Page 45 of Stolen Seconds

Guests mingled as the party droned on and my skin prickled with the need to claim Irina as my own in front of everyone.

She was a magnet and everyone in this forsaken place seemed to be drawn to her, talking, dancing and eyeing her as if she was theirs.

She was mine.

And I knew my jealously was irrational when Gianna—who was Roman’s head housemaid—danced with her.

“You’re glaring.”

Aurora’s voice reached me, but I couldn’t be bothered to face her. My attention was solely focused on Irina’s hand on Nico’s shoulder. That little shit.

“Am I?” I gritted my teeth.

“Yes, you are. So, wipe that expression off your face before Roman notices.”

I knew Aurora wouldn’t say anything to her husband about my gawking. She wasn’t the type to create drama.

“With all due respect, Rora,” I started, turning to see her looking at me curiously. “I couldn’t give less of a fuck what Roman says.”

“Then give one for what I have to say.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her green eyes. “You’ve never disrespected me since I’ve known you and I love you like a brother.” I could feel thebutcoming to that sentence. “But don’t pursue my best friend when you know it’ll complicate things.”

She was letting me down easily, sugar coating what she really wanted to say.

It was true that I’d never cared to be in a relationship with most of the women I’d been with, but this was different. I knew it was when the mere thought of Irina breathed life into me.

Obsession, craze, delusion, or compulsion. It didn’t matter what the reason was. My whole essence craved her, and it felt like I’d die if I couldn’t have her—brand her right into my soul.

“You’re right.” I lied. “I’ll move onto my next victim.”

Her name started with anIand ended with anA.

She chuckled, shaking her head at me. “One day, you’re going to meet a girl who will put a stop to your. . . ways.”

The thing was, I already had. And she didn’t even want me. Or she thought she didn’t, but that would change very quickly.

“But before you do that, let’s find out the gender of my little one.”

Aurora went to join Roman at the center of the room. He immediately kissed the side of her head, causing her to giggle in his embrace. If it weren’t for the affection he displayed toward his wife, it would’ve appeared he’d rather be anywhere else.

I couldn’t help myself. My eyes seeking and falling on Irina—who stood on the other side of the room—her face lit up with awe.

All sound ceased to exist. My heart thrummed against my chest as her face split into a smile that could bring a man to his knees.

It wasn’t until she jumped up and down with laughter that I realized the reveal happened, and I’d been too enamored by her existence to notice.

Blue confetti fell over the crowd as my ears rang from cheers and shouts of congratulations.

A boy. My mouth lifted into a smile. A little Roman would soon be running around here and I already knew my nephew would be mischievous, just like his uncle.

I crossed the room and embraced Aurora in a hug, smirking at Roman because we both knew his threats were empty and his wife loved me.

“If you ever need a babysitter, let me know, Rora.”

“Not happening,” Roman replied. “And don’t call herRora.”

Aurora leaned toward me. “My beautiful bastard is possessive,” she whispered.

“I heard that,anima mia.”

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