The Man I Need

by Williams, Shanora

  Maybe because I know she’s all mine, and I’m the only man who can come inside her. I’m the only man who can stake a claim.

  Knowing that, I grip her ass, squeeze my eyes shut, and cum, right inside her slick, tight pussy.

  “Oh, fuck, baby,” I moan. The pleasure is indescribable.

  She moans just as loud as she sits back up, planting her hands on my chest and finishing herself off.

  Sighing, she slowly lifts off my cock and then rests her head on my chest.

  “Your cock is magical,” she breathes out.

  “I could say the same about your pussy,” I pant.

  She rubs my chest as she catches her breath.

  “Do you think we’ll always be this happy?” she asks softly.

  I stroke her hair back, sighing. “If we stay committed and keep the spark alive, I’m sure we can always find ways to be happy.”

  “What about when times are hard?”

  I think on that a moment before answering. “Then times will just be hard. We’ve been through hard times before and got through it. I’m sure we can again.” I tip her chin, putting her green eyes on mine. “We have to communicate, Gabby. You understand? That’s the only way this marriage will survive.”

  “I know. And yeah, I understand.”

  “I know we started on a different path. We weren’t supposed to want each other, but apparently we needed each other much more than we thought.”

  “Yeah,” she murmurs. “I used to feel bad about it, but I guess I see it more as the universe aligning for us.” She rests her chin on my chest, studying my eyes. “Since we’re talking about communication, there is something I should probably tell you.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I…forgot my birth control at home.”

  I sit up with wide eyes. “You’re serious?”

  “Yes, but it wasn’t on purpose, I swear!” she declares, sitting up too. “And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner—I just didn’t want to ruin this trip for you. I was packing my stuff and getting Shay’s things ready for my parents at the same time. I must have forgotten to grab them.”

  “And you’re just now tellin’ me on our fourth day?” I ask, laughing. “Gabby, what if you end up pregnant again?”

  She shrugs and climbs on top of me again. “I guess I’ll just be pregnant then, huh?”

  “Lord, you must be tryin’ to kill me. Shay’s already a handful, you know that, right?”

  “Yeah, she is, but we can handle her, and I hear the second kid is always easier.”

  “Holy shit!” I look her over and can’t help grinning like a damn fool. “You’ve been thinkin’ about this, haven’t you?”

  “Well, I mean, it wouldn’t be bad if Shay had a sibling to grow up with, you know? Plus, you told me you’ve always wanted a family! What’s one more?”

  I break out in a laugh, grabbing her by the waist and bringing her closer. “Well, I gotta tell you, I don’t even know how many times I’ve come inside you since we got here, especially last night. That pussy was mine for the takin’.”

  She bats her eyelashes, trying to give me an innocent, doe-eyed look. “Maybe it’s meant to be?”

  I grab her chin, bringing her mouth to mine. “Well, if that’s the case, then I may as well let nature take its course, huh?”

  “Mm-hmm,” she says behind the next kiss. “I think you should.”

  I flip her onto her back, give her a passionate kiss, and thrust inside her again.

  I don’t give a damn about the birth control. Her pussy is mine. She’s right about me wanting a big family. I do want one. Having another kid doesn’t bother me one bit.

  So, I fuck my wife in the cottage again, and yes, I cum inside her another time, this one feeling even more powerful than the last.

  I make her mine many, many more times during our romantic getaway, because we’re in this thing for life.

  We might as well get used to the surprises.

  Epilogue

  Marcel

  Three Years Later

  Becoming a father to one child took a lot of energy, but becoming a dad of two drains me completely.

  I ask myself constantly, what in the hell was I thinking, wantin’ two of them? Yet here they are, running around my backyard and climbing on the fence like wild little monkeys.

  I guess I can’t blame them. They haven’t had the chance to get crazy all day because I’ve been cleaning and getting things ready for Gabby’s party. It’s August 20th. My wife’s birthday. Mine just so happens to be a month from hers, on September 19th.

  Eventually, we’ll have to move to another house. The kids share a room right now, but they’ll get older and need more space. This home of mine has been good to me, though.

  My kids have filled the void in me. Before, I was so desperate to get to know the kid that didn’t know me. I longed to meet him—and still do—but things are different now. These kids are everything to me. They’ve filled my heart with so many things. I can’t even begin to describe the feelings.

  Maybe one day I’ll get the chance to meet Wylie Briar. Maybe not. All I know is I’m grateful for what I’ve got right now in this very moment.

  “All right, kids, come inside! Your Auntie Teagan just called, said she’s on the way back!”

  Shay groans loudly as she slides down the curvy yellow slide of the playset I installed. Forrest, my two-year-old son, pushes off the fence, running my way.

  “Daddy? Cake?” Forrest asks, his dark curls flopping as I pick him up. Shay runs right past me, straight into the kitchen, with Callie right behind her. Callie wasn’t a fan of Shay at first, but as Shay grew, they became the best of friends.

  “No cake yet. Come on, let’s wash those dirty lil’ hands.” I carry Forrest to the bathroom, pumping some soap in his hands and washing the dirt off.

