LOGINShare
73. Feverish
Last Updated:
2024-08-15 00:56:14
Related chapters
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 74. I Can't Leave
Riley quickly pulled the phone from River's pocket, her heart pounding as she fumbled with it. The device felt foreign in her hands, but she had to focus. Her father had to know where she was, and she needed to figure out her next steps. She dialed the number, praying that her father would pick up. The phone rang several times before a familiar voice answered. "Foster!" he growled. "Dad, it's me," Riley said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Riley! Where are you? Did he hurt you?" he said. Riley hesitated. The logical thing would be to tell her father she was at River's house so he could send his men to rescue her. But there was another part of her, that didn't want to do that. If she did that while River was lying here, weak and vulnerable from fever, her father's men would easily overpower him and could possibly kill him. As much as Riley claimed to hate River, she couldn't just get the man killed! Riley took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "Dad, I'm okay.
Last Updated : 2024-08-15The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 75. Promise Me
Riley's guilt intensified, knowing that Ellie's absence was tied to the turmoil River was experiencing. "No, River," Riley said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's me, Riley. Ellie isn't here." River's eyes fluttered open, still clouded with feverish delirium. He looked at Riley with a puzzled expression. "Ellie? I thought you left me." She gently placed a hand on his arm, trying to offer some comfort despite the complexity of the situation. "I'm here," Riley said softly. "I am not Ellie, but I am here." "You should've never left," River continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Oh, Ellie. Why did you leave me? The kids...the kids..." he groaned as if in pain. Riley's heart ached at the mention of River's children and the way he spoke of Ellie. She tightened her grip on his arm, her voice soft and soothing. "Shhh...Ellie is not here," she said gently. "She's gone. But you need to focus on getting better. Your fever is coming down." River's eyes were glazed with confusion
Last Updated : 2024-08-16The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 76. Get Her Back
Meanwhile, Alexander Torres was seething, pacing back and forth in his study. The news that Riley hadn’t taken the opportunity to escape from River baffled and infuriated him. He had been preparing for an all-out assault to rescue her, but her refusal to run complicated things. What was keeping her there? What hold did River have on his daughter? He slammed his fist on the desk, his frustration boiling over. “Damn it, Riley,” he muttered under his breath. “What are you doing?” A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in, he said grimly. Giovanni stepped in. “I’ve got some news.” Alexander waved his hands, motioning him to go on. “We found Frank Milani, your daughter’s fiancé,” he said Alexander’s eyes narrowed, his frustration momentarily giving way to interest. “And?” he prompted, his voice cold and measured. Giovanni hesitated for a fraction of a second, then continued. “He’s been laying low since the engagement party. Seems like he’s more concerned about his
Last Updated : 2024-08-16The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 77. Until He is Better
River lay motionless on the bed, his body wracked with fever. Sweat poured down his face, soaking the pillow beneath his head. He coughed violently, his chest heaving with each labored breath.Riley watched him from the doorway, her brow furrowed. She couldn't understand the confusing mix of emotions swirling inside her - fear, anger, but also a strange twinge of concern for this cruel, dangerous man. The man who had kidnapped her to use as a pawn in his vicious game of revenge against her father.Backing away, Riley retreated to the living room. Her mind raced as she paced back and forth across the hardwood floor. She really ought to find a way out of here.Her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn't just sit here, a helpless captive, not knowing what comes next. Her father must be going out of his mind with worry, marshaling all his resources to find her.Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps shattered Riley's thought. Her body tensed, her heart leaping into her throat as s
Last Updated : 2024-08-17The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 78. Not a Nurse
Riley watched quietly from the doorway as Valerie leaned over River in his bed."River Foster, you need to eat every last spoonful of this chicken soup if you want to get your strength back," Valerie said sternly, tapping her finger on the bowl. Her brows were furrowed with loving concern.River grimaced. "I am not a fucking child, Val. I am your older brother. You don't need to spoon feed me spoon.""If you are not a child, stop acting like one," Valerie said and nearly shoved the spoon into his mouth."God, Val. Did you just come here to bully me?" River asked. His voice had lost its edge. He was still weak from his fever.Valerie's face softened. She squeezed his shoulder. "I just worry about you, big brother. Someone's got to take care of you."As Riley observed the tender exchange, a lump formed in her throat. Memories of her own mother flooded her mind - the way Mama used to scold her to eat all her vegetables, the gentle hugs whenever Riley skinned her knee, the fierce protecti
Last Updated : 2024-08-18The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 79. Searing Kiss
The house was unnervingly quiet after Valerie left with the kids, leaving Riley alone with River’s guards silently watching her every move.She looked at one of the guards and flashed them a smile. “Are you intending to follow me everywhere?”“That’s the order,” the man said gruffly.Riley shrugged and headed toward the room where River was lying.She paused outside his door, hesitating. What if he was awake? Will he bark at her and order his guards to lock her up again? Or will he be more appreciative that she agreed to stay and take care of him?Hah…Riley didn’t see River as someone who’d be appreciative.Taking a deep breath, Riley pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the heavy curtains blocking out most of the afternoon light. River lay on the bed, his chest rising and falling in a shallow, uneven rhythm. His face was flushed with fever, beads of sweat clinging to his brow.Riley frowned. Why was it taking so long for his fever to get better? He wasn’t g
