I exhale, standing in front of the door of the Reid slash Wolfe's home.I received a text from Effie a couple of days ago asking me to come to her house this weekend for a party.After all, I'm over with Liam. Why would they suddenly host a party? I don't want to see him. I don't even want to breathe in the same air as him. I practically ignored him at school. Sometimes he would try to get my attention, but I just ghosted him. Going here was the worst because he lives here. Effie is my best friend, and I shouldn't say no to her invite because she has been calling and texting me non-stop to come, or she will ask Terry to drag my ass here.And I do not want that.So, here I am. I dressed nicely, which shows a little of my baby bump. I was not concerned about what the family would think once they saw my stomach growing because it was a family party. No other friends are included. I wore a yellow summer dress, knowing the cold weather this month, but I have leggings, UGGS boots, and a ve
I had just realized it the first time she introduced Zara to me. "Auntie?" I glance at Athena, who is sitting on Rex's lap. I see her stomach, and it is still rounded. A bit bigger than mine by an inch."This isn't Athena's baby, is it?" I ask curiously."No," Effie brought the baby up to her face, caressing the infant, then confessed. "She's mine."My eyes shot so vast that you could flick them out of the sockets. My mouth is long and wide enough that a family of chipmunks can nestle inside for the winter. I'm astonished by the news that I had to look at Logan with such a face. He chuckles and nods his head.I looked over at everyone else, and they all gave me the same answer.I shake my head and massage my jaw to get cramps. "Whoa! Rewind and freeze. What do you mean she's yours?""She's my baby.""Effie, I didn't know you were pregnant. I would have noticed by then. But with someone with perfect curves like yours. That isn't possible."No, silly," Effie coo, but it's meant for the
Seema had sent me the address to this place, and I needed to wear the proper dress code. This morning I had just put on a sundress, flip-flops, and a jacket in case it gets cold later.A waiter asked how many, but I spotted the back of Seema's head and ushered myself to her.I made my way to her table and sat the opposite her."Lily, darling," Seema put down a glass of red wine. "You came.""Nana, why are you here?" Not sounding rude, but curious. "I thought you were in India.""I was," pick up her glass and swirled the red wine slowly. "I only came back for business and to see you before I leave tomorrow."That's quick."Okay." I already feel she is here not only for business; otherwise, she would want us to avoid meeting. This isn't a grandmother visiting her granddaughter.A waitress came by our table minutes later and asked for my order."Order anything," Seema says to me.I wasn't hungry. Later I will meet Effie at the mall, shopping for baby clothes for Zara. I still do not use
Given the thought and mixed emotions of Seema discovering my pregnancy had just made it worse. I didn't want her to know about the baby, and never. She may be my grandmother, but something about her feels off. That is what Effie felt about having a sixth sense, but she has been through a lot with her. It's not emotional to have this type of empathy. And Devin, something about him made the back of my neck hair go up. Whatever affected Liam that day on the cruise is affecting me too.That guy gives me the creep.I had myself stayed at Effie's house while I cleared my head. I would've done that at home, but I decided to lay low here for a while. Effie said everybody went out. Her sister is at work, and Ares is with Logan and the boys. Rex and Don are at the shop. Seth is hanging out with Terry, still pasteurizing him. The poor man. I don't know why Terry won't give him the uppercut. He got a soft spot for Seth. Logan and Ares are baby-shopping for the first time. Effie wants Logan, for t
I was happy. I recognize it's a dream because I'm in a church, a row with lily flowers hung on each seat. I see myself dressed in white, the dream wedding dress I pictured all the time, white heel pump shoes with sparkling gems, and a veil to hide my face.I looked around to watch faces I recognized; my Dad was crying his eyes out, and Grandma Birdie flashed her smile. At the end of the aisle, I saw Effie, Athena, and Jordan holding a modest bouquet of flowers; opposite them were Logan, Rex, and Ares. The residue of the brothers Seth and Don are sitting next to Odin and Terry. They all were smiling.I feel an arm locking with me as I look upwards to see Papa wearing a tux, which I know he hates to wear. Only he looks handsome as ever."Ready to go, Pumpkin?"I smiled at him. "I'm ready."I don't know why I said that, but it felt decent. This dream will turn into my most fantastic fantasy, with everyone who I love and care for will be with me.Dad and I walk down the aisle. I smile at
With one last sigh, I hear him mumble as if he curses, then proceed. "I'm good at computers, practically an expert since I first experienced my computer at four. It was one of those kid-safety laptops for learning. Getting up, I taught myself coding and hacking, which sometimes led to trouble. Only as I was older, I was careful. Until trouble came back when I hung out with this youngster, Andy Lorenzo."I could hear the timbre of his voice mentioning this guy Andy. Liam continued his story. "I was thirteen, and he was one of those popular kids that gets everything. He was brought up by his older brother, Randall Lorenzo; his friends call him Randy. Andy and I were cool, hung out, drank, and kissed girls while going high. I would be in trouble with my parents, and Logan would see me differently. And so, one day, Andy asked me to help him release his brother from prison. So, I hack into the system and put out all the prisoners. Once I discovered the real reason why Randy was put in pris
