“He’s your son.” I pointed a finger at him. Did I want him to forgive me? Yes. But I wasn’t going to let his mother hurt my child, and if I had to stand up to him and risk offending him to make that happen I would. “Whether you believe me or not—”
“I believe you. I’ve never questioned that. Never.”
I burst out crying.
“Serena. Jesus. I’m so sorry.” He moved toward me and pulled me into his arms.
I wanted to settle into them and let him comfort me, but I pulled back. I had so many terrible thoughts about his mother, but somehow I managed to keep them in my mouth.
He wiped a tear from my cheek. “I won’t let her hurt you again.”
“Fuck her!” I blurted. I stood and nearly threw my glass across the room. Instead I whirled around to see his stunned face looking up at me. Despair wove through me again. “I’m terrified she’ll make Andrew feel the way she makes me feel. He doesn’t deserve that.”
He stood and came to me again. “No, he doesn’t. You don’t either.”
I pursed my lips at him. “Of course, I do. I lied to you.”
He pushed a strand of my hair out of my face. “You did. It also shows what you’ll do to protect Andrew.”
“I’d do anything for him.” Why was he being so gentle and caring? It was confusing my senses.
“I tore me in two to find out your secret, I won’t deny that. I didn’t think I could ever forgive something like that.”
I looked down, again wondering why he had such a caring manner when he was telling me he couldn’t forgive me. His finger hooked under my chin, lifting my head to look at him.
“What you did wasn’t because of me, it was because you were doing what you thought was best for Andrew. My mother, she’ll tell you what she’s doing is to protect me, but in truth, she’s doing it for herself.”
I sniffed, not sure how to respond.
“Another big difference is that you feel bad for lying to me. My mother feels justified.”
“It doesn’t change that she’s your mom and can hurt my son.”
“Our son,” he corrected.
“Right. Sorry.”
“You don’t think I can protect him from her?”
“She’s your mom, Devin. How can you always be there to stop her?”
“I can do what you did.”
I flinched. “It’s too late for that. She knows he’s yours. Or will know when the DNA test comes back showing you’re the father.”
His thumb brushed another tear away. I wished he’d stop. It was really hard not to fall against him and let him soothe me.
“I don’t mean the lie part, I mean the do whatever I can to keep her away, including walking away from her. From the business, if I have to.”
I gaped at him. “Devin, you can’t do—”
“Why not? Wouldn’t you?”
I nodded.
“Do you think I’m not as devoted to my son as you are? Sure, I’ve only been a dad for a short time, but he’s here Serena,” he said putting his hand over his heart. “I’m promising you that I too, will do whatever is needed to protect him. Anything.”
“Devin.” This time I did sink into him, burying my face into his chest. It was unwise, but I allowed myself to indulge in his strength just this once.
His hands caressed my back. “I bet you wish you’d never told me where to find you on St. Patrick’s Day five years ago. You’d have been spared my mother’s evil ways.”
“Then I wouldn’t have Andrew, either and he’s everything to me.”
He pulled back and I looked up at him to see why.
“What about me?” His green eyes stared at me with intensity. Not angry or hurt intensity, but something else I was too afraid to acknowledge. “If I hadn’t met you at the bar and taken your virginity—”
I sucked in my lips to hide my smile.
“You wouldn’t have me,” he finished.
I looked up at him, surprised. “I don’t have you.”
“Ah, Serena, but you do.” His smile was so sweet as he tipped his head and brushed his lips over mine. I must be dreaming, I thought. But in case I wasn’t, I gripped his shirt.
“You told my mother you loved me,” he murmured against my lips.
“I do, Devin. I really do.”
“It would really tick her off to know that she helped me see that while what you did was wrong and hurtful, that you did it out of unconditional love and devotion for Andrew. I don’t like being the collateral damage from that, but I admire you for what you’re willing to do for him.”
“It would be easier to stand up to her with you around,” I said, trying not to get my hopes up too much that he was reconciling with me. Perhaps I was misreading all this.
“Then, I should stick around. Do you want me to?”
“Yes. So much. Is this real or am I dreaming?”
He laughed. “It’s not a dream.”
I stared up into beautiful green eyes, hoping beyond hope all this was true. “Do you want me?” I felt stupid for asking but I needed to hear the words.
He kissed me lightly. “I want you, Serena.”
I smiled.
“I’ve always wanted you. It broke my heart when you didn’t come with me to Europe.”
Guilt gripped my gut. “I’m—”
“No. Don’t say anything. I know why you didn’t come. I just want you to know, despite what my mother says, that I’ve always been drawn to you. For me, it’s real and true with you.”
“I don’t deserve you. But I want you.”
“Just don’t lie to me again and we’ll be fine.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Then because I felt I could, I kissed him back, firm and thorough. He groaned and I felt his dick thicken against my belly.
“Just one more thing,” he said.
I jerked back, afraid of what he might say.
“Please don’t tell my mother about our sex life.”
I furrowed my brows in confusion.
“You told her you were a virgin when we met.”