Last Updated : 2024-08-21The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 80. I Kissed You
River was annoyed.He was supposed to be using Riley to punish Alexander, but here he was, bed-rested. And to make things worse, being taken care of by her.Ridiculous."I brought your medicine," Riley said as she held out a pill and a glass of water.River's first instinct was to lash out. The vicious, vengeful part of him wanted to snarl at her to get out. But another part, a deeper part he tried to deny, felt a flicker of relief at her presence.River eyed the medicine warily, his jaw tightening. He hated being dependent, hated showing any vulnerability, especially to her."I don't need it," he gritted out, trying to push himself up on shaky arms.Riley arched an eyebrow. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you can barely sit up." Her voice was firm but held a note of wry amusement. "Now stop being stubborn and take your antibiotic. I'm not leaving until you do."River scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he fought against the weakness in his body. "Get out of my face
Last Updated : 2024-08-22The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 81. Harsh Words
Riley anxiously fiddled with a loose thread on her shirt, her heart racing as she waited for River's response. His intense gaze was fixed on her, his lips pressed together in an unreadable expression. She had thought it would be better to be honest about her feelings, but now she second-guessed herself.Keeping her emotions bottled up was like a torture of its own. Ever since that unexpected kiss, she couldn't get him out of her mind.His touch, his scent, his voice - they all lingered in her thoughts like a sweet addiction. She had barely slept the night before, consumed by thoughts of him. And when she woke up this morning, she could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of seeing him again and being able to take care of him.Even when he was being grumpy and mean, she found herself wanting to kiss him again. The memory of his soft lips on hers made her pulse quicken and her cheeks flush with desire."You can't like me," he finally said. His voice sounded rough.She tilted her
Last Updated : 2024-08-23
Latest chapter
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 218. Blissful Day
Lucas turned to Amy and smirked. “Well…”Amy raised an eyebrow. “Well?”Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Some date night, huh?”Amy let out a laugh that was half-exhaustion, half-hysteria. “Oh yeah. Kidnapping, gunfights, your sister going all James Bond on us. Is this really what your life is like?” she asked, sinking onto a nearby sofa.Lucas sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders touched. “Not usually this dramatic.”“Says the man who kidnapped me the first time we met,” Amy pointed out.“That was a special circumstance,” he defended with a small smile.Amy leaned her head against his shoulder. “I should be running for the hills right now.”“Are you going to?” he asked softly.She turned to look at him, her eyes meeting his. “Not after your confession. Did you really mean it?”Lucas’s face. “I meant what I said back there, Amy. I love you.”Amy put her arms around him, drawing him closer. “When did you know?”Lucas leaned down and brushed his lips over hers
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 217. Rescued
Taking a deep breath, Lucas reached for the bar. His hand hesitated for only a second before he pushed it.The door groaned open, and for a split second, neither of them breathed.No alarm.Lucas let out a sharp exhale and grabbed her hand. “Move.”They bolted outside into the chill night air, the sharp scent of gasoline and metal in the wind. The alley was empty, dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp at the far end.“Which way?” Amy whispered, adrenaline surging through her veins.Lucas pointed left. “There’s a road a few blocks down. If we can make it there, we can steal a car or flag someone—”A gunshot cracked through the air, splintering the bricks near their heads. They both ducked instinctively, pressing themselves against the side of the building.“They know,” Amy gasped.Lucas clenched his jaw. “Run.”They took off, weaving through trash bins and broken crates. Another shot rang out, ricocheting off metal behind them.“STOP! Or I will shoot your head this time!” A voice
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 216. Love
Lucas shifted in his chair, the zip ties digging into his wrists as he avoided her gaze. “Not exactly the most romantic setting for this conversation.”“I think we’re past worrying about ambiance,” Amy said dryly. “So?”He exhaled slowly. “I was going to say… I love you, Amy.”No one said anything for a while.“You… what?” Amy finally asked.“I love you,” he repeated, his voice steadier now. “Have for a while. It’s why I couldn’t stand seeing you with Asa. Why I acted like such an idiot.” He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. “And now I’ve gotten you kidnapped by the mafia. Stellar boyfriend material.”Amy blinked rapidly, processing his words. “You love me.”“Yes.”“And your way of showing it was to tell me to kiss another man?”Lucas winced. “It was a stupid thing to say.”“So you stalked my date and then jumped me in a bathroom to prove it?” she asked, unable to hide her amusement. And her happiness.“When you put it that way…”“And now we’re tied to chairs in some abandoned war
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 215. Kidnapped…Again