Liam's hands were all over my body. From brushing my hair with his fingertips caressing my legs as if he wants to feel every inch of my skin as it burns from his touch. And it feels so damn fucking good.Every nerve in my body and brain is electrified in that split second before his touch. It's the anticipation of being together in a way that's more than words, in a way that's so wholly tangible.I push him back down on the bed, then straddle him. I bend down to kiss him again, slow rub movement. I'm enjoying it, but most of all, he is enjoying it. I stop kissing his lips and move to his jawline, neck, and collarbone. It was my turn to kiss every inch. I place soft butterfly kisses down his chest and abs."Fuck, Princess, you don't know what you do to me," he breathes between kisses.I moaned and moved my body slowly. I rubbed his hard-rock cock and made him groan. I could tell he is aching to do so much more rather than touch me. I can hear the desperation of this beautiful beast he
The following day I woke up minus one person. Liam's side is empty as I search to find him on the balcony with no shirt and just his sweatpants.I grabbed the oversized shirt above my thighs and went to him. His back turned to me as I wrapped my arm around his waist."Are you okay?" I ask, kissing his shoulder and laying my head against his back."I'm better than okay," he turned and pulled me into his chest, where I inhaled his savory scent. He tears apart, looking down at him. "How about you? Are you okay? How's the baby?"I smile. "You weren't that rough," I assure him.He released and sat on one of the balcony couches. He brushes his hair back and sighs. "This is a first for me. I've been with countless girls, and this is the first time I gave my heart to someone.""Well, you ain't the first one, buddy," I say, not being zealous about the fact he has bedded with different women and sat next to him. "I had crushes when I was younger but never engaged in a serious relationship. With
I open the door after the first ring and pull up a curve smile wide enough to greet Grandma Birdie standing at the doorstep. "Oh, my little Lily," Grandma Birdie squeezed my face and kissed the side of my face. "After giving birth, you became more beautiful than ever." "Oh, stop it, Grandma," I blush. "Congratulations on graduating high school. Here for you and Effie," she hands me a gift bag. "It's something you both desperately need." "What is it?" "Open it later," she winks and walks towards the family room as she yells. "Wayne, Nicky, oh, and my baby boy Ramsey. Come to Gram Gram." I watch her get Ramsey from Dad and shower him with love. I pull up a grin before Effie comes to my side. "Oh, Birdie is here." "Yeah." Looking down at the bag. "So, what did she get you?" Effie asks, looking over my shoulder. "Us," I correct her. "Me too? Well, can I see?" "I was planning on opening it when my grandma or anybody isn't around," I say. "I got an uneasy feeling the gift won't b
Liam and I couldn't wait.He drove fast with the family's CRV and took us to his house. We were frantic that his brothers, Effie, or the others would notice, but we didn't care. I'm worried about leaving Ramsey with his grandparents, especially Seema. Rahul reassured me that she would not harm my child. If she does, I would have to bitch slap her. Liam abruptly stops on the side, never caring to park in the driveway. He got out first, as I already unhook the seatbelt. He opened my door and pulled me out as he closed the door. Liam locks the car while he holds my hand, unlocking the front door, he checks around the house to see if anybody is home as if we are about to make a heist, and when it is all clear, we run upstairs into his room.Liam shut the door and locked it. While he did that, I was already removing my clothes, and as soon as I pulled my shirt. Liam cups the fabric of my bra on my breast and kisses my neck.I moan from his touch—the urge and hunger I wanted so badly from
"Thank you for coming, Lily. After that fiasco at the supermarket, you wouldn't want to see me again.""I didn't have a choice since you said my great-grandfather is here to see me."She seems close the door as I'm inside her home. I had Liam drive me here before he went with the guys and picked me up later. Seema texted me last night and told me her dad, my great-grandfather, is flying here to L. A and wanted to see me.I don't know why since I'm not close to him, but my mother would have wanted me to meet him. At first, I didn't want to because of Seema, but knowing and meeting."You didn't bring you...son," she says as if Ramsey is a parasite. I clench my hands, and so help me want to slap her. I refrain and posture myself."He is with his father, bonding," I tell her with a sour face. "I will ask Liam to bring him here to meet his great-great-grandfather. But he will contract some disease if he sees you."Seema gasps shockingly. "How dare you talk like that? I would have slapped y