I felt my cheeks heat “I guess I did. I wanted her to know you were the only one who could be the father.”
“When I met Andrew, I remember being jealous of the man who impregnated you. Then I wondered what sort of asshole would abandon you.”
“I’m sorry about that. There hasn’t been anyone.”
He quirked a brow. “No one in five years?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Serena, this is going to sound sexist or silly, but I can’t tell you what it does to me to think I’m the only man who’s ever had you.”
I grinned, happy that despite all the pain I’d caused him, there was something else I could give him. “There is no man but you.”
“That’s fucking hot.”
I laughed. “You know, there’s a rumor that make-up sex is pretty good. Maybe you could show me that.”
He captured my mouth in a kiss so hot, it stole my breath. His hands were lightning fast as they unzipped my dress. In minutes, we were both naked as he sat on the couch and tugged me over him.
“Fuck me, Serena.” He said as his mouth sucked my nipple hard.
I sank over him, emotion filling my chest as his body filled mine. “Devin…oh God…” I wrapped my arms around him, trying not to cry at how beautiful and happy this moment was.
He held me close. “You undo me, baby.”
I lifted my head and kissed him, pouring all my love into the kiss as I began to move. Each time I rose and lowered, I felt my heart stitching back together.
“So good,” he said on a low moan as he kissed and licked my nipples.
Together we moved in perfect harmony. Pushing each other up and then holding off at the pinnacle. Like we both wanted it to last forever, until the need was too acute. My pussy clenched and I shot off to the heavens.
“Yes!” He cried out. “Make me come…take me with you…” His hips bucked up, and warmth filled my womb. We rocked
and moved until finally we floated back down.
He kissed me. “I love you, Serena.”
At that I did cry.
“Oh shit, what’s wrong?” he said, wiping my tears.
“It’s a happy day when your dreams come true.”
“Does that mean you’d be willing to move in with me?”
My breath caught.
“Andrew said that mommies and daddies live together. You and I are good now. There’s no reason not to raise him together.”
This time I balled.
He laughed. “Happy tears, right?”
“The best. The happiest.” I landed kisses all over his face.
“How about we do this one more time, to make sure we’ve got the hang of it again, and then we can pack a few things and take Andrew home.”
“Devin…you’re a dream come true. I love you so much. So much.”
He gave me his sexy grin. “Show me.”
30
Devin—St. Patrick’s Day
If I’d known living with Serena and Andrew could be so fun and fulfilling, I’d have moved them into my apartment sooner. Andrew was excited to have us together, and ecstatic when I hung airplanes in his room.
“Do you want an airplane hanging above the bed, too?” I asked Serena as we watched Andrew take in his plane themed room, including a bed that looked like a cockpit.
“On the ceiling?” she asked. “I think I’d rather a mirror.”
My dick jerked to full mast. “Jesus, woman.” I pressed it against her backside.
She turned her head and smiled. “At least one part of you likes that idea.”
I’d never put much stock in what commitment could do for me, but I discovered that going to bed and waking up with Serena by my side was like a dream come true. Andrew was the cherry on top, finishing off this wonderfully sweet life. It had been less than a week, and yet, I knew without a doubt, it would be like this for the rest of my life.
The only cloud hanging over us was the St. Patrick’s Day party at the Roarke and what my mother might do. Serena had opted to stay away from the Roarke the rest of the week to avoid a run in. I couldn’t blame her and yet I didn’t want my life to be spent on eggshells around my mother.
“You can’t avoid her forever,” I said as I put on my suit for the St. Patrick’s Day event. I wore a black suit with a green tie.
“I can try. I don’t know why I have to go. Nikita excused me from the event.”
“She excused you so you could be my date. Andrew and your parents are coming too. My father and sister have promised me they’ll contain her.”
She quirked a disbelieving brow at me. I couldn’t blame her. Even with my sister and father, I wasn’t sure my mother was containable. Of course, I’d threatened to expose her heinous attempt to keep me from knowing my son if she messed this evening up for me. She wouldn’t behave for her family, but she might to protect her reputation.
Serena was complaining, but she dressed for the event. When she emerged wearing the emerald green dress that accentuated all her luscious curves, I nearly acquiesced the request to skip the event in favor of taking her out of the dress.
Her expression suggested she knew what I was thinking. “The lingerie is green lace.”
“You don’t play fair,” I said, tugging her to me.
“All’s fair in love and war.”
“Did you know there’s a secret powder room in the Roarke? I might have to show it to you.”
She grinned. “Is that all you’ll show me?”
I kissed her hard to let her know I’d show her whatever she wanted.
Thirty minutes later, Serena, Andrew, and I were up in the Roarke. We were lucky that night was crisp and clear, giving a beautiful view of the city lights from the restaurant.
“Is this the fancy place?” Andrew asked as we entered the restaurant.
“It is.” I felt like the luckiest man alive as I held my son’s hand, and had my other arm around Serena.
“There’s the family of the hour,” Nikita said approaching us.
“Your mother is already here. Your father and sister have her in the lounge. She’s upset at the menu. She also thinks silver would have been better with green decor instead of gold—”
“Gold is at the end of the rainbow, not silver,” I quipped.
