going to give her a sugar high before she’s even born.”

He leaned closer. “She’s already sweet enough. Just like her mother.”

Rowan turned to him in surprise. “So you can sweet–talk someone.”

Abel shoved his shoulder slightly.

The atmosphere felt so light. It was one of those moments you don’t realize is precious until much later.

Then Cade’s voice cut through the laughter.

“Wait.”

He turned slightly, his eyes narrowing at something in the distance.

“What is it?” Abel asked.

Cade’s jaw clenched. “Someone’s watching us.”

We all followed his gaze.

A tall figure stood near one of the dimmed booths, the fading light catching the sharp angles of his face.

When the lanternlight flickered, I saw him clearly.

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