I hum a lullaby while I rock Ramsey to sleep. The boys are outside while the girls are inside binge-watching Grey's Anatomy.Soft knocks on the door as Effie enters the nursery, shuts the door and tiptoes her way to the couch across from me."Zara asleep?"She nods. "After her bottle, she fell asleep. Playing with her uncle wore her out.""I never notice how big she is getting." I chuckle, looking down at my sleeping Prince. "The first time I saw her, she was tiny.""Zara is a big eater."We both laugh but stop when Ramsey stirs in his sleep. I rise from the rocking chair and place my son in his crib. I did not want to leave his side. Leaving him and being apart from my son makes a part of my soul crumble. Is this what being a mom feels like? Is this how my mother felt when she left me?"Grandpa told me everything," Effie says. "To think that the man who destroyed Liam's adolescence is your father. Your real father."A sense of pity filled in Effie's words as she mentioned, 'My fathe
"Are you going to be okay, Lily-pad?"I only smile. "I'll be fine, Dad. Liam, Effie, and the gang are coming for a sleepover.""It's weird that boys will be joining a slumber party.""Don't worry," I assure him. "Some of us are studying for finals while the rest will hang out with the babies."Dad pouts while Papa passes by with luggage.I turn Dad's body around and push him out the door towards the truck. "You don't want to wait another day because I'm going home alone.""But-""No buts, you and Papa bought the tickets ahead of time, and you finally get to watch Mariah Carey in Vegas.""But, babykins-" Dad's pouting level up."Papa, a little help here."Papa Wayne closed the trunk and carried Dad like a princess putting him inside the car, putting on the seatbelt, and shutting the door."Thanks, Papa," I beam and kissed the big man.He pats my head and smiles. "You guys behave. No partying and no alcohol. Especially alcohol. Who knows what you guys will be doing drunk.""Yes, Daddy."
Odin nod to Mr. Nobile and then walks inside the interrogation room. The guard standing outside the room closes the door. I count four more police guards standing in each corner of the room.We sat down and sat there. None of us said a word to each other. Devin, looking like a homeless guy, just kept staring at us. He scoffs, sniffles, then coughs a laugh once he lands his eyes on Odin."It's been a long time, Odin," Devin says with a malicious grin.Odin slams his hand on the table and rises, pointing the finger at Devin. "I should have killed you when I had the chance."I try to calm him down by putting him back on his chair. For an old man, he's strong."But you didn't, did you?" Devin taunts Odin. "You couldn't kill your brother, can you?"My eyes shot wide open, looking at Devin to Odin. "Brother?""You are no brother of mine.""Of course," Devin lean back against his chair, still grinning. "We grew up in the same neighborhood. Well, you had a family, and I didn't. I stayed in th
After two days of being discharged from the hospital, I was instructed to stay home for a few more days. I can't go to school yet because I just recovered from being shot and had been cut open to give birth to my baby boy, except I can attend graduation. I had homework delivered to my house from either Liam, Effie, or Clark. Sometimes Logan and the brothers. Even Jordan, personally.They just wanted to make sure Ramsey and I were okay. Liam especially. He debated whether to stay home and take care of me. But rumors of the birth of my son spread at school. They already knew I was pregnant, and Liam was the father. The students are just all talking.My parents went out, so it's just me in the house with my baby. I stand before my mirror and lift my shirt to reveal the surgical line cut open to bring my son out. It's healing slowly, and it doesn't hurt. I trace my finger over the line, just staring at myself. I was on the brink of death after experiencing such a horrible event with Devin
"So, what happened to Devin?" I ask Liam, who is on his lap, fast-moving his fingers on the keyboard. Studying in a hospital room can be peaceful, but it sucks I could get out just yet.I forgot about asking about Devin but at the same time. I didn't care. However, I wonder what happened to him once he made a hit-and-run scheme. This topic has been bothering me since Liam came to visit.Liam looks up. "The coast guard captured him before he crossed to Mexico."That's a relief."So, he's in prison.""Odin and his lawyers gave the court all the evidence on Devin. Charged with kidnapping, charged with rape with a minor, charged with human trafficking, charged with the possession of drugs, charged with attempted murder, and the list goes on and on. He has a long list of charges that will make him stay in prison till the day he dies." He then looks at me then furrows his brows. "Why are you asking about him?"I look down at the study guide for math with a problem that is half-solved. "Liam
It felt like I had died and been brought back to life for a long time. God didn't want me to leave this world just yet. After my conscience met my mother for the first time, I felt a dream. Some supernatural shit like when a hero failed to save the world, they would meet someone who never wants them to give up and gives a second chance.It seemed like forever, but I finally opened my eyes. It was a blur until I focused on the bright light above me. Was this the light that brought me back?I hear soft snores beside me, and my hand cupped into something warm and familiar. Slightly turn my head and lift the corner of my lips into a somewhat weak grin.With his head on the side of the bed, Liam uses his arm as a pillow while the other holds my hand. He is sleeping soundly; I don't want to wake him. My whole body is stiff and in pain. I look up and see a female nurse enter the room. We made eye contact, and quickly shaking my head, I eyed my sleeping prince.She understood my gesture and m