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27. In Control
Last Updated:
2024-07-15 00:10:33
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The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 28. Lovely Sight
Antonio emerged from the bath, feeling the cool air brush against his damp skin, causing droplets of water to shiver along his arms. He wrapped himself in a towel, the fabric absorbing the warmth of the bathwater, and a sense of relaxation replaced the tension in his muscles.Reflecting on Valerie's actions, Antonio couldn't deny their significance. Her touch had been more than physical; it was a gesture of surrender, a silent acknowledgment of trust. He could still feel the ghost of her touch, stirring joy and satisfaction deep within him.Drying himself, Antonio paused, contemplating the shift he sensed in Valerie—walls crumbling, defenses yielding."Opening up," he muttered to himself with a faint smile. Determination hardened within him. Valerie's act wasn't merely intimate; it was a declaration, intentional or not. Antonio Leones was not one to shy away from challenges; he intended to claim her heart just as surely as she had claimed his, unwittingly.Pulling on his pajama pants
Last Updated : 2024-07-15The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 29. The Necklace
Antonio's dark gaze drilled into Valerie with an accusatory intensity. "You have the codes," he said, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.Valerie couldn't tell whether he was angry or not, as his face remained stoic and unreadable. She didn't want him to misinterpret her actions. It wasn't that she was intentionally keeping the codes from him! Her heart raced as she tried to find the right words to explain herself, the tension between them palpable."I...I can explain," she said hesitantly.Antonio leaned back against the headboard, his eyes never leaving hers. "Then explain.""I found it yesterday. I was telling Lucas a story and he was fiddling with my necklace...""Necklace?" Antonio stopped her."Yeah. This necklace," Valerie said, holding up the pendant to show him. "Julian gave this to me a while back."She had been meaning to get rid of it ever since he died, but for some reason, something held her back. Now she was glad she didn't."I see. Continue," he said."Well, Landon g
Last Updated : 2024-07-16The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 30. Special Day
The moment Ellie's eyes fluttered open, a surge of excitement pulsed through her. She rolled over, glancing at the empty space beside her where River usually lay.Today was different, special—it was her birthday. She pushed off the sheets and sat up, her heart thrumming with anticipation."Morning," she called out as she stepped into the kitchen. River stood there, his back to her, his hands busy fixing his coffee. No sign of recognition flashed across his face—no 'happy birthday,' no smile. Just the clink of his spoon against the mug."Sleep well?" she asked, leaning against the counter, eyeing the calendar on the fridge where she had circled the date in red."Like a rock," he replied, not turning around. The steam from his mug rose in the air, disappearing without a trace—just like her hopes that he would remember."Big day today," she said, trying not to let the disappointment seep into her voice."Is it?" River finally looked at her, his eyebrows raised, a question in his gaze but
Last Updated : 2024-07-16The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 31. Shiny Things
Antonio slid the sleek device across the kitchen counter toward Valerie, a glint of mischief in his eyes.She stared at the brand-new phone, its screen reflecting the dim light, her heart skipping a beat."Is this for me?" Her voice barely rose above a whisper, confusion knotting her brows. Why would Antonio give her such an expensive gift out of the blue?"Of course, it's for you." He leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.Valerie picked up the phone, its cool surface foreign in her palm. "Antonio, why are you giving me this?" The words rushed out in a torrent, fueled by a mix of surprise and a nagging sense of unease.He laughed, the sound rich and warm, filling the space between them. "Just because.""Stop trying to buy my affection," she snapped. "And, if I'm not your pet, so maybe stop throwing shiny things at me," she snapped, folding her arms tightly across her chest.A chuckle rumbled from his throat as he pushed off the coun
Last Updated : 2024-07-17The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 32. Beautiful and Elegant
Antonio stood by the luxurious Rolls Royce, gesturing towards the sleek black car waiting at the curb. The exterior gleamed under the city lights. "You may stay back here," he instructed Sam."Capo?" Sam looked at Antonio questioningly."I will be driving them myself tonight," Antonio announced, opening the door."Va bene. I will follow closely behind," Sam said.Antonio nodded. "That's fine."He helped Valerie secure Landon in the back seat before opening the passenger door for her. "After you, my love," he said, offering his hand. Valerie took it with a smile and climbed into the car, settling into the plush leather seats.Antonio closed the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side, wanting to enjoy their drive without his men watching.Halfway to their destination, Valerie suddenly gasped. Antonio looked at her with concern. "What is it?""I didn't get Ellie a gift!" she exclaimed."It's alright, love," Antonio reassured her, glancing at her worried expression. "We wi
Last Updated : 2024-07-17The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 33. Birthday Celebration
When River opened the door, Valerie entered confidently. Antonio trailed behind, carrying the stroller holding little Landon.“Good evening, Foster,” Antonio said, flashing his irritating grin at him.River couldn’t help but stare at his sister in utter amazement. She was a stunning sight in her emerald green dress, which perfectly complemented her red hair and striking green eyes.A delicate emerald necklace adorned her neck, matching her dress and undoubtedly costing a pretty penny. But what truly took his breath away was the radiant smile on her face as she looked at him. He had never seen her so…happy. It left him speechless.In that moment, River knew he might have to swallow his pride and thank Antonio for whatever he had done to make Valerie look like this.“Glad you two could make it,” River said.Valerie’s footsteps quickened as she approached them, her breaths coming in short bursts of excitement. “River, Ellie!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with barely contained joy.“Tha
