by C. M. Steele
“Women? Do you mean Inga too?”
“Yes. Sorry.”
“Enough apologizing. There is no one else for me but you, Amelia. If you’ll still have me.”
“I love you too, Roman. I’m not going to let you get off that easily.”
“Good. I don’t want to be.” He bends down and presses his lips to mine. It’s gentle and oh, too brief, but it causes my heart to race.
A minute later there’s a knock at the door, and it’s the doctor. “It’s good to see you awake. I hate to do this to you, but the police requested that they speak to you. The other woman in the vehicle is claiming she’s the victim and you assaulted her.” Roman’s body stiffens, and he looks like he’s about to kill someone.
I respond before he goes apeshit on these guys. “Please have them come in. I’m ready to speak to them.”
“She just can’t stop making my life miserable,” he sighs, shoulders dropping with an air of disappointment.
“It’s going to be okay, Roman,” I say, giving his much larger hand a squeeze.
“As long as I have you.”
Our parents come into the room along with a grizzled-looking detective. “Hello, Ms. Reeves. I’m glad to see you’re awake. I need to ask you a few questions.” I nod. “I’m going to record this so it’s easier to review. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” He pulls out a recording device and holds onto it as he moves next to me, taking the seat my mother was in.
“So let’s get started. Do you remember what happened today?”
Roman tenses, blaming himself for his mother’s actions. I could never be mad at him for this, but I also can’t let that wench get away with her crimes. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. My morning started off shitty.” I explain about my phone and then the trip to the bookstore. “I was tired and thinking I really should have taken your offer to lend me your driver, and then as I approached my dorm building, she stopped me. Played a recording of you believing the image was real.”
“That’s bullshit. I can’t say I wasn’t shocked, but I know her. She’s lied to me my entire life—why would she suddenly have the urge to tell me the truth? Besides, I didn’t believe you would do that to me.”
“Oh. Well, at first, I wondered, but then I thought better of it. I was going to call you, but since I figured she was here after seeing you, then it must be bullshit. I rushed to get away from her and ran straight into that asshole guard you hired. He’d been following me for days, so I thought he would help me, but he pulled a gun on me.”
“What happened in the car?” the detective asks.
I go on to explain what happened, and everyone gasps when they admitted to trying to kill me. “I did what I had to do to give myself a chance.”
“That’s very brave,” the detective says.
“Is it really, when it’s the only choice I had?”
“Yes. Many would beg for their lives or something.”
“Thank you. I didn’t know where they were taking me, but I found the first chance I got and took it.”
“That’s incredible. It’s probably the only reason you’re alive.”
“Yes, if she knew you could testify against her, there’s no way Anna would have let you live. What I don’t understand is her motives?”
“I think I do. When she came to my office, she screeched about you ruining her relationship with the love of her life.”
“How did I do that? After she and I divorced, I fought her for you, but when they said I wasn’t able to get you because I wasn’t your father, I threw in the towel. I never spoke to her again.”
“What happened with her lover?”
“He left her for another woman when I was seventeen.”
“And she blames me?”
“I think she’d blame everything on you if she could. Her hatred for you made no sense to me until today. It really has to do with me. She wanted Amelia out of my life. I realize I resemble my sperm donor. When I cut her out of my life, she blamed you. I told her it was all her, but she’s fucking delusional.”
“What happened to the other guy? Why doesn’t she hate him?” Rachel asks.
“He died of a heart attack, ironically, with the other woman, leaving me his company when I was nineteen. He said he made mistakes, and not giving me the life he gave his other kids haunted him. So he left it to me. I built it up and sold it, giving my half siblings a big chunk of the sale.”
“That’s generous.”
“It’s not. It should have been theirs to begin with. He was never my father. He abandoned them after claiming to love them. Damn, my lineage is really fucked up.”
“It’s time to start over.”
“Oh my goodness. Speaking of, Ms. Reeves. We need to speak in private.”
“I don’t think there’s anything you can’t say here.”
“Actually. Our blood tests in the lab took a while longer because we have two people out sick, but we need to inform you that...” The doctor takes a long pause. “You’re pregnant.” I shoot my eyes straight to Roman, afraid of what he’s going to think.
“Pregnant?”
“Yes, but it’s very early. Your numbers just reach that level. We’ll want to do another test before we release you just to measure the levels, but we’re fairly certain that you aren’t far along.” On our one night together, we didn’t use any protection.
“Oh…goodness.”
“I’m going to be a grandma!”
“I’m going to be a grandpa!” They both cheer happily, but I’m looking at Roman who looks stunned, almost frozen in place.
“I’m tired. I would like to sleep, please.”
They all file out but Roman, who stops. “I’m sorry, Roman. I know this isn’t what you expected.”
“Amelia, we weren’t careful. And although I should feel bad that I got what I wanted, I don’t. I love the idea that you’re pregnant with my baby. It’s you I’m worried about.”
“You want me to have your baby?”
“Of course. I mean, I would have liked a little more you and me time before then, but I love you, Amelia. You make me want things I didn’t know I needed.”
“So we’re having a baby.”
