by C. M. Steele
Mary wraps her arms around me. “It will pass in time. Besides, that man looks worn out and he traveled all the way here looking hot in his suit just to see you.”
“Yeah. I suppose you ladies have a point,” I laugh and sob. Crystal comes back with a bottle of water. We all relax on the large sofas that form a U-shape, perfect for socializing. It seems we’re locked in this room a lot more over the past six months, but at least it will keep us safe.
“So why didn’t you say anything?”
“I thought he abandoned me. I felt like a fool, and now we’re having a baby.”
“Oh my God. You’re pregnant!” Mary squeals loudly, sending one of the prospects running into the room in a panic.
“Sorry, we girls are excited,” I tell him.
He holds his hand to his chest. “Damn, don’t be giving us a stroke.” He’s right to be afraid because if something happens to us they would pay.
“Sorry. We’re all good,” Crystal says, patting his arm.
“Cool.” He leaves us, and we giggle.
“Bad, Mary. I’m going to tell Beast.”
“Good, maybe he’ll spank me tonight too.”
“Damn, horny bitches in here. I can’t even. I’m so innocent.” Morgan covers her ears.
“Says the one who tried to hump her husband in his hospital bed.”
“Hey, you weren’t supposed to tell anyone,” she complains. “Still, it was fun.”
It’s good to laugh again.
“Roxie, girl. It’s so good to see you laugh. I thought something was wrong.”
“I totally thought you and Cyber had a thing,” Penny says.
“What is with everyone? I’m sure now more than ever he knew about Emiliano and was truly just looking out for me.” I lay my head back on the sofa and let my imagination run wild.
Chapter 11
Emiliano
We enter the room, and I’m not surprised by who I see in the chair. Disappointed, but not surprised. “Boss, why are you letting them do this?”
“Oh, Magnus. See, you should know the answer to that. How did you know I was here?”
“I told you, Gavin told me.”
“Interesting…are you really going to run with that one?”
“I’m telling the truth.” I nod to Blade, who’s holding a badass-looking knife, twirling it. He steps up, and panic sets in Magnus’s eyes. “Okay, okay. I was here to finish the job I started.”
With Blade’s knife at his throat, I ask, “Why? Why after all these years have you come after me?”
“Because you had everything I didn’t have. Your mother and my mother banged the same asshole, and you got the best of it all. He loved your mother and tossed my mother away.”
“Are you fucking nuts? This is over some guy they dated?”
“He’s our father.”
“My father died the day I was born.”
“Yes, by my uncle’s hand after my mother killed herself. I’ve waited my whole life to get revenge against your family. I’ve bounced from foster home to foster home, while you had a mother. Your mother stole mine. I’ve waited a long time for revenge, working my way up as the model employee. I thought about killing her, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough. If I took what you had, then I’d finally get my revenge and watch your mother suffer with your death. That beautiful woman walked into the hotel and stole your stolen heart, and I knew I had to take her away first. The bomb was meant for her.”
I’m on him, grabbing him by the throat as he laughs. “I planned to call you from the room if you’d gone back with her, so that she’d still be in the room when it exploded.” Before I could react, Blade swiftly nudges me aside, Boomer grabbing me backward as Blade attacks, slicing Magnus on the face, chest, and thighs. They’re all superficial, but painful.
“So you hired thugs to do your dirty work? Ever the good boy.”
“Hired? Thugs?” Blade yanks his head back. “That beautiful woman is my sister. The only reason you’re still alive is because I’m sure Martín here would like a turn gutting you like a fish, but I know that he’ll go straight for the kill, leaving nothing left for me.”
“Tell me, Magnus. Who else is involved? Who else has a death wish?”
“You think I’d waste my time working with others? I wanted all the glory for myself.”
“Then how did you get the chip into my cane? You’re not smart enough for that.” He hesitates, which pisses me off. “Answer me.”
He doesn’t answer, so I stick my palm out to Blade who hands me another knife, and I tap it on my chin as I consider where I’ll start my torture. I grab his hand, which is tied to the chair rest. “How sharp is this knife?”