Last Updated : 2024-07-17The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 34. Nightmares
"I think you're growing on me, Antonio," Valerie whispered softly."I hope so," he replied sincerely, his voice filled with warmth. "Because you've already become a part of me, Valerie."Their eyes locked, and in that moment, Antonio sensed a deep and genuine connection that transcended words. Despite the lively atmosphere of the engagement party around them, it felt as though they were in their own private world."Alright! Who's ready for some dancing!" Ellie's cheerful voice interrupted, interrupting the moment.Valerie withdrew her hand quickly, her expression momentarily startled. Antonio noticed the shift in her demeanor, a subtle retreat that left him longing for her touch once more.But just as swiftly as it had vanished, the connection reasserted itself, and Valerie put on a smile for Ellie's sake.River approached Antonio right then. "Can we talk, Antonio? In private," he asked, his face inscrutable."Of course," Antonio agreed, nodding towards a quieter corner of the room. Va
Last Updated : 2024-07-18The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 35. I Need You
"I'm not going anywhere," Antonio said firmly, and Valerie released a sigh of relief. Thank god this man was as stubborn as he was kind.Kind. It was such a strange word to describe Antonio. A few weeks ago, she would have never thought to use that word for him."You will stay?" she asked weakly.He shifted beside her, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face with a tenderness that belied the harshness she had come to associate with him. "Yes, my love. I thought you said Julian never hurt you," he said softly, though she could hear the anger in his voice."He didn't," she lied."Then care to tell me who you were pushing away in your nightmare? Who had you terrified like a little girl?" Antonio asked, pulling her onto his lap."I...no one," she said. She didn't want to talk about Julian or anyone with Antonio right now."Valerie," he started.Valerie's voice rose in desperation. "I don't want to talk about it with you, okay?" she nearly screamed. Hot tears started to flo
Last Updated : 2024-07-18
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The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 200. I Won’t Leave
Lucas found himself staring at Amy, feeling irrationally happy. The aftermath of their lovemaking left his muscles relaxed just like it did when they did this back in Sweden. But somehow, this time felt even better than that time.“Stop looking at me like I grew a second head,” Amy teased.The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “Sorry. You look really pretty,” he said.“Pfft,” she scoffed, but Lucas could see that her cheeks were turning pink.He loved it when her cheeks turned pink like that.“Come on, Lucas,” Amy nudged him, her eyes twinkling. “Drive me home now. I have work in the morning.”“Let’s go,” he said, standing up.Amy chattered about random things on the way home, but Lucas only half-listened. A tightness coiled around his chest, an unfamiliar pressure attacking him.He didn’t want to take her back to her apartment yet. He missed her already.“I want to show you my Penthouse, Harpy. How about now?” he asked.Amy furrowed her brows. “What? Now? No way. I am d
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 199. Not Fair
This wasn’t fair.Amy thought as Lucas slowly, almost lazily, kissed her.This just was not fair.How was she supposed not to fall in love with him when he kissed her like that—like he had all the time in the world, and he simply didn’t care what he was doing to her?Amy’s fingers curled against his chest, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. She knew this was dangerous, knew it would only complicate things further, but when his lips moved against hers with that maddening patience, every rational thought vanished.Lucas made a low sound in the back of his throat, his hand sliding up her spine, his touch warm and steady. He wasn’t in a hurry, wasn’t rushing to take more. He was simply enjoying this, enjoying her.It wasn’t fair.Because the way he kissed her made her believe that she could have him all to herself.Amy knew better. She really did!Lucas wasn’t hers. He never had been, and he probably never would be. But in a moment like this, when his fingers traced her
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 198. Stop Being Romantic
Lucas lay beside Amy, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed up at the stars projected above them. The soft hum of the planetarium filled the air, but all he could focus on was the quiet rhythm of Amy’s breathing beside him.He felt at peace. No expectations and no responsibilities here. Just him and his Harpy.He turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She looked mesmerized by the stars, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the projection. Her lips were slightly parted as if she were drinking at the moment, and Lucas felt something tighten in his chest.“I think this is the calmest I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.Amy turned her head to look at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me again I talk too much?”Lucas chuckled. “Oh, absolutely.”Amy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I guess I do talk too much. I am sorry if it bothers you. I can’t help it sometimes. I promise I will try to be more quiet.”Lucas frowned sl
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 197. A Nerd
