LAKEWhen I sent a group chat to everyone and asked them to bring some balloons, I did not expect them to go overboard.Augustine and Mom called me to ask about the occasion. They were the first to know that Maverick and I were having a baby.Thinking that I was going to be a father was overwhelming. That thought of it scared the hell out of me that I might turn out to be my father, but my child would never experience what I had been through. I would make sure of that.The look on her face was priceless. At the same time, it scared me that she looked so shocked.Of course, the surprise party wouldn’t be complete without our family and close friends. I even called her brother.“Are you mad at me?”“For breaking the news without my permission? I’m used to it by now, spoilsport.”“Sorry, baby.”“It’s fine, really.”“You made me happy, darling.” Watching Mom hug my wife was the best image I could show the world. I took a picture of them together, even if Cooper got it covered.“I told you
MAVERICK“That’s our baby, right? Like a little alien.” Lake looked baffled as the image of our baby appeared on the monitor with the fastest heartbeat I’d ever heard. “And that’s the heartbeat?”“Yes. Congratulations on the first glimpse of your baby about the size of a raspberry.”“Thank you, Doctor Chesca. That’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. How far is she?”“Your baby is about eight weeks old. When I saw her name on the appointment, I remembered Striker and London.”“Wait. You’re their doctor?” I asked, surprised.“Yeah, I have a few high-profile clients, but I know Lake is Striker’s cousin.”“Let me guess, Linden’s wife is also your patient?” Lake asked amusedly.“Yeah. Both babies. I’m happy to be your obstetrician, Maverick. I like your name, by the way.”“Thank you.”Once the doctor finished the ultrasound, she gave us a booklet. “You can decide how you prefer your labor. Don’t worry. You still have months to think.”“We’ll go with less pain, but it’s up to
MAVERICKI made smokey stuffed chicken with ham and olives, which smelled delicious. I was also done preparing the dining table.The pie crust was ready, and I was about to pour the apple filling into the crust when I heard a doorbell ring. Lake never did that. He had a key, but I hoped Wallace rang the bell.Before I could reach the door, Homer was already there.“Mr. Winston,” Homer said.“Hey. Please, come in.” I smiled politely, even if my nerves were all over the place.“Thank you, Maverick. I thought I would bring something. A non-alcoholic wine.”“Oh, thanks.” I smiled as I took it from him. “That’s thoughtful of you.”I cornered Homer. “Don’t tell Lake.”“All right, but call—”“I’ll be all right.” I patted his arm before I went to Wallace. “Please have a seat.”“It smells delicious. I heard you can cook.” He followed me to the kitchen.“Not good, but I took culinary arts for a year until I shifted to Economics.”“If you love cooking, why did you shift?”“Nana wasn’t on board w
LAKE“Are you sure it’s okay?” We were completely naked in bed. Our bodies pressed together, but I made sure I wouldn’t put my weight on her. My elbows were on the sides as I caged her with my arms.I really missed being inside her. She still looked hot and beautiful. Despite her having our baby in her womb, her body hadn’t changed a bit aside from her tits seeming to increase in size, and they were sweet, and those pink nipples were ripe.“Oh, God.” Her eyes pierced into mine. “If you want to sleep with me, just do it, or I will sleep in the other room.”“Baby, I just want to make sure it won’t hurt you,” I said half-jokingly.“You’re unbelievable.”“Why grumpy? You’re so cute when you’re angry. Your cheeks are like tomatoes. Is it a pregnancy thing?”“No, asshole. This me being turn-on while you won’t give me what I want.”“Then maybe I should let you beg for it. That’s your punishment for leaving me alone for a month. Imagine thirty days without seeing you, hearing from you, I was
MAVERICK“Okay, Lake. You have to let me go,” I said between his kisses. I was not complaining, but I would be late for work.“Your office is just behind the walls.” He squeezed me again.“I know, but I can’t be tardy. I need to be a role model, not your wife.”“And the co-owner.” He kissed me again.“Stop it.”“We need to go shopping.”I looked at my corporate dress. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”“Well, you’re gonna have a baby bump sooner.” He touched my tummy. “My raspberry is growing fast.”I saw Homer and Owen trying to hold their smiles. “They’re making fun of you, Lake.”“I don’t give a shit what they think.”“Maybe you should.” I fixed his red tie and patted his chest. “They think you’re a pussywhipped.”At the corner of Lake’s office, Owen’s body shook while Homer pretended to be looking away.“They’re not in love, that’s why. And they don’t have kids.”“Excuse me?” Owen raised an eyebrow.“Oh.” I turned my head at Owen. “Who’s the lucky girl?”“His boyfriend for how
MAVERICK“Why would I? I feel a little guilty, though. After what you’ve been through from what he did, you still cooked and baked for him, and that is something only a good heart could pull off without throwing the whole apple pie in his face. I gave my father a chance, not entirely, but you know what I mean. You should do it, too.”“Wait. You baked apple pie?” Beatreigh asked in surprise.“Yeah. She did, and that’s my breakfast this morning,” Lake said proudly to his mother.“Now, I’m jealous.”“Don’t be, Bea.”“Well, we can have dinner, all four or five, if your father’s new girlfriend will join us.”“I don’t think it’s a good idea, mom.”I gripped Lake’s thigh under the table. “It’s a good idea. I want to put all that negative energy behind me. I want to be on good terms with your father and his girlfriend now that I’m pregnant. I want to walk freely and eat ice cream in the park without thinking of threats or someone throwing tea on my face.”Lake sighed and nodded.“Really?” I a
