Page 88 of Turmoil's Target

I’ll take the time to unravel all her layers.

“You want a drink to celebrate the happy news?” I ask, nodding my head toward the bar.

Seraphina purrs, stepping closer until the heat of her body melds with mine.“Mmm, I’d love one,”

I wrap an arm around her slim waist.

“Then let’s get you that drink, Your Majesty.” As we head to the bar together, I can’t stop the slow grin that spreads across my face.

Life is damn good.

“It’s wonderful news about Hawk and Raven’s baby,” Seraphina remarks as I pour us each a finger of top-shelf whiskey. “I’m so happy for them.”

“Yeah, it’s great,” I agree, handing Seraphina her glass, our fingers brushing. “Adding to the newest generation for the club.”

Seraphina takes a sip, her full red lips leaving a prints on the glass.

I watch, transfixed, as she swallows, a blissful expression crossing her face.

Damn, even the way she drinks is sexy.

“You ever think about it?” I ask impulsively. “Having kids someday?”

Seraphina’s eyes widen and a becoming blush stains her porcelain cheeks. “Oh! Well, I... I suppose I’d like to be a mother eventually. But not anytime soon,” she says with a light, tinkling laugh. “I quite like the freedom of not being tied down at the moment. Plenty of time for nappies and midnight feedings later.”

“I get that,” I nod, wrapping an arm around her. “No need to rush. But I gotta say... you’d make a gorgeous mama.” I picture her, belly swollen with my child.

The image sends a visceral punch of longing through me.

Seraphina ducks her head, looking pleased yet flustered by the compliment.

I’m about to steal a kiss when my phone chimes with an incoming text.

Frowning, I pull it out.

A message from my mother scrolls across the screen:

Abram, my love. I’m so sorry for how your father acted. You know how bull-headed he can be. The girls and I are in town, we’d love to see you and grab a drink together. Let me know, we can meet anywhere. Xoxo Mama

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Leave it to my father to create family drama without even being present.

But I can never stay annoyed at my mother for long.

She’s the best woman I know.

“Everything okay?” Seraphina asks, concern etching her brow as she lays a comforting hand on my chest.

“Yeah, just my ma. She’s in Vegas with my sisters and wants to meet up. Probably smooth things over after the argument I had with my Pops.” Lowering my phone, I gaze down at her. “You want to join? Meet the Morozov women?”

Seraphina’s eyes light up. “I’d love that! It would be an honor.”

My chest expands with pride, thrilled that she wants to meet my family.

But then reality crashes back in.

Having her out in public right now...it’s a risk, with her mother’s meddling it’s not a good idea.

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