Frankie sighs, betraying his inner anxiety even beyond his jokes. “I don’t like that,” he murmurs, shaking his head. “Seriously, Bambs, I wish you’d reconsider and let me take you to the city to wait it out – have little Franquette in a hospital, where you’ll be safe.”“This child,” I say, putting d
Seven hours later, I’m all exhausted and sweaty, leaning up against the headboard of the bed and reaching for my little baby boy as the midwife wraps him up and leans down to place him in my arms.“Seven hours from start to finish,” she says, shaking her head at me and then up at Frankie, who stands
“Seriously, Frank,” I say, my voice insistent, not letting him make a joke to get out of it. “Are you…how are you feeling?”“I feel,” he says, smiling a little and raising his eyes to me. “Proud of my son, and desperately in love with you.” He lifts a hand then, cupping the back of my head as he lea
“Oh!” Leo says, breaking into a grin and rushing back to me, his rifle bouncing on his back. “Sorry!”“Don’t be sorry, babes,” I murmur, handing my son his water bottle and then snatching him close to me for another hug. “Just stay hydrated and make sure your dad has some too.”“Come on, Leo!” Frank
My breath stops in my throat as I stare, wide eyed, at the man standing at the door, his hands sunk deep in his pockets, his face cold. That dark, slightly tousled hair - those piercing grey-blue eyes…Christian.Christian. He…he found me. Found us.Terror runs through me like a wild animal.Christ
“He loves me, Christian,” I growl, fierce and loyal. “I –““Oh, I don’t doubt that he loves you,” Christian says, turning back to me slightly and looking at me over his shoulder. “Why wouldn’t he? You’re still gorgeous, Iris, even after five years and two kids. You’ve always been far, far above his
Nico steps through the door with Leo’s hand held tight in his own. I look up and moan at the sight of my little boy, who looks frightened and scared, his face pale and –And flecked with blood –I reach for him, crying his name, and Leo breaks from Nico, dashing for me, throwing himself into my lap
“This entire life was a lie, Iris,” Christian insists, his voice steely. “You’re mine, my wife, whether you like it or not. And I’m taking you home.”Nico stands back, watching silently, his face a mask of indifference. I realize he’s not here to comfort me; he’s here to enforce Christian’s will.I