“I know. She’s grumbling a bit about appearances and living in sin. I suspect that’s about you two.”
“So, what you’re saying is that my mother is acting her usual self,” I said.
“Yes. That’s what I’m saying.” Nikita smiled. “By the way, the Irish mutton stew is a hit. It’s possible we’ll run out. Oh, and Rena, your parents are here too. They’re out on the terrace. We’re lucky that it’s unseasonably warm tonight.”
“Thank you, Nik. I appreciate it.” I looked at Serena. “Shall we go meet our guests?”
“I’m going to take Andrew to my parents. You meet your guests.”
I frowned. As far as I was concerned, Serena and I were partners in all things, not just raising Andrew. She, on the other hand, felt that Roarke business was all my purview. Sure, she’d help with planning events, but she wasn’t the hostess in her mind. I acquiesced to her wishes…for now.
I watched her and Andrew work their way through the restaurant to the terrace, making sure my mother didn’t do something crazy. When they were safely outside, I made my way table to table, checking in on our patrons. Nikita was right, the Irish stew was a hit. The menu also included corned beef, coddle, Limerick ham, and seafood chowder.
I found my parents in the lounge. Bri saw me first, giving me a bit of an eye-roll, which I took to mean my mother was unhappy and letting everyone know about it.
“Good evening,” I said as I stepped up next to my dad.
“Devin.” My father patted my back. “Quite the traditional Irish setting you’ve created.”
I couldn’t tell if he liked it or not. “Yes. People seem to be enjoying it.”
“Is my cutie-patootie nephew here?” Bri asked.
“Yes.” I gave a nod to the terrace to indicate where she could find Andrew. Bri was supportive of me, and I appreciated how well she accepted Serena and Andrew. Even my father seemed to enjoy Andrew and I wondered if that was the key to getting him to slow down and find something other than the business to focus on. Not just because I was ready to run it, but also because his illness seemed to slow him down less when Andrew was around.
Of course, the few times I took him to visit my family this week, my mother was out of the house. I promised Serena I’d keep her away from him until we could be assured that she wouldn’t be hurtful.
“Would you like to come and say something to our guests?” I asked my parents.
“This is your show now, son,” my father said. My mother looked away, clearly not liking that statement. I couldn’t decide if it was because she felt bad for my dad having to slow down, or that she’d be out of the limelight with him doing less.
“For the last thirty years, you’ve been running the business and the Roarke. It’s St. Patrick’s Day. I think people would like to see you. Both of you,” I said looking at my mom.
“He’s right, honey. The people should see you,” my mother said.
“Well, okay,” my father agreed. I walked with them back into the restaurant to the area where we had a band and a dance floor. I nodded to the band leader who stopped the group from playing.
I stepped up to the microphone. “May I have your attention?”
The room quieted down and people walked in from the terrace, including Serena, her parents, and Andrew.
“That’s my daddy,” Andrew’s voice squealed with delight. It was amazing how fucking blissful that felt.
People turned to look and there was an audible “aww” in the room.
I grinned like a loon. “Being a dad is awesome.”
There was another “aww.”
“But I’m here to introduce my father. You all know him and so n
o introduction is needed. Dad?”
My father stepped to the microphone. He took medication for Parkinson's but it didn’t stop the tremors. His illness wasn’t a secret, but he hadn’t been seen in public for some time. The patrons all clapped and there were a few whistles that I was sure horrified my mother.
My father’s eyes got misty at the response. “Thank you,” he said batting his hands in front of him to encourage them to quiet down. “You’re very kind. I want to welcome you to the Roarke’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. I hope you’re all enjoying your authentic Irish cuisine. For over a hundred years, the Roarke has been serving New York City. I anticipate it will continue to be one of the most renowned restaurants for the next hundred years under the leadership of my son, Devin, and perhaps in another twenty years, his son Andrew.”
My head whipped to my father, and then to my mother, worried how she’d respond. Her jaw was tense, but her gaze held steadfast toward my father, her mouth in an attempt of a smile.
“The Roarke and all the other Roarke family owned restaurants around the world are in good hands. And if you’re looking for a younger vibe, I understand the Roarke clubs are the hot place to be.”
I felt like I was in the twilight zone. Was this really happening?
“In fact, I believe Devin and my daughter Brianna are working together on a new club in New York.”
There were a few “whoops” in the back.
“I appreciate all the love and support you’ve given over these few months of my illness. I hope you’ll continue to support Devin as I have every faith in the world that he’ll continue to build a Roarke business based on quality service.” He held his hand out to me. Holy shit, he was officially handing me the baton.
I gave him a hug and whispered, “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, son.”
I stood up at the microphone, feeling a little stunned in a happy way. I shook my head slightly to get my thoughts back in order.
“I just have one more announcement if I may. Well two. One is that we’re serving a round of Guinness for free tonight. One per patron if you’re of age. Sláinte.” I held up my glass in the Irish cheers.
Heart of Hope: Books 1-4 Page 46