Page 97 of Checks & Bonds

"With the help of our lawyer, I went to that meeting," she continued, ignoring my jab. "I explained everything—why you weren't present, why you were violent towards both Jensen and Dan, and why you still deserve to maintain control of not only your inheritance but Papa's legacy."

I squeezed Freya's hand, drawing strength from her presence. "And?" I pressed, needing to hear the outcome.

"After I pointed out everything Richard had done to try and thwart Papa's trust, they finally agreed," Minka said, a small, triumphant smile spreading across her face. "Richard was awarded a small sum, but that's it. He was released from his duties. If he tries anything, we can file a restraining order on him and proceed to sue him if necessary. And you, you remain inheritor of the estate while I inherit the Serpents. It's done, Henry. It's finally over."

Relief washed over me, a weight I hadn't realized I was carrying lifting off my shoulders. I stepped forward and pulledMinka into a tight hug, gratitude overwhelming any lingering resentment. "Thank you," I whispered, the words barely audible.

Minka's arms wrapped around me, her embrace strong and reassuring. For a moment, the three of us stood there, a united front against the challenges that had tried to tear us apart.

When Minka and I pulled apart, she turned her gaze to Freya, her expression softening. "I suppose a welcome to the family is in order," she said, her tone warmer than I'd heard in years.

Freya smiled, her gratitude genuine. "Thanks?—"

Before she could finish, Minka wrapped her in a tight hug. Freya stiffened at first but quickly melted into the embrace, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You'll have to forgive my brother's grumpiness," Minka said, pulling back but keeping her hands on Freya's shoulders. "He's always been this way. But he does love you. He wouldn't have married you if he hadn't."

Freya glanced at me, her eyes searching mine. I held her gaze, feeling the heat between us intensify. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, the color spreading down her neck, making my pulse quicken.

"Right," Minka said, breaking the spell. "I'm going to go because, well, I don't want to watch that unfold. So… yeah. Take care." She laughed, releasing Freya. "Good luck."

Minka turned, her steps quick as she made her way to the front door. I didn't even say goodbye. My eyes stayed locked on Freya, drawn to the way the flush on her cheeks deepened. When the door closed behind Minka, I lunged for Freya, unable to hold back any longer.

Without a word, I scooped Freya into my arms. She gasped, her hands gripping my shoulders, but there was no resistance, only anticipation. I carried her to the dining table, the solid oak surface where we had shared meals and a poker game now a stage for something entirely different.

Setting her down on the edge, I watched as she spread her legs, making room for me. Her breath came in quick, shallow bursts, her eyes locked onto mine. The invitation was clear, and I didn't hesitate.

My lips crashed into hers, a desperate, hungry kiss that spoke of all the words I couldn't say. Her hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer, deepening the connection. I felt the heat of her body against mine, the electric charge that always ignited when we touched.

"The bed?" she asked, her voice breathless, eyes wide with need.

"Here," I growled against her lips. "Everywhere. I want you on every surface of this house."

I didn't give her a chance to respond. My hands roamed her body, memorizing every curve, every shiver. The table creaked under our combined weight, but I didn't care. This was where we needed to be, where I needed her.

Her fingers clawed at my shirt, desperate to feel skin against skin. I obliged, pulling it over my head and tossing it aside. The cool air hit my chest, but the heat between us was all that mattered. I could feel her heartbeat against mine, a wild, frantic rhythm that matched my own.

I moved my lips from her mouth to her neck, tasting the salt of her skin. She arched against me; her nails digging into my shoulders. The sound of her moans, the way her body responded to every touch—it drove me wild.

There was no more holding back, no more restraint. We were lost in each other, the world outside fading into oblivion. All that existed was this moment, this hunger, this undeniable need.

"I'm going to fuck you in your wedding dress, wife," I growled, my voice rough.

I lifted the skirt of her dress, the delicate fabric bunching around her waist. The sight of her blue panties made my breath hitch.

"Fuck," I muttered, my gaze locked onto the thin fabric that barely concealed her.

With a swift motion, I tore them off, the sound of ripping lace echoing in the room. My fingers brushed against her folds, feeling the slick heat of her arousal.

"You're so wet," I said, marveling at the wetness coating my fingers. "Dripping."

Her eyes met mine, wide and dark with desire.

"You're offering me a meal," I murmured. "How can I refuse?"

I got to my knees, the hard floor pressing against me as I leaned in. My mouth found her mound, the taste of her overwhelming my senses. She gasped, her hands gripping the edge of the table, her body arching towards me.

The moment I tasted her, a primal satisfaction surged through me. Her flavor, a mix of sweetness and raw desire, filled my senses. Freya’s fingers gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white with the intensity of her hold.

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