LAKE“I trust you will take good care of the company and our staff, Rusher.” I signed the document appointing him as the temporary CEO of IMI.“I don’t know if I should be offended or grateful.” He grabbed a pen, scribbled down his signature, and gave me back the document.I chuckled. “You can appoint a COO yourself. I highly suggest Finch.”“I was thinking the same person, mate.”“Good. I have to go.” I rose from my chair and buttoned my suit.“Sorry to hear about your father. I wish him a fast recovery, and I’m glad you two are on good terms now.”“We’re testing the water, but it still feels surreal, and we managed to end the day without punching each other’s face. A few weeks ago, I was shouting at him and accusing him of something horrible.”“Maybe I deserved that money, mate.” He grinned.“Work your ass off.”“My arse works hard than you, arsehole.”“Really?” I stared at him until he barked out laughing.“Okay. Fair enough. You work harder than me. Now go. Good luck, mate. See yo
MAVERICKHe sunk inside me with a shuddering groan, stopping when it felt right, when it felt too much, tracing kisses on my exposed shoulder towards my neck and my hair, inhaling my scent.I inhaled a deep breath as I felt him. I felt so connected to him that I could feel his emotions like we were one soul, with no barriers between us, just our love and devotion. Then I reached out to him as I turned my head to kiss him.He granted me with a moan as our mouths sealed in a searing, vulnerable kiss. Then he rocked into me. I cracked my eyes open, and he looked at me as we made love. It was beautiful, and I watched him mesmerize.He pulled out, laid me on my back, and came on top of me. I moved my hand behind his neck, burying my fingers in his hair, and he dipped his head to kiss me and slid his length back inside me, thrusting into me with precise precision, no rush, not hard, just us taking our time, cherishing the moment.We moaned and sighed as it felt right and perfect.We moved t
TERZOThe thick wooden doubled-door swung open to my father’s office. It was one of the biggest rooms in the house where business was discussed and where the most secured safe and panic room were situated, where he kept his most valuables.I was assaulted by the scents of cedar wood and expensive cigars hung thick in the air.I let go of a shuddering breath as I stepped inside. Gaetano Siciliano, the patriarch of the family, the Don— one of the most powerful and feared heads of the mafias in Italian history— my father was sitting in his chair before his massive desk. His thick brows knitted together, hanging low over his dark caramel eyes and gray hair cut stylishly. In his sixties, he was still fit, strong, and could beat me in the ring if he desired to, but he always humbly said his prime was over.“Figlio.”“Come va, papa?”Papa nodded in acknowledgment. “Come in. How’s your sister?”Standing in the left corner that caught my eye was Celestina, my other beautiful sister who had bee
MAVERICKI smiled as we finally had time for each other. Atlas just fell asleep.Lake cupped my face and traced my lips with his thumb. “Thank you for making me complete, the happiest man on this planet, and for being my wife.”My heart exploded with his words with so much joy. “Ditto. Now, no more talking. Just get rid of your clothes.”He held his laugh, shaking his head as we began taking our clothes off. There was nothing much to strip off. I was in my sexy red lingerie, and he was in his pants.To be honest, our only problem was our time for both of us— most of the time while we were naked in bed, Atlas began waking up and started to cry.“I love you, baby.”I parted my lips as I watched the desire flicker in his eyes. He then dipped down, tagging my bottom lip between his teeth. He groaned as he pressed his hard cock against my lower belly and then cupped my ass as he finally captured my mouth in a passionate kiss, gliding his tongue inside, dominating me.Moaning, I instantly w
MAVERICKEight months later, Southampton I had a teary-eyed earlier as Cooper carried the precious angel I’d never thought I could love beyond anything in this world. He was five months old today and became the center of our universe. He was our ringbearer, and everyone, oh and ah, as he put on a cute little suit, while Nana and Beatreigh had been giggling since I walked down the aisle with my father, Gaetano.Like what he promised to my husband when Lake asked for the blessings he would be here, my friends and family, everyone I loved, including Terzo and Celestina. Lake did his luck inviting my mother. Surprisingly, she was here alone.“What’s in your head, baby?” the most handsome groom I’d ever seen smiled. He still took my breath away when he did that.After all these years of finding my perfect one, he came to me at the right time, even for the wrong reason.Then, our whole universe, Atlas Sawyer Bates Winston, came into our world, adding more colors to our lives. Sawyer was my
