“Aunty Val, when will Daddy and Riley come back?” Lucas asked and looked at Valerie innocently. Valerie looked down and smiled. “Soon.” “Why did they leave?” he asked. “Well, they just got married and newlywed couples are supposed to go on honeymoons,” Valerie said. Lucas looked deep in thought for a moment. “So…” he paused. Valerie looked at him questioningly. “What is it, Bud?” “If daddy married Riley, does that mean she is my new mommy?” Lucas asked.Valerie’s heart skipped a beat at Lucas’s innocent question. She crouched down to be at his eye level, her smile soft but thoughtful.“Well, Lucas,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “Riley loves your dad very much, and they just got married, which makes her a big part of your family now.”Lucas tilted his head, still trying to understand. “But does that mean she’s my new mommy?”Valerie reached out and gently ruffled his hair. “Riley cares about you a lot, Lucas. She wants to be there for you, just like your dad. But no one ca
Valerie couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore. “I came to get my sketchbook, but I think I just discovered your little secret hobby,” she teased, walking closer to him.Antonio cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “It’s not what it looks like…”Valerie raised an eyebrow, still grinning. “Really? Because it looks like you’re knitting a scarf.”Her eyes suddenly turned wide. “Hold on…does this mean what I think it means?” she gasped.“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Bella,” he said.“All those times you gave me stuff as presents. Sweater for me, socks for Landon. Did you knit them yourself? You told me Nona made those!” she asked, laughing again.Antonio sighed, clearly caught but smiling sheepishly. “Alright, you got me,” he admitted, his voice warm with affection. “Yes, I knitted them. Nona did teach me when I was younger, but I didn’t think you’d find out this way.”Valerie shook her head, her laughter subsiding, but the amusement still shining in her
Riley’s hands trembled as she fumbled with her seatbelt, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum that refused to slow.She hated flying—the closed-in space, the unnatural sensation of leaving the ground, the helplessness of it all. The moment the plane’s engines roared to life, a wave of anxiety crashed over her, threatening to pull her under. Her breathing quickened, shallow and erratic.River, sitting beside her, seemed oblivious at first, his expression unreadable as he stared straight ahead. He had that same detached look he always wore around her, like he couldn’t decide whether to keep his distance or be close.But then, without a word, she felt his hand on hers.It wasn’t much—just a simple touch, but the warmth of his skin against hers sent a shock through her, grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected. Riley glanced at him, startled. His face was still impassive, his eyes fixed forward, but his hand remained, firm and steady, wrapping around hers.“River…” she began.He
As they stepped out of the airport, the warm Italian sun caressed Riley’s skin. River’s hand rested on the small of her back as he guided her towards a sleek black car waiting at the curb.“Mr. Foster,” the driver greeted with a nod, opening the door for them.Riley slid into the luxurious leather seat, marveling at the spacious interior. River settled beside her, his presence both comforting and electrifying.Riley couldn’t help but gaze out the window in awe. Ancient ruins stood proudly amidst modern buildings, a testament to the city’s rich history. The vibrant colors of the buildings, the lively chatter of people in the streets, and the mouthwatering scents wafting from quaint cafes all combined to create an enchanting atmosphere.“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, turning to River with a radiant smile.He met her gaze, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Never been, huh?”Riley felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She shook her head. “No. I’ve been to other countries in Europe, just not
The sun warmed River’s back as he walked through the narrow streets of Rome, Riley’s hand tucked safely in his. Her energy was infectious—her eyes wide as she absorbed everything around her, as if she had never seen a city before.He never met someone like her before. So full of…light.That’s what she was, and River realized that now. She was the light he didn’t think he needed in his life.She stopped every now and then, pointing out something he had already seen but pretended to be surprised for her. He couldn’t help but feel a warmth radiating in his chest when he looked at her cheerful face.It struck him how easily she found joy in the simplest moments, like the way she pointed at the architecture or shared stories about the gladiators.“Can you believe they used to fight lions in there?” she exclaimed, glancing back at him, her excitement infectious.River couldn’t help but smile a little at her enthusiasm. “Why are you so excited? Did you want to fight lions too?”“I think I’ll
The door had barely closed behind them before River had Riley pressed against it, his mouth hot and insistent on hers. She moaned into the kiss, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.“River,” she gasped as his lips trailed down her neck, his hands roaming over her curves. “I want you so badly. But should we really do this here? What if we get caught!”River’s hands slid under her sundress, skimming up her thighs until he reached the lace of her panties. He groaned at the heat he found there, at how ready she was for him.“I don’t give a fuck who sees and who hears,” he breathed, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric to stroke her slick folds. “You are mine and you’re so wet for me.”Riley whimpered, her hips rocking against his hand. “Okay, but please hurry.”River’s eyes darkened at her words, a primal hunger overtaking him. His fingers teased her for just a moment longer, enjoying the way her body trembled under his touch.“Don’t worry,” he growled softly, his
As they made their way back to the Villa, Riley couldn’t shake the nagging sense of dread that had settled in the pit of her stomach. River remained quiet beside her, his arm firmly around her waist, but his earlier playfulness was gone. The change in his demeanor only heightened her concern.When they finally reached their room, River ushered her inside. He closed it behind them with a quiet click and turned to face her, his expression unreadable.“River, please,” Riley urged softly. “What’s going on?”He let out a long sigh and raked a hand through his hair. “I…I am afraid we need to go back home now.”Riley’s breath hitched. “Why? Are the kids okay? Are Lucas and Tiffany—”“The kids are fine,” River interrupted, his voice steady but laced with tension. “This isn’t about them.”Riley’s heart thudded in her chest, her mind racing through all the possibilities. “Then what is it?”River hesitated for a moment, his jaw clenching as if he was debating how much to say. “It’s about Alexand
When they finally pulled up to the house, Valerie was waiting for them by the entrance. Her eyes were red and swollen, and as soon as she saw Riley, her expression softened.Riley stepped out of the car, her movements robotic, her gaze still vacant. Valerie rushed towards her, pulling her into a tight hug. Riley stood still for a moment before her arms slowly came up to return the embrace.“Riley, I’m so sorry,” Valerie whispered, her voice breaking.Riley said nothing, her eyes staring over Valerie’s shoulder, unfocused and empty.Valerie pulled back, her hands resting on Riley’s shoulders as she looked at her, tears streaming down her face. “I know it’s hard, but we’re here for you. We’re all here for you.”Riley gave a small nod, her face expressionless. She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting River’s for a brief moment before she looked away.Valerie glanced at River, her eyes filled with worry. He shook his head slightly, indicating that Riley hadn’t spoken much since they