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74. I Can't Leave
Huling Na-update:
2024-08-15 01:57:55
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The 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 2024-08-23The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride 82. Mamma Bird
River’s icy blue eyes bore into hers, dark with a tempest of emotions - fury, lust, pain. His breath was hot against her face as he growled, “Is this what you want, little girl? To play with fire and get burned?”“I’m not afraid of you,” Riley whispered defiantly, tilting her chin up. “And I’m not a child.”Something dangerous flashed in River’s gaze. In one swift motion, he flipped her over, pinning Riley beneath his hard body on the bed. She gasped at the sudden movement, heat pooling low in her belly as she felt every contour of his muscular frame.River’s hand slid up her thigh, rough and possessive. “You have no idea what you’re getting into,” he rasped against her ear. “I’ll ruin you.”Riley’s nails dug into his shoulders as a thrill raced through her. “Then ruin me,” she challenged breathlessly.With a low growl, River claimed her mouth in a bruising kiss, desire exploding between them. Riley kissed him back fiercely, pouring all her pent-up frustration and longing into the cla
Huling Na-update : 2024-08-23
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