“Do you not want it?” The absolute look of horror on his face nearly breaks my heart.
“Of course I do. I would have just done everything I could to raise the baby alone.”
“Over my dead body, Princess.” He reaches out and presses his hand to my stomach. “You’re my world. The both of you are.” He bends and kisses my lips. He’s tender and careful.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Amelia. I’m not a man who changes his mind. I wanted you from the first day we met, and that’s what made me an asshole. I’d never felt that way before. I almost lost you. You have no idea how much my world felt like it was crumpling. You’re lucky if I ever let you out of my sight again.”
“Good. Because I really missed you.”
“Me too.”
I sigh and then yawn. There’s a knock at the door. “I’m sorry, but we’re here to bring Ms. Reeves her dinner.”
“Oh.”
“My housekeeper is bringing us dinner.”
“Not for her. I’m sorry, sweetie, but for tonight, dinner is our menu. Until the doctor gives the approval, you’re on a bland and light diet.”
“Okay. I won’t argue.”
“I wish it was that easy,” Roman grumbles.
“I like bickering with you,” I sass, smiling up at him.
“Can we come in now? Grizelda dropped off the food and we’re hungry.”
“Take that to the lounge. Amelia can’t have any, and I don’t want her to be upset.”
“Oh, sorry, sweetie,” my mom says, giving me a slight hug. I forgot about the hospital meals. “We’ll be back in a bit.”
“Go ahead and eat with them,” I tell Roman.
“No.” He turns to the nurse and asks, “Can you bring me one of the hospital me
als?”
“Yes, I can.” She smiles and walks out of the room, leaving us alone again.
“Are you really going to eat the bland food for me?”
“Yeah. It’s my fault you’re in here in the first place.”
“It’s not.”
“But it is. I hired that asshole, and that rotten bitch gave birth to me.”
“I’m not going to argue with you because I’m too tired for it, but I still think you’re wrong.” He bends down and kisses me hard, slipping his tongue inside when I moan.
“You’re so beautiful, Amelia. Even when you think you’re right.” I want to kiss and punch him at the same time. We kiss once more before two nurses come in with the trays. Roman helps them set up on the wheeled-bed table and then they leave us alone.
“Let’s see what they have for us.” He lifts up the tray and holds back the look of disgust on his face. It’s not terrible, but from the color of everything, I’m betting it tastes like cardboard.
“Our first date in New York,” I tease.
“I was hoping to make our first date here memorable. I guess I’ve made it infamous.” He helps me sit up a bit to eat because one of my arms is banged up.
“At least I didn’t have to get all dolled up.”
“I don’t know. I do find that gown quite revealing.” He teases, reaching for it.
“Behave yourself, Mr. Edwards, or I’m going to eat your Jell-O.”
“If I get to touch you, I’ll buy you all the Jell-O you want.”
“Promises, promises.” He nods, and I have a feeling one day I’m going to find myself with so much of it I won’t know what to do.
Chapter Fifteen
Roman
It’s one hell of a long four days. Amelia’s finally set to be released from the hospital, and I’ve just finished work early so that I could have a quick meeting with my therapist and then head to pick Amelia up. It was hard to go back to the office knowing that I had to be away from her. I did everything I could to take my meetings and calls in the hospital so I wasn’t far from her, but it became too bothersome for her. She sent me to my office. Which was fine, because it did have an upside. I had time to pick out the perfect engagement ring.
Today, I meet with my therapist. I did have to cancel my meeting, but when he learned of the situation, he understood. I’ve just arrived on his floor when he greets me. “Do come in.”
I take a seat and explain what the past four days have been like. He does his best to remain unfazed, but he gives a little away. “How are you feeling now that you’re going to be a father? Are you worried that she’ll do like your mother and try to take your baby from you?”
“Don’t compare Amelia to that shrew.”
“There, that’s good. Because you came to me with the need to compare all women to Anna. I’m glad to see the progress. I’m sad to say it has more to do with nearly losing Amelia than you seeing what life would be if you’d believed Anna.”
“You’re right. I’m not afraid of Amelia doing what Anna did to me to our baby. In fact, from the love and kindness Rachel has for Amelia, I know that Amelia’s going to be just like her mother.”
“Good. Now, I’ll expect to see you less often, but I do suggest that at the very least you stay for the next year. With the baby coming, there are bound to be arguments and things that you’re probably not prepared for.”
“Thanks, Doc. I’ll think about it. I’ll schedule the next appointment for the first week of October, but I have to check with my assistant on that.”
“Great. Take care, Roman.”
I feel great leaving his office and jump into the back of my vehicle. “Johnson, the hospital, please.”
“Yes, sir.” The trip seems like an eternity. When I get there, Amelia’s sitting on her bed waiting for me with our parents. The bandage that was wrapped around her head has been reduced to a small patch on her forehead. She has her wrists and one arm still wrapped, but the rest of her looks ready to go.
“I missed you,” I utter, stepping into the room and wrapping her up in my arms.
“I missed you too,” she grunts. Fucking idiot. I let go of my grip and step back.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a long morning without you.”
