Page 20 of Stolen Seconds

“This is the best news,” I said, my throat thick from excitement. “I’m going to be an aunt!”

Aurora wiped the fallen tears from her eyes. “I’ve been wanting to tell you for four months now, but I wasn’t sure. . . ”

She hadn’t needed to finish her sentence because I knew what she meant.

I squeezed her hands reassuringly. “I understand. Now let me see the belly.” I chuckled.

I knew there had been something different about her, but I hadn’t expected this and as she stretched the gown across her stomach, I saw the bump. “The doctor said some women don’t show as evidently as others but it’s growing every day,” she soothed, rubbing her stomach.

“Well, I’m so happy for both you and Roman. Although, having another Roman running around in society would be a nightmare.”

She laughed. “Agreed.”

Her husband came to stand behind her. “Is that so?” He peered down at her, resting his hands on her hips.

She leaned against his chest, setting her hands atop his. “Tis so.”

Chapter 5

Luca

“You ready for this?”

Sweat trickled down my forehead as I pounded against the leather bag. “I’m always ready,” I answered to Alessio, my trainer.

After a few more rounds, I let my arms swing to my sides, breathing heavily to regain my composure.

I’d occasionally indulged in the fights that the Underground Club held—a facility exclusive to high-society families. The fights kept the elites satisfied with entertainment and the money it brought in made them wealthier.

For me, it was about the reputation and blowing off steam. I’d never lost and thus created a name for myself. Bets continued to be placed on my victory and I’d never disappointed.

When you instilled fear in others by showing the sheer power of what you were capable of, it was less appealing for them to cross you.

“I don’t need a trainer.”

My head snapped toward the voice, an itch creeping along my fingertips at the unexpected presence.

I clenched my fists as I found Irina in conversation with another trainer. She had the tightest pair of sportswear on, black leggings that framed her legs perfectly and a tank top that molded against her waist.

I bit the side of my lip, wanting to mark her with more than just my blood on her lips.

Even now I could picture that exact moment from Christmas night. Her blue eyes that shined with anger and red lips that curled with hatred.

She had no idea that her reactions invoked my need to feast on every inch of her. To sink so deep into everything that made her until she forgot where she began and ended.

I would take from my little rebel as long as she played this game. And she was.

I couldn’t pinpoint the reasoning to my sudden fascination with the blonde-haired woman who walked into every room as if she owned it, but the visceral need was there. Tangible enough for me to taste it and feel it coursing through my veins.

And I knew it was there to stay.

But what was her reason? Didn’t she know, her defiance was enough to get me on my knees and crawl to her? I had cut myself to prove that exact point, needing her to understand the depth of how far I’d go to have her.

A spark of sensation ghosted against the side of my neck from where her blade had nicked me. It hadn’t been deep, but it left a light scar that I relished in. Iwantedher to mark me.

Since that night, I had wondered why she’d beencarrying a weapon, and I intended to seek out that answer on my own.

Removing my gloves, I walked toward her slowly, noting the frustration crossing her face.

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