LAKE“Oh, my God!” My mother was the first to react, seeing the golf ball pop into blue smoke as soon as my uncle executed a stroke.“I knew it. Look at her abdomen,” Augustine said to my mother.“I told you, remember?” Mom seemed to find a new good friend in Augustine. They went to coffee or shopping together and sometimes baked at home. I was glad they got along so well. They were going to be excellent guides in raising our child.When we held our gender reveal party, Maverick was already six months pregnant. It was worth the wait. Everyone was here— our families, close friends, her friends from the Bazz, and, of course, our extended family.“You should promote my baby products, Maverick.”Amused, I shook my head at Estelle. “Give my wife a break.”“You’re the one who’s not giving her a break,” London replied. “She’s going to wear LH maternity dress for the photoshoots.“Congratulations, cuz.” Striker came to me.“Thanks.” We hugged each other.“Are you ready to be a father?”“I don
MAVERICK“Whoa. Why the long face?” I shoved a spoonful of butter pecan ice cream into my mouth as I watched Lake’s face seemingly in deep, miserable thoughts. “Babe?”“Yeah?” He looked at me, looking guilty.“Did you just cheat on me in that four hours?”“Baby, why do you always think like that?”“Lake, cheating doesn’t only mean you’re sleeping or kissing the other woman. Could be lying, keeping something important from me.”“I know.” He rose from the chair to join me on the couch. Then he pulled me close to him so he could hug me. “You like that?”“Yeah. You want some?” I scooped and offered, but he shook his head.“I want to tell you something.” I could feel the heaviness of guilt in his voice. Whatever he was about to say, I was sure he had reasons.“Shoot.”“I went to Nana.” It lightened up my chest when he called my grandmother Nana. One time, when he talked about my father, he called him Papa even though I still called Gaetano by his name.“And?” I met his gaze.“Your mother w
LAKE“She did not ruin your life. You ruined your own life by sleeping with the most dangerous man,” Augustine spat her anger out.I felt her anger towards her daughter was decades long, and she just had time to let it out of her chest.“You were only eighteen,” she added. “I had high hopes for you, but you disappointed your father. You were reckless and stupid and slept with a married man. You didn’t even know what care and love meant, and after you were gone for months, you came to me five months pregnant. Don’t blame your miserable life and poor choices on the poor, innocent child. She’s been through enough and all of that because you caused her so much pain.”“What do you want from my wife, Florence?”She lifted her chin. “I just wanted to meet her.”“Why now? Why not before when she didn’t have a mother at her first school recital? On her first time having a period? I’m your last to get out of here without being dragged into a van. Terzo is still in town, Florence.”She blinked t
LAKE“Are you okay?” I glanced down at Maverick working on her tan beside the pool.She looked pretty satisfied and comfortable in her yellow two-piece swimsuit and sunglasses, which shielded her eyes from the blazing sun.“Why do you keep asking me that?” She slightly lifted her chin.“Did you put enough sunscreen on?” I wanted to see her eyes but was disappointed that she kept her sunglasses on.“Don’t worry. I need more Vitamin D.” She strolled her gaze at me.“My Vitamin D isn’t enough for you?”When she saw me smirking, she slightly tipped her head down, glaring. “Not everything is about your dick, Lake. Going somewhere?”“Yeah. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”“A date?”“Yes, Maverick. I have a date. You might as well put Airtag on me.”“Can you buy butter pecan ice cream for me?”“Of course. Anything else?”“Bring your cock back untouched.”I laughed, making her frown. “My cock is exclusively yours, baby.” I bent down to cup her face and kissed her on the lips. “I promise yo
MAVERICK“Linden made fun of me. He sent me every copy of the books he read while Estelle had their first baby, Gabrielle. I’m done reading the first two books.”“Is that why you’re so calmer than me because of these books?”“You may be stubborn, but when it comes to our unborn child, you’re very responsible. Hence, we never argued about it. We most argued about money and my spending on you.”“I did not tell you that I love the ring.” I raised my hand. It was a Marquise cut, the same size as my first engagement ring.“Thank you, baby. I have good taste, you know.” I found some meaning in his words.“I bet.”Once he was done eating, he went to a small fridge and brought two bottled water. He opened one and gave it to me.“Thank you.” I drank it.“Can you stay a little longer?”“Why? Isn’t a chairman and CEO has a lot of work to do?”“That can wait.” He stood before me, cupped my head, and kissed me hard.My hands came to his arms, gripping them as he deepened the kiss and shoved his to
MAVERICKWe finally found out the gender of our baby this morning. I could see the joy in Lake’s eyes as the doctor told us. He was excited and couldn’t wait to meet our baby. He was even teary-eyed as he kissed my tummy.One thing he assured me was that he didn’t care about either a boy or a girl as long as our child was healthy, and I couldn’t agree more.On the other hand, I was a little bit scared of a lot of things, including labor and the pressure of being a first-time mother.I was still astounded at how lucky I was to be his wife. Aside from being overprotective and bossy, he was also thoughtful and loving.After Beatreigh, Nana, and I visited a bridal boutique, we had a late lunch, and then I decided to pay a visit to my husband, who was never invited to the Chairman and CEO’s office. The last time I planned on walking into this building was my confrontation with Wallace, but it didn’t happen.So, I thought I would surprise Lake.I knocked on his office door when Venus told m