“There’s no better way to know than testing.” I lightly slice just under his nail beds. Magnus screams out in pain.
“Damn sick, brother,” Blade says with pride.
“You are a fool. Your staff easily followed my commands because you put me in charge. Although that bastard Indy got a little too nosy for my liking, so I had to deal with his ass.” Cyber lunges at him, only to be stopped by Boomer who knows that none of that will help us.
Shaking my head, I yank his head back. “What have you done with him?”
“Nothing that he didn’t deserve, and the cops will be coming to look for you on it. So go ahead and finish what you started, you weak son of a bitch.”
“You could have told me who you were a long time ago, and we could have become brothers if what you say is true, but no, you’re a sick bastard instead. I don’t care what you call me. I’m done.” I yank his head back and strike, slicing his throat in one smooth movement. “No one comes between Roxanne and me. No one.” I drop the knife and walk away. Boomer grabs a large hose and turns it on.
“A quick rinse.”
“You need a change of clothes?” Beast asks.
“Yes.”
“I’ll go get them.” He comes back five minutes later with a full set. I shower off the blood and slip into a pair of grey joggers and a Panhandles tee shirt. They toss a pair of crew socks and Timberlands my way.
“So what’s going to happen with this?”
“We’ll dispose of him tonight. You can go home and rest.”
“By the way, I knew you’d lose it. We better hurry or my sister will worry.”
“Hold on. I’m Doc, by the way, and you need to be looked at. Follow me, and I’m going to do a quick checkup.” We walk into another room down the hall that looks like a medical room. They have this place set up with everything. I move to the table and hop up. It’s not easy, but I’m tired of appearing weak. “So Cyber sent me your medical records on my way over here. Let me check those areas over.” He begins pressing around my head and chest, asking if it hurts. Several times I had to bite back a grunt, but for the most part I feel good.
“So overall you seem to be recovering well.” He takes his stethoscope and listens to my heart and lungs. “So far so good.” A few more checks, and he’s done.
“Tell me, Doc. Am I good enough to celebrate with my woman?”
“If you’re careful. Your movements scream of aches and pains. The trip wasn’t smart, but hey, there’s a huge chance he could have come to get her. Personally, I’d recommend rest and some NSAIDS to reduce the inflammation. We can have a cane brought over.”
“Thanks, Doc. I’m feeling the brunt of my foolish decision to travel. Still, nothing would have stopped me coming for my woman.”
“Speaking of coming. Take it easy. I say let her ride you.”
“Smart man.” I’m starting to feel like these fuckers aren’t so bad.
We head out into the main area where the women are already being dispersed to their husbands while I stare at Roxanne. She’s nervous, but the longing in her eyes screams excited.
“Emiliano,” she whispers, throwing her arms around my neck and kissing me just the way I fucking hoped for. I never killed a man before, and I hoped that I never would again. I don’t regret it one bit because it kee
ps my woman safe. “Let’s go home.”
Blade and Doc drive us to Blade and Roxanne’s house. The drive is short, but my siren has fallen asleep in my arms. I scoop her up into my arms and carry her up the front porch. It’s a cute little home with plenty of room for expansion around it. When I look up at it, I feel that this is what we need. On a much grander scale, of course, because I want a dozen babies and she needs an amazing kitchen. I need to find a plot of land for our home. I’m going to have to call Gavin on it tomorrow. He’d know where to look and crank out all the numbers in minutes.
“You shouldn’t be doing that.”
“My skull fracture healed nicely, and I finished my PT for my knee. I’m sore, but that’s it. That’s not going to stop me from holding my woman and child.”
“Shit. Roxie’s pregnant?” Doc gasps and then chuckles.
“Well, then, it’s good to know you’re back to take care of her.”
“Down the hall to the right. I’m going to heat up some soup.”
