“Is that why you backed off?”I nod.“Did your ears ring too?”
“And my vision narrowed.”
“Makes it scarier.”Joey’s quiet confession hurts to hear.
“It does, but you know what makes it easier?”He shakes his head.“Talking about it to someone you trust.”
“Did you do that?”
“I talked to your mom.I explained what happened and promised it won’t happen again.”
The boy shoots me a skeptical look.
“How can you promise me that when you don’t know if something else won’t happen?”
Good damn question.
“Because now that I’ve seen it happen, felt that fear, and I’ve gotten through it, I know that if there’s a next time, I’ll be able to do what needs doing and be present.”
“Yeah, we’ll see,” he sniffles, and I realize that’s as good as I’ll get for now.
CHAPTER14
Noa
I’m officially on maternity leave.The school wasn’t pleased, but there’s nothing I can do, and honestly, I’m relieved not to have to go back right now.Erin’s advances were beginning to creep me out, and I’m just glad not to have to face him again for a few more months.
Because the kids couldn’t spend the night in the hospital with me, Carmine took them home, and from what Kylie told me, they built blanket forts in the girls’ room, and everyone slept there, including Aura.Joey seemed happier when they picked me up, and I even noticed him teasing Carmine, which is a win for everyone.
We spent lunch on the back patio, where the kids talked animatedly about swimming in the summer and planning pool parties.Emma crashed out in Carmine’s lap before she finished eating, and he didn’t mind one bit.
Now, as everyone settles in for the night, Joey reads stories to the girls, and Carmine says goodbye to Aura, who promises to visit on the weekend again.When I hear the doorbell ring as I sit in the den sipping tea, I get up to answer, feeling like a penguin as I waddle over.
Opening the door, I’m taken aback by the six men standing there, pointing weapons at me.Dressed impeccably in matching black suits, I briefly wonder if they’re auditioning for a newMen in Blackmovie before sobering up at the sound of a barrel being loaded.
“Where’s Carmine?”one man seethes.
“Noa.”Speak of the devil, his vicious growl sends shivers down my spine.
Glancing twice from the father of my child to the gang of men, I point at Carmine and bellow, “This can’t keep happening.”Unsure where the bravery comes from, I spin back to face the gang and tell them, “Your mothers would be ashamed of you pointing those weapons at a pregnant woman with children sleeping upstairs.Do better.”I walk away, feeling dizzy but not for the same reason as yesterday.But because of how dangerous a situation this is.
Watching from the top of the stairs, Jermaine joins Carmine at the door, both holding weapons in one hand.Carmine’s presence electrifies as he morphs into this scary monster, leaving all five men backing down and looking unsure of their actions.I suck in a sharp breath as he raises his gun, cocks it, and aims at the ringleader's head, making my thighs quiver.
He is danger and power.A primal being protecting his family, and I’ve never been more attracted to him.I know what’s coming when his finger twitches on the trigger, so I turn and head to our bedroom while hearing the sound of a body dropping and the rumble of his voice issuing the rest of them a warning I can’t make out.
After checking on the kids, I see they’ve all fallen asleep while reading and decide to leave them be, then close myself in our room, and go to the bathroom to get ready for bed.Grabbing one of Carmine’s T-shirts on the way, I bring it with me and change into it before brushing my teeth and washing my face.
I slather a vanilla-scented lotion on my body, which also helps with the developing stretch marks, working slowly in the hope that Carmine joins me before I get into bed.I know as soon as my head hits that pillow, I’m going to pass out, and that’s not what I want tonight.
He made a promise in that hospital bed last night, and I’m holding him to it.There’s a reason I napped twice today, but this baby has decided to suck all the energy from my body.
With nothing left to do in the bathroom, I return to our room and stop mid-step when I notice Carmine leaning against the dresser—no shirt, no belt, and pants undone, with silk ties in each hand.He’s sex on a stick, and I’m helpless, understanding what he plans to do, and not wanting to stop him.
“Been waiting for you.”His tone is low and predatory, and my thighs rub together, squirming for his touch.“Take the shirt off, mama.”I love that he calls me that.It shouldn’t be as erotic as it is, but it never fails to make me melt for him.
Taking off his stolen shirt, I drop it on the floor next to my feet and await his next instruction.He does not disappoint.
“Lay in the center of the bed, arms up and legs wide.”
