Page 14 of Captive Desire

“Did you seriously need to get that many?” Clicking my tongue at Vivo, I roll my eyes at the two dozen cupcakes in his arms. Dante has cookies.

“You know damn well I don’t like to share.” Vivo hugs the boxes closer to his chest like I’m the one who is going to try and take some from him. “Once the guys get a whiff, they’re going to become savages. I would like to enjoy a few before they get their hands on them.”

Knowing they’re right, I shake my head and watch them get in their vehicle before guiding Charity to our own. Once we’re on the freeway, I cradle her hand in my own.

“How are you feeling?”

Her mouth twitches, teasing a smile. “Better. Like I’m not completely abandoning her.” She pauses before looking my way. “Thank you.”

Squeezing her hand, I nod and bring it to my lips. “It seems like my brothers like the cupcakes. If you want to return, say the word and I’m sure one of them will jump at the opportunity to take you. I trust them with my life.

“Even if it’s weekly?”

“Don’t make a pattern out of it and you can visit whenever you want.” I’m not just saying the words to make her happy, though, I won’t deny how much I like her smile. I’m doing this because I want her to feel like I’m not chaining her down.

Nodding her head, she takes in our passing scenery.

The drive is just as long as the way back. While it might be one that has a nice view, it leaves me drained every single time. The sky is changing colors.

“Ever consider moving closer to the city?” Her eyes follow mine and it’s like she can read my mind.

“I have from time to time. It’s safer in the countryside. Fewer people want to travel out to see me.” I hum at the thought. “Vivo thinks I should buy out a whole complex. I already take care of my men as it is. It wouldn’t be hard to take care of their families while I’m at it.”

“You’re making it hard to believe you’re some bad guy when you talk like that.” Scrunching her nose, her smile shows her amusement. “It’s not a bad idea. At least in the city, we can order take-out. Don’t even get me started on how badly I’ve been wanting orange chicken lately.”

I suppose maybe I should put more consideration in the thought then. I’d wait until after our son is born. I’d hate to make such a big move beforehand. Even if Charity wouldn’t be allowed to lift even a finger, I don’t want any stress in her direction.

Humming in thought, we enjoy the rest of the drive back.

Once we’re back home, I instantly feel relief. Not one on traveling, it feels better to know we’re somewhere safe.

With the sky mixed with dark blues and purples, it’s a bit late for dinner. Charity has a craving for canned ravioli. Not willing to carry such an insult of a meal, I’m relieved to find frozen ravioli tucked away in the back of the freezer. It’ll have to do until I can make it from scratch for her one day.

Happy with whatever I put in front of her, her happiness is what fuels me to keep going.

Like she can sense my exhaustion, she’s the one to lead us to our bedroom to call tonight a done deal.

“I’m thinking about taking a shower.” Coasting across the room, she plucks out her pajamas. Chewing on her bottom lip, she glances toward the bathroom. “You should lay down if you’re tired. However, if you’re not…”

I straighten up at the hesitation in her voice. “If I’m not…”

“You could join me.”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice.

Charity

I’m nothing but a fool if I want to pretend that I don’t want Romeo. The longer I spend with him, the more this feels…right.

So when I enter our bathroom and he stalks in right behind me, nothing feels out of place.

Not wanting to face the risk of getting cold feet, I turn to face him.

Even though I know he’ll leave if the words leave my lips, I don’t want him to. I’m tired of keeping my distance.

I could make a show out of stripping. However, there’s this small tremble in my fingers as I pull my shirt over my head.

I’m nervous. Over what, the intensity of Romeo’s gaze? He’s never shied away from letting me know how badly he wants me. This is nothing but further proof. From the way he doesn’t waste time blinking, his movement is jerky as he follows my pace in stripping away his clothes.

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