All Chapters of The Mafia Boss's Pregnant Bride: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The moment their lips touched, electricity sparked through Antonio's veins. Hours later, he couldn't stop thinking about her. About Valerie.His sheets were tangled around his legs as he tossed and turned, craving the feel of her in his arms. He could still taste her on his tongue. The memory of her soft curves pressed against him made his blood burn.He groaned. This was madness.He'd never lost control like this, never wanted a woman with such relentless desperation. His body burned for her, but it was more than that. He wanted to know her, all of her—her secrets, her dreams, her fears. He wanted to share his life with her, protect her, and please her.Valerie had gotten under his skin, into his soul, in a way no one else ever had. He was drowning in her, consumed by her, and he didn't want to surface for air.What the fuck was wrong with him?The familiar urge rose, an itch he'd always scratched without a second thought. His body cried out for release as he thought about touching h

Valerie felt Antonio's lips against hers, the kiss both demanding and soft. His hands moved to her waist, holding her still as he deepened the kiss. His tongue traced her lower lip, seeking entrance, and when she parted her lips to allow him in, a low growl escaped his throat.His hands traveled upward, skimming over the fabric of her gown until they cupped her breasts. The touch was electrifying, making her gasp against his mouth.Suddenly, Antonio pulled away, breaking the kiss abruptly. A different look was in his eyes now, a fierce determination that made Valerie's insides flutter."I won't touch you until you're ready," he said, his voice hoarse with desire. "But I can't promise I won't kiss you.""Like I would let you again. This was a mistake," Valerie said breathlessly."Was it?" Antonio's eyes were darker than ever before. Valerie swallowed, feeling a lump in her throat."I think so," she said, her voice weak."Prove it," he challenged, his fingers resting lightly on her hips

Later that night, Valerie tucked Landon in and watched him sleep. He looked peaceful, and Valerie smiled to herself.She felt a need to thank Antonio, to let him know how much his gesture meant to her. He wasn't as bad as she had thought. He didn't have to take her out, but he did.She checked on Landon once more before stepping out, closing the door gently behind her.The hallway was quiet; the plush carpet muffled Valerie's footsteps as she made her way toward where she knew Antonio would be. Her pulse quickened with each step, the excitement of their earlier escapades mingling with an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach.What was this feeling? Nervousness? Anticipation? She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts."Relax, Valerie," she muttered under her breath. "Just say thank you and move on."She paused at the threshold of Antonio's room, her gaze sweeping over the neatly made bed. Empty. No sign of him. She frowned.Maybe he was in the bathroom. He did say he was going to take a

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

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