The lunch rush has started.Amy zipped between the tables of the crowded diner, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand.She delivered a steaming plate of meatloaf to Mr. Henderson, the retired schoolteacher who always insisted on extra gravy.“Guh. I need this today. Kids in my class are complete brats,” he complained.“Remember, Mr. H., it’s the digital age,” Amy quipped. “These kids can probably program your TV better than you can.” She laughed as he snorted into his coffee cup, waving a dismissive hand at her while hiding a grin behind his bushy mustache.“Ah, what do they know?” he grumbled.The bell above the diner door jingled.More customers, Amy thought. She was hoping today was a slow day, and she could go home early, but it didn’t seem like it was happening.“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Joanne murmured nearby, her voice low and teasing.Amy followed Joanne’s nod toward the entrance, where Lucas stood.Amy froze.“You go, Amy. You must’ve charmed his so
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 196. Pretending
They all ate in silence. When they were done, Ben suggested that everyone go to the porch for some fresh air.Once they were out, the crisp evening air wrapped around them. Amy wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm, but Lucas noticed the slight shiver that ran through her.Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Before she could protest, he pulled her closer against his side, his arm wrapping securely around her.Amy blinked up at him, surprised. “What are you—”“You are cold,” he said simply, his voice firm but gentle.Over Amy’s shoulder, he caught Alicia watching them.She stood near the porch railing, her expression grim.Lucas wondered if this whole plan was already a success, and Alicia was jealous.Lucas held her gaze for a beat, then smirked, tightening his arm around Amy just a little more.Alicia looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line.Amy hissed near his ear. “What are you doing, Lucas?”“Keeping you warm,” he
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 195. Funny Story
Lucas immediately spotted Alicia as soon as he entered the dining room.As soon as her gaze met his, her mouth hung open, and her eyes turned wide.Lucas grinned. This was the exact reaction he was hoping for. “Hello, Alicia,” he said in a smooth voice.“You two know each other?” Amy’s mother asked.“I went to college with him,” Alicia said, her voice tight.“YOU DID! NO WAY!” Amy exclaimed in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, and Lucas could barely contain his laughter.Someone give this girl an award for the worst acting performance.Alicia shot Amy a look. “Yes, I did,” she said, regaining some composure.Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh my god, were you two, like… a thing? This is so awkward.”Lucas snorted while Alicia visibly clenched her jaw.“No,” Alicia said sharply. We were just acquaintances, that’s all.”“Oh, thank goodness. Because this would’ve been so weird if my date was your boyfriend or something,” Amy said in a conspiratory tone.Alicia w
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 194. Dinner Date
Saturday night came too fast for Amy.She wasn’t prepared. Not mentally, anyway.She was anxious about seeing Lucas again and doubly stressed about spending time with her mother and her new family. Every time she was in their presence, her mom found a way to make her look bad.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her sundress, debating whether she should change for the third time.Her mother was always so critical about how she dressed and how she looked. What if she thought Amy was overdressed? Or underdressed?A knock at her door made her jump. She took a deep breath and opened it to find Lucas leaning against the door frame, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.“Ready to go?” he asked, flashing that boyish grin that made her stomach flip.“You are here too early,” she said, forcing herself to sound casual.Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I am?”He glanced at his watch, then back at her with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure I’m right on time.”Amy huff
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 193. Apple Pie
Lucas took a bite of the cheeseburger and grinned. “Not too bad. Definitely better than what I expected from a diner.”“It’s no fancy food you are used to, that’s for sure,” Amy said.“What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Lucas asked.Amy’s eyes brightened. “The apple pie!”“Oh really?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am more of a peach cobbler kind of guy.”“With Vanilla ice cream?” Amy inquired.Lucas chuckled. “Is there any other way to eat it?”Amy leaned towards him, her tone conspiratory. “By the way. Did you have something to do with the whole…sick grandma situation?”Lucas paused, his burger halfway to his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he said, setting the burger down and leaning back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement.“How did you do that? You sound nothing like me,” Amy joked.“I called in a favor. My younger sister, Sky, called your boss and pretended to be you,” he said. “She loves acting, so I figured, why not give her something she would enjoy?”“N
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 192. We had a Deal
“Amy, you are back! I am so sorry about your grandma,” Joanne exclaimed, giving Amy a big hug.Amy blinked. “My grandma?”Joanne released her from her embrace and looked at her, her eyes full of sympathy. “Brian told me you called and told him you needed a week off to visit your sick grandma in Tennessee.”“I did?” Amy asked but then quickly recovered. “Ah, yes. I did. Poor granny,” she said, thinking about both of her grandmas, who had been dead for years now.Joanne patted Amy’s arm. “You did a good thing by going to her. Family comes first.”Amy forced a tight smile. “Thanks, Joanne. She will be fine. Where is Brian?”Joanne glanced toward the back office. “He’s in the back office.” Joanne gave her another sympathetic smile. Amy swallowed down the guilt bubbling up inside her. “Yeah… thanks, Joanne.”Amy made her way toward Brian’s office. So she wasn’t fired because someone called Brian and made up the fake grandma story.She lightly knocked on his door.“Come in,” Brian called o