I lay her down on her teal-colored sheets, pulling the folded cover over her. Taking off my boots and socks, I climb into bed beside her. I’m starving too, but for now, I just need to hold her. She turns in her sleep and nestles her body into mine. Doc stands by the door, nods, then turns off the light and closes the door.
“I love you, Roxanne.”
Chapter 12
Roxanne
God, it feels wonderful to be held tightly by Emiliano. I’ve waited months for this, dreamed of it, but damn it, a girl’s gotta pee. Gingerly, I attempt to get out of his grasp, but he pulls me in closer. Slowly, I slide his arm down my back side and rest it on the mattress, then scoot myself down to the foot of the bed and off. I turn, and he’s sleeping without his shirt. Fuck, is he sexy? I moan, then remember my mission, but first I snatch a cracker off my nightstand and pop it into my mouth before heading into the bathroom.
After doing my business and taking the prenatals I picked up from Dr. Evans, I quietly enter the bedroom. He’s still sleeping, cradling my pillow to his chest, breathing my scent in. My stomach protests, so I go into the kitchen. Blade’s sitting there, and then I look at the clock. It’s already six in the morning.
“We got a little sleet this morning, so don’t go running to the store. I can have one of the prospects pick up whatever you need for the two of you and my soon-to-be niece or nephew.”
“You’re handling everything well.”
“Kiddo. I’ve known about him since you two snuck off in Vegas. And I know about what happened after you left. I’ve been in touch with him and his people after the accident. He’s madly in love with you, and I can’t blame the guy. You’re an amazing, kind, and brilliant woman, and he hasn’t even gotten a taste of your cooking yet.”
“I would ask why you didn’t tell me, but after what I learned, it makes sense. I’m going to make us some breakfast.” I move around the kitchen and get things started for a monster all-out breakfast. Turning around, I tell him, “I owe Cyber an apology.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve been giving him shit for weeks. He’s been trying to be supportive, even telling me to tell Emiliano about the baby, but I told him to stop being so nosy.”
“Cyber knew about the baby?”
“Yeah, he guessed it. With all the pregnant women in town, I guess it’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?”
“I had my suspicions, but I thought you were just sick. Mom calls all the damn time asking if you’re getting sick.”
“Mom! Damn. Mom and Dad are going to flip out when they find out about the baby.”
“Dad’s going to check his shotgun and ask about the wedding.”
“I should call him. Good morning, mi sirena.” Emiliano walks up to me in his shirtless glory with that v-line just peeking out of the joggers and plants a hard but quick kiss on my lips.
“No, I’m not going to kiss you even though you played with my balls,” Emiliano says to Blade. I gasp.
“You’re a lying asshole. Keep it up, and I’ll show you my knife collection.”
“As a matter of fact, that’s something I’d really like to see.”
“Uh oh. I think I’ve created a monster.”
“No. I’m just willing to do whatever necessary to protect my family.” He rubs my belly.
“Excuse me. Right now you can protect me by sitting down and let me cook.”
“Be careful. She can be brutal when she’s hungry.”
“Damn right, so behave.”
Chapter 13
Emiliano
I take a seat like a good boy and watch my woman move around the kitchen like she’s floating, gliding with a smile as she cooks. My stomach rumbles as the smell of bacon wafts through the air.
“Here.” Blade sneaks a piece of bacon off the plate and hands it to me with a wink.
Twenty minutes later, breakfast is sprawled across the kitchen table. My woman goes to sit in her own chair, but I can’t have that. I lift her onto my lap. “Emiliano,” she complains.
“Nope. Keep your sexy ass right there.”
“You’re hurt.”
“I’ve missed you for the past seven weeks.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
“Enough. Eat, you two. There’s a lot to do still, and I’m sure you two want some alone time. Save it until I digest my food.”
“I have to make some calls. The hotel has no one in charge right now.”
“Damn.”
“Don’t move your ass, woman.”
“Excuse me. I’m going to go eat in the living room. Keep the noise down, and no fucking on my counter, please.”
“Okay.” I grab her pussy the second he leaves. Strumming her through her tiny shorts, I whisper, “Eat. You have my son to feed.”
