ESTELLE Since Dad’s release from the hospital, I hadn’t gone home. I wanted to make sure my iron had improved before I went home. Dr. Chesca endorsed me to a good doctor here in London. On the other hand, Dad was recovering very well, and the local police had our statements. Linden didn’t take our safety for granted. I felt like I woke up surrounded by his squad. He also hired his men from HQ in London to keep us under close watch. Micah followed me here. Willa took a chance to visit us while she was here in the U.K. for an art exhibit. Sometimes, it was hard to shake off what happened in Dad’s house dining room, but I tried not to let that terrible experience shake me. The backyard had the best lawn, though. It was a good space for an English tea time. “What do you think they are talking about?” “I don’t know. Business, stock market, cryptocurrencies?” I looked at Willa and then to the other table where Dad, Moses, Tate, Linden, and Striker seemingly conversed earnestly. “Can
LINDEN What the fuck? “Klayton is dead.” I didn’t know what to feel, relieved of rage. I wanted to deny that he was dead. He couldn’t be— it was too merciful for that asshole. “What? How?” My wife held my arm, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “He can’t. He didn’t deserve to die. He deserved to rot in jail for what he did to Dad, Qamar, and everyone he hurt.” “I’m so sorry, Estelle.” I looked at her. Sometimes, the image of her on her knees with a gun pointed at her still tormented me, and my anger toward Klayton settled in my chest permanently. “Boss.” Lynx walked in my direction. “You’re informed?” “Yeah.” “What’s going on?” Moses might have noticed the tension. “I just received a call from the warden. Someone stabbed Klayton in the cell.” “I can’t say he deserved it, but karma is real.” Qamar shrugged. He was still recovering from his stubbed wound. “One bad guy gone isn’t a problem. Considering what he did to your wife and Mr. Bladwyn, I think that’s good. You deserv
ESTELLEI thought my nightmare was over, but it seemed this was just the beginning— this was probably my life now, constantly worrying about my husband’s well-being whenever he wasn’t around. To be with a man whose words were his honor, I had learned to be patient and understanding. But I still couldn’t ignore that he was putting his life on the line for me, his family, and the people he valued the most, including his men.Biting my lip, I closed my eyes as I felt the cold lips against my bare shoulder. Unable to help myself, I gave him access. Maybe it was true. Pregnant women still enjoyed sex even if the abdomen could come the way.His breathing brushed the shell of my ear, darting his tongue out, flicking my earlobe. A moan escaped from me, wanting more. My body shuddered as his hand went down, pulling the thin material down my knees and dragging it with his foot down my ankle. Now, I was completely naked in his mercy.With a low rumble, he swore upon finding out I was soaking,
ESTELLEI blinked in disbelief. And Willa had never been tempted to check his brother online or go to Osmium to visit him. Either she trusted him so much, or she couldn’t endure the agony of knowing how dangerous her brother was facing every day.I mean, gathering intelligence was a risky business. I’d seen movies where people get killed and tortured for information.“She does, but only about the firm, and she doesn’t have to. I’m just protecting her from the risk of knowing the nature of my work.”“Now, I’m more curious.” Willa frowned further.“That’s all you have to know.”“No. I want to know everything.”“Honey, Willa.” Moses drew a deep breath. “The Hover Company has subsidiaries. Hover Defense and Hover Space and Security. They are the largest private gathering information agency. They gather intelligence and information around the globe. We detect threats, support decisions, and share with our government contract agencies. And these guys and among others who work at Osmium are
LINDEN My team just landed two hours ago from London. Estelle agreed to stay with her father, which made me happy with her decision. I only took a quick shower in the hotel and changed into a white shirt and dark blue pants before meeting Ilya. As fear thickened my throat, I forced a deep breath as I walked into the local bar in Austin. I entered alone, but I trusted my men to do their job. I roamed my eyes and quickly found a white male around my age with buzz-cut dark-brown hair sitting at the corner. He was confident and wasn’t facing the door. Judging by his wide shoulders and broad back, it was indeed Ilya. The only image I had of him was from Gustav. I didn’t want to know how he got into the country undetected. “May I join you?” His gaze lifted from the half-full pint of beer on the table. He stood up and offered his hand. Ilya didn’t smile, but his eyes expressed recognition and appreciation. I shook it firmly before I joined him on the table and motioned and gestured a
ESTELLE Dad and I flew back home as soon as he was cleared to travel. I missed my husband, too. Aside from the overdue board meeting, I had a job that could not wait. “What the— !” Linden’s eyes widened in surprise, lifting me up, but he was also careful not to put pressure on my growing belly. “Baby.” “You didn’t miss me that much, huh?” I wrapped my arms around his neck as I kissed the side of his head. “You have no idea.” He put me down and hugged me. “You smell amazing.” “I’m sorry, husband, but I have to get ready. I’ve moved the board meeting once and can’t be late.” “Wait. Is it today?” He looked at me before he kissed me on the lips. “Yeah. See you later over dinner.” “Yeah. And I have something for you. It’s in your closet.” “Oh. What is it?” I beamed at him. “My long-delayed birthday gift.” I chuckled. “You don’t have to give me a gift.” “I feel terrible already, but I will make it up to you next year.” “It’s okay, Gabriel.” I hugged him. “But I’m gonna be too l
LINDEN I knew this would happen. The fucking pillow was getting in our way. I lay on my back while Estelle curled into her pillow. She looked comfortable, though. I only wished she found that kind of comfort in me. A moment later, her body shook. She made fun of me. “I can hear your brain cursing the hell out of this pillow, Gabriel.” She turned her head, grinning. “It’s all right, baby. If only I could take all your discomfort, pain, and weight from you. I already did. What a little comfort you found in your pillow that I wouldn’t give.” “Really?” “Why do you sound so surprised?” She turned to face me. “I don’t know. Couples don’t wanna have babies immediately because they want to spend time together, cuddle, travel, do something fun before they want another responsibility.” “Do you want that?” “Before we got married, you knew what I wanted, but things changed, and I don’t have an ounce of regret for having a baby. Though I’m still scared of this huge responsibility, but I kn
ESTELLE Standing stark naked before me, his big cock rested with pride. Linden joined me in the tub and made a low, masculine, sexy sound as he dipped into the water. We stared at each other— the intensity set my body on fire. I let my foot trace his thigh until I found what I was looking for. My pulse quickened as I rubbed it with my foot. He grew instantly hard. Linden moved his hand, tracing his fingers over my knee, moving circles. I was instantly wet. He flicked his gaze to my bare chest, turning me intensely on. My breasts were heavier. My nipples were hard. Heat rose in my cheeks. Arousal thickened my throat. As he leaned close, he cupped my head and took my mouth. I gasped. He started kissing me slowly but quickly turned hot and greedy, kissing me like he was starving. Not breaking the kiss, he pulled me, encasing me so I could sit astride his thighs. The water splashed. Wrapped my legs around his waist, I sat, rocking my hips against him. I could feel him so hard, pokin