“It’s okay. I’m ready to go.”
“Were you all just waiting for me?”
“It’s only been about five minutes since they gave me the papers.”
“Well, then, let’s take you home.” I lift her up and then settle her in the wheelchair. I’d love to carry her to our vehicle, but I don’t want to jostle her at all. Our little one is growing inside, and I spent all night reading up on what to expect over the coming months.
“Are you ready, Princess?”
“As I’ll ever be.” We all head out together and down to where Johnson is waiting. After I set Amelia inside, I scoot in beside her while our parents slide into the other side of the limo.
“You brought a limo?”
“We needed space, and I wanted it to be easy for everyone to fit. Besides, it’s time to take you home in style.”
“Are we going back to the dorms?”
“No. All of your things have been removed. You’ve been released from the first-year dorm obligation due to extenuating circumstances and will be living with me for the rest of your days.” The tension immediately falls from her shoulders.
Once we arrive at my building, Amelia’s eyes widen. “You live here?”
“We live here, and I work a few floors below.” It’s not one of New York’s high rises, but it’s still made with the love and care of one of the best in the city. It’s actually just a ten-story building right outside the downtown area. As a businessman, I know it’s silly to purchase expensive space when I can move just outside the high-priced zone and then lease out several floors.
“Okay, please don’t tell me we have to walk up.”
“No. We have a private elevator. Come now, let’s get you nice and cozy inside. It’s the middle of August so it’s hot and humid, but from the looks of the sky, we’re about to get a downpour. As soon as we pass the threshold to the building, there’s a loud crack in the sky.
“Just in time,” my father says.
“Yep.”
I carry Amelia to the elevator. “I can walk, you know?”
“I like holding you.” I stick out my tongue at her, and she moans. I lean in and whisper, “Brat.”
“I love you too.” I can’t hold back, and I bend to kiss her.
“Romeo, you want to hit the code so we can go up?”
“Sure.” I enter her birthday, and the elevator takes off to the penthouse. As soon as we’re inside, I set her on her feet.
“Wow. Seriously, this place is amazing.” I wrap her up in my arms, letting her head fall onto my chest.
“It’s cool, but it just got a lot better,” I whisper, bending down and kissing her neck.
I give her a brief tour of the place, ending in our bedroom where I close and lock the door. “Now I’ve got you all alone,” I growl.
“What are you going to do to me, big boy?”
“I’d love to fucking lick you from head to toe and then fuck you until you pass out, but for now, I just want to say I love you.”
“I love you too, Roman. It’s only been a short while since we’ve known each other, but I do have a slight confession to make.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve been fascinated by you for years. I had no idea that you were related to Theodore until he brought us home and your picture was on the mantle. I thought you were a great humanitarian for a cause that’s so close to my heart, and super sexy. None of the photos ever had you in them. Even your mother wasn’t in them.” Anna hated the fact that I loved to give back to kids who had been like my dad at one time. She thought that when he abandoned us, I would lose that love to help others.
“The orphanage and foster care programs?”
“Yes. I don’t know if you know, but I was…”
“Adopted. My dad told me. So when you met me and I was a total asshole...”
“You know the saying. Never meet your heroes because you’ll be let down. I was, but at the same time, I understood your anger was out of love and fear for your father.”
“And insane, unexplainable attraction to you.”
“Why? Am I not attractive?”
“You’re fucking gorgeous, but at thirty, I’d had no sexual interest in any woman I’d met. There were moments when I considered dating a beautiful woman, but then I’d see how superficial she was and I’d turn back around. You were different. The moment I saw you, my entire body lit up and I let my jealousy get the better of me.”
“Well, I’m glad that I got to see the other side of you. I truly think you’re a wonderful man with a kind, but bruised heart.”
“You’re healing it. You and this little one here.” I rub her flat stomach, so surprised how easily I’m welcoming the idea of becoming a dad. “I want to be the best dad I can be, and I have that man out there as a great example.”
“You’re going to be.”
“Now, if you would kindly stop rubbing your ass on my cock, that would be great.”
“But I miss it so much.”
“Tonight,” I promise. I want it to be special, but with her parents waiting for us, I don’t want to rush it. I love this woman too much. Maybe after a couple of years and babies, when we don’t have much time, I’ll fuck her on any surface I can.
“By then, I’ll be exhausted and probably sleeping on you.” Having her on me never sounds like a bad idea. I’m just glad she stuck around.
“Then I’ll wake you up with my tongue on your pretty kitten licking until you scream my name.” I turn her face with my fingers on her jaw and then take her mouth in a deep kiss. It only lasts a moment when I hear a knocking. “No naughty times right now. At least wait until we’re asleep or out of the house.”
“I guess, then, we should all call it a night,” Amelia says, giggling.
“We’ll be out in one minute.” I smile at her, kissing her once more before lifting her off me to stand. “Let’s go, before they come in here.”
“Fine.” She sighs, sauntering toward the door before walking out without a look back at me. I groan, adjusting my cock in my pants, hoping to last the rest of the night. She’s pure temptation, and she knows it.