Amy and Lucas were marched across the parking lot toward a black SUV with heavily tinted windows. Two more men in suits opened the rear doors.“Ladies first,” Scar-face sneered, shoving Amy forward.“Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” Lucas growled, the threat so cold and certain that even the thug hesitated.“Big words for a man in zip ties,” Baldy laughed.They were forced into the backseat, the leather cool and buttery soft against Amy’s bare legs. The door slammed behind them. The bearded man slid into the passenger seat while Scar-face took the wheel.“Where are you taking us?” Amy asked, her voice steadier than she felt.No one answered.Lucas shifted closer to Amy, his bound hands awkwardly seeking hers. When their fingers touched, she clung to him, drawing strength from the contact.“I’m sorry,” he whispered, so quietly only she could hear. “I never wanted you involved in this.”“Involved in what, exactly?” she whispered back.Before Lucas could answer, the bearded man turned
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 214. Lover Boy
Amy knew she should stop this madness. They were in a public bathroom, for God’s sake, with her date sitting just outside. But Lucas’s fingers were working magic, and rational thought was rapidly abandoning her.“This doesn’t change anything,” she gasped as he slid one finger inside her, her hands still fumbling with his zipper.Lucas smirked against her neck. “Doesn’t it?”“No,” she insisted, even as her body arched into his touch. “You can’t just—oh!—show up and expect me to—”He curled his finger just right, and whatever argument she was building dissolved into a soft moan.“What was that?” he murmured, adding a second finger.“You are insufferable,” she managed to say, finally getting his zipper down.Lucas chuckled, the sound vibrating against her skin. “And you’re still on a date with the wrong man.”He entered her in one smooth thrust, swallowing her cry with his mouth. The feeling of fullness, of rightness, was overwhelming. Amy clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulde
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 213. Ladies’ Room
“Oh, Hi, Harpy,” Lucas said casually as he leaned against the closed door.He drove as fast as he could to get there, and he would not leave until he got a real answer from Amy. He was tired of playing games.“Lucas. What the actual fuck? You can’t be here. This is the women’s restroom,” Amy hissed.“Actually. This is a unisex bathroom,” Lucas declared.“It doesn’t matter!” she screeched.Lucas moved fast, and soon, he was towering over her, pressing his palm to muffle her voice. “Shh…you want us to get caught?”Amy’s golden hazel eyes widened above his palm. She pried his fingers away from her mouth.“Caught?” she whispered fiercely. “You’re the one barging into bathrooms like some deranged stalker! How did you even know I was here?”Lucas ran a hand through his hair. “I had someone watch you.”“You had someone—” Amy closed her eyes briefly. “You are insane.”“How could you kiss him?” Lucas asked abruptly, his jaw clenching.Amy stared at him, incredulous. “Are you kidding me right n
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 212. Ice Cream
Asa paused before getting in the car and looked at Amy, a small smile teasing his lips.“What?” Amy narrowed her eyes and asked.“You’ve got something in your hair,” Asa said, reaching out to pluck a tiny piece of confetti from her curls. “Looks like the victory fountain at the eighteenth hole got a little enthusiastic.”Amy touched her hair self-consciously. “Is there more?”“No, just that one.” His fingers lingered near her temple for a heartbeat longer than necessary.Amy felt a flutter in her chest that had nothing to do with the strange man who’d been following them. “Thanks for getting it.”“No problem,” he said. “I’m having a really good time,” Asa said, his voice genuine.“Me too,” Amy said.“I’ve been wanting to ask you out for a while.”“You have?” Amy couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.“Since the day you helped me carry groceries up the stairs when the elevator broke. You were wearing paint-splattered overalls and complaining about your sister borrowing your car wit
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 211. Better Than You
“What are they doing now, Jimmy?” Lucas texted the man he hired to spy on Amy and Asa.Lucas stared at his phone as the message sent, his fingers tapping impatiently against the edge of his desk. His thoughts churned, the irritation growing with every passing second.His phone buzzed with a reply.Jimmy: They’re still on the mini golf course. No sign of anything strange. They’re just playing, talking, looks like having fun. She seems relaxed.Lucas narrowed his eyes, his mind racing.Lucas: Keep watching. I want to know if they kiss.Jimmy: They are on the last hole now. Looks like they’re finishing up. Could be wrapping up soon.Lucas: I want to know everything. Stay close, don’t miss anything.He stared at the screen, watching the little dots indicating Jimmy was typing. The delay felt agonizing, each second stretching longer than the last. Finally, the message came through.Jimmy: They are finishing up now. No kiss yet, though. She’s laughing at something he said. Looks like a prett
The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 210. Date Night
Amy paced across the bedroom.Seventeen steps to the window, pivot, fifteen steps back to the mirror. Her new sundress swished around her knees – impulse purchase, one size too optimistic. Twenty-seven minutes until he arrived. Twenty-six, actually. The clock on her microwave was fast.“You are a grown woman,” she told her reflection, which stared back with unconvinced eyes. “You’ve been on dates before.”“Why am I so nervous?” she asked herself in the mirror. “It’s just Asa, your nice neighbor.The sundress was yellow – “Daffodil Dream” according to the tag – with tiny white flowers scattered across the fabric like stars on a summer night.She’d spent forty-three minutes and all her remaining dignity in the fitting room deciding between this one and a blue number that made her look like a corporate retreat brochure. The yellow won because it didn’t take itself too seriously. Amy wasn’t sure she could say the same about herself right now.Amy paused at the window, fingers fidgeting wi