  Shay bumps into me at the hip, yelling, “I need to wash my hands too!” as she sticks her hands under the stream of water. Forrest starts yelling, telling Shay to move and that it’s his turn, and of course Shay, being the little spitfire she is (just like her mother), snaps back.

  “Look—both of you better be quiet before I put you in your rooms. Then none of you will get cake,” I warn, drying their hands off with a towel.

  “No, Daddy! Please! I want cake! You promised I could have some!” Shay whines.

  “Cake, Daddy!” Forrest whines after her, his eyes desperate and swirling with innocence.

  I shake my head and fight a laugh. These kids, man. They’re stubborn little things, but they’re adorable, and don’t even realize it. They look just alike with their tan skin and dark-brown hair. Shay has Gabby’s green eyes and Forrest has my blue ones.

  Forrest is our honeymoon baby. I guess nature did take its course because two weeks after the trip, she took a test and was pregnant. When I found out it was a boy, I wanted to do cartwheels. I’ve always wanted a son.

  Now we have two little monsters running around the house, coloring on my walls, or falling off of shit and needing bandages. And don’t even get me started on the fact that there are cartoons constantly playing on my living room TV now. Our lives are chaotic at best, but I wouldn’t trade any of this, not even for all the money in the world.

  I pick them both up with a grunt. “All right, let’s go. I’m sure everyone will be here soon.”

  I place them down in the living room, where there are yellow and pink balloons scattered on the floor. I was only supposed to blow up five of them. Shay insisted I blow up the whole pack this morning. I’m surprised I’m not lightheaded right now.

  A banner that says “Happy Birthday” is tacked to the wall in the living room and the table is set up with fruit and cake.

  A knock sounds on the door and I go to it, checking the peep hole before opening it. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are on the other side of it, charging in with big smiles.

  “Hey, guys. How’s it goin’?” I ask, greeting them.

  “Good!” they chime in unison.


  “Where are my babies?” Mrs. Lewis squeals, and Shay and Forrest start screaming their heads off. They love their abuela. That’s what they call her, though they only say “Buela” instead of the full Spanish name. Gabby finds it so adorable.

  “I was just about to put some hot dogs on the grill. Think you can keep an eye on these two rascals ’til I’m done?” I ask Mrs. Lewis.

  “Of course!” She shoos me off playfully. “Go. I’ve got this.”

  “I’ll come out and help you,” Mr. Lewis insists.

  He picks the package of hot dogs up and brings them outside.

  “Everything goin’ okay at the dock?” I ask as I turn the gas up on the grill.

  “Oh, yeah. Never better. You know, Ricky created an Instagram account, and one of his posts got a lot of attention. He claims it almost went viral.”

  “Really?” I ask with a laugh.

  “Yeah. There have been a lot of teenagers coming out to rent boats, picnic nearby, and so on. Business is great.”

  “I’m glad business is doin’ good. Gabby tells me all about how proud she is of you guys.”

  “Hell, I’m proud of her.” Mr. Lewis smiles, handing me the second pack of hotdogs.

  After the hotdogs are grilled and placed on a platter, we head back inside, where we hear a car door shut.

  “Oh! She’s here!” Mrs. Lewis whisper-hisses.

  “Just in time!” I clap my hands together. “I’ll shut the lights off! Kids, go hide!”

  The kids giggle as they run with their abuela to crouch behind the couch. Will stands behind the corner, and I move behind the door, hitting the switch for the lights.

  The lock clinks, and as soon as the door swings open, everyone yells, “Surprise!”

  Gabby gasps loudly, her hand on the heart of her chest. “Oh my goodness! You guys are insane! You almost gave me a heart attack!”

  I can’t help laughing. The look on her face is priceless. I start to reel her in for a hug, but she slaps me on the chest before giving in.

  “I told you no party!” she laughs over my shoulder.

  “I know, but I couldn’t help myself. Plus, it’s just a small one.”

  Gabby swings around to look at Teagan, giving her narrowed eyes. “You were in on this the whole time, weren’t you?”

  Teagan breaks out in a grin. “Oh, yeah. He gave me the rundown as soon as I landed, girl. Not only that, but I wasn’t about to pass on a free spa day!”

  “Mommy! Look!” Shay yells, running to Gabby with a wrapped gold package in hand. “I went with Daddy and got you a present!”

  “Yeah, present!” Forrest yells, chasing after his sister.

  “Oh, really? And what will I find inside? Let’s go over here and see.” Gabby walks with the kids to the sofa and takes a seat.

  It’s no surprise that the kids tear the gift open before she can even get to it. We all laugh as they pull out the gift.

  “It’s a boring gift,” Shay says with a shrug. “But Daddy said it’s for Mommy to like, not me.”

  Gabby laughs at Shay’s comment then cups her mouth when she flips the gift over.

  I smile.

  It’s a painting I had one of her instructors at her studio make. It’s a photo of all five of us—Gabby, the kids, Callie, and me.

  “Wow.” Her eyes glisten.

  “You like it?” I ask.