“It could be a girl.”
“Then don’t starve my little princess, and I promise to eat your pussy out later.”
“How am I supposed to eat when you say things like that? I’ve tried to get off, but I need you to do it for me.”
“Eat, and I’ll make you come.” I slide my hand down her shorts and into her panties, stroking her pussy. She’s drenched with need, coating my fingers like pancake syrup. I want to lick her up so damn bad. She moans, pressing her head to my chest. “Amor, eat or I’ll stop.”
“Don’t stop,” she pleads, taking another bite of her eggs. My other hand slides up her shirt to cup her breast, my thumb grazing over her supple flesh. She swallows, and I picture her taking my cock down her throat.
The feel of her pussy clenching around my fingers causes my dick to jump in my pants. She rolls her hips, tilting her mouth toward mine. “Milo,” she whimpers. I pump my fingers faster and slam my lips to hers, swallowing her orgasm as she rides my hand, coming for her man.
“That’s it, my siren. I love hearing your moans. Soon, I’ll have you naked and screaming my name over again. Now, be a good girl and eat.” She finishes her food and I join her, taking bites of one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. I’ve won the jackpot with Roxanne.
Once we polish off our meal, I let her up from my lap and we take the dishes to the sink. “Stop. I’ll do them and you go rest.”
“You’re the one having a baby. My baby. You should be pampered like a princess.”
“Wait until I’m further along. Then I expect the royal treatment. You’re still recovering, and I’m sure there’s things you need to do instead of doing dishes. I won’t be long.”
“Isn’t that a dishwasher?”
“Yes, but I prefer doing them by hand. Now, go make your calls you’ve been putting off for now.” Damn, I love this bossy side of my woman. Fuck, my dick jerks in the joggers, leaving nothing to the imagination. I’m glad her brother is in the other room.
I walk into the bedroom and grab my cell phone. Gavin has sent me two text messages and called me. Damn it, I had it on silent last night and forgot to put it on. Call me right away.
“What’s going on?”
; “Your mother’s missing. I came here and she’s gone. I’ve called her phone, and she’s not answering.”
“What the fuck?” I throw my shirt on, doing up my boots at the same time as I holler for Blade.
He rushes into the room with a knife out. “What’s up, bro?”
“My mother’s gone missing.”
“What?” Roxanne gasps, coming into the bedroom.
“Gavin says he’s been trying to get a hold of her but she’s not in the house and isn’t answering her phone.” I’m moving at lightning speed to get ready to go.
“I’ll put the guys on alert.” He sends out a text informing them my mother’s disappeared.
Seconds later, Blade’s phone goes off. “Jackson, what’s up?”
“Okay.” Blade taps on his phone and then looks up at me. “Is this her?” Blade turns the phone, and it’s my mother.
“Thank fuck. Yes. That’s her.”
“Keep her there. We’re on our way,” he growls into the phone.
“I’ve got some clothes for you. Let me grab them and we can go get her.”
We jump in his SUV and go to the bakery, which is on the main street. Jackson comes out, shaking his head. “We’ve got another problem. Indy’s with her.”
“What the fuck?” I rush in there and grab Indy by the fucking collar, then quickly let him go. He’s been beaten badly.
“Mijo, deja lo.”
“What happened to you?”
“I’d just found the information you needed when Magnus realized it and beat me in the desert, dropping me off to die in the sun just outside your mother’s property. She saw me while out exercising and she brought me in and cared for me. I barely managed to get a text to Cyber, but then I thought Magnus might have had my phone tracked, so I didn’t send shit again.”
“What are you doing here instead of a hospital?”
“We came for you when I messaged. Your mother is insistent. The storm interrupted our travel, but we’re here.”
“Thanks. Mom, are you crazy?”
“Oh my goodness, Roxanne,” she moves to my woman and kisses her cheek. “You’re so beautiful and glowing. Pretty Penny over there tells me she’s going to be doing your wedding cake, so I’m excited.”