  She shoots to a stand, rushing my way and opening one arm to wrap it around the back of my neck.

  “Are you kidding me? I love it! It’s so thoughtful! And beautiful! Aliyah did such a great job on this!”

  “She did. I paid her to do it. She knew you’d love it. She wanted me to tell you she’s sorry she couldn’t make it.”

  “Oh, that’s okay. I can thank her later. I love it so much!”

  She stands on her toes and kisses me. I return a kiss just as passionate. When she pulls away, her green eyes are glistening even more.

  “I love you so much. Thank you for all of this—for everything.”

  “I love you too, little thing. More than you know.”

  And you know what? I do. This woman has given me her heart. She has given me my two beautiful children, whom I love unconditionally. My love for my kids is strong, and of a fierceness I thought was behind me when I lost my sister.

  Her family has become mine too. She has completed me in ways I only ever dreamed of.

  Happiness was once a useless word to me. It seemed unattainable, out of reach, but I realize this is happiness. Yes, there are misunderstandings, and a whole lot of chaos at times, but there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t smile.

  Without any of this, I am only half a man.

  I love my kids.

  I love my wife.

  I love my life.

  And I’m going to cherish every second of it for as long as I have left on this earth.

  That is my promise.

  This love story, although bumpy at first, is my truth, and I don’t regret a damn thing.

  Free Bonus Chapter

  You know, I’d like to say that was the end, but that would be a total fib! I love Marcel and Gabby so much that I had to write another chapter about them together as a happy, married couple!

  To read a free bonus chapter about Marcel and Miss Gabby to see what happens after their epilogue, click here! It’s pretty swoon-worthy, too! I think you’ll love it!

  Psstt…you’ll also find out what I’m working on next. ;)

  Get More Marcel & Gabby

  Spoiler Group

  If you feel the need to vent, rage, scream or chat with other readers who have read The Ward Duet, please join The Man I Need Spoiler Group on Facebook! :-)

  Please continue reading for more information.

  Acknowledgments

  These are always so hard for me to write. As you can see, I waited until the end of book two to pop this part of the writing process in there. There are so many people I am thankful for!

  First of all, I am so grateful for my husband for supporting me through my publishing journey. Every year gets harder, and every year he is there for me every step of the way. I love you so much, baby!

  Thank you Dani Fuselier for enduring all of my crazy messages and for sending me amazing critique for this duet. You are such an amazing friend and I am so, so thankful to have you in my life!

  To MJ Fryer, thank you for being so great. I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to help me better my craft. You are an incredible woman with a great heart and I hope I get to meet you one day and squeeze you so hard!

  To Danielle Huffman, you know I love you dearly! You’re such a good person and you’ve been with me every single step of the way! Thank you for always being a shoulder to lean on and one of my hardcore cheerleaders!

  To my lovely PA, Autumn Gantz. I cannot express how much you mean to me. I am so unbelievably grateful for everything you have done for me and for taking so much stress off my shoulders. I’m not sure how I survived so long without you. Thank you for everything you do for me…but just so you know, you’re stuck with me for life!

  To Lucia Franco…you already know what you mean to me. Thank you for listening to my endless rants about life and books and writing. You are my girl, and I love you, OKURRR!

  To Michelle Clay and Annette Brignac, thank you for all your hustle, hard work, and organization! You ladies are so amazing!

  To my awesome Sweetheart ARC Team, Sweetheart Street Team, and Bookstaqueen Team, I am so grateful for all of you! They say it takes a village and y’all definitely showed up and made noise for this duet! I love you all so much!

  To my Naughty Sweethearts. Gah! You ladies mean the world to me! Thank you for getting me pumped to share this story—and every story—and for loving it as much as you do! I know what I write isn’t traditional romance, but you take it in stride anyway and you always seem to enjoy it! If you’re willing to keep reading, I’ll just keep on writing.

  Lastly to every blogger, reader, author, and friend w
ho took time to help me share this book with the world and to those who read the Ward Duet, thank you! Thank you for giving this taboo book a chance! Thank you for going on this wild ride with Marcel and Gabby and seeing it through to the end. I love you all so much and am so damn happy to have all of you in my life!

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  What To Read Next?

  I have lots of books that I could share with you, but to make your life easier, I’m going to give you a few books of mine that are reader favorites and books that I loved writing. These should definitely hold you over until my next book!

  If you love forbidden romances with age gaps, check out Wanting Mr. Cane, a juicy love story about a girl who falls for her dad’s best friend.

  Another juicy one is Dear Mr. Black, where a girl falls for her best friend’s dad! Both are reader favorites and favorites of mine.

  Trust me, the plots may seem scandalous, but I can guarantee you my forbidden romances are always full of emotion and angst.

  If you love dark romances with a thriller edge, then my Venom Trilogy will cure any dark lover’s craving!

  Need something quick and hot to bide your time? Check out my Nora Heat Collection! All of the Nora Heat stories are quick, easy, blazing hot reads!

  The rest of my standalones are filled with angst and lots of emotions and you can find them on my website here or flip to the next page and take your pick. Enjoy!