Page 217 of Chasing Sparks

“I figured I might set up a private studio there, if that works for you.”

Ori nods, her eyes lighting up. “Brilliant idea. Plus, you could use a couple of rooms for photo shoots, too.”

A wicked grin spreads across my face. “Now that you mention it, I could go for a photo shoot with you in that lingerie from last night.”

Mina groans at my candid remark, while Braden sputters his beer, laughing.

“You’re unbelievable, Ash,” he says.

“Hey, my woman—my wife—is gorgeous,” I reply, unapologetic. Plus, that burgundy lace number she wore last night didn’t hurt, either. It hugged her curves like it was created especially for her.

Lucky for me, the little siren wore it again today.

And I took full advantage.

Which is why we’re two hours late.

Am I sorry? Not one fucking bit.

I always said Ori’s pussy was magical, but the truth is,she’smagical.

More importantly, she’s mine.

Zane resumes his unofficial role as bartender, sliding a celebratory mocktail into Ori’s hand.

“Only seven more months until I can have one of these delicious cocktails with all the alcohol,” she says, releasing an exaggerated sigh.

“Unless I knock you up again,” I tease, leaning on the bar beside her.

She arches a brow, her lips quirking. “I don’t think so.”

My grin widens. “Sounds like a challenge, and you know I love a good challenge. Haven’t lost one yet.”

“This little one,” she says, pointing at her belly, “was a happy accident. Now you’re planning a sequel?”

“Beautiful, when the original is that good, you can’t leave it at just one.”

She reaches her hand up, gliding her nails lightly across my chest. “I hate how good that sounds. Stop stirring up my pregnancy hormones.”

“You don’t hate how good I am, though.”

“No,” she says, her voice softening. “I love it. I love every damn thing about you.”

And I know, as I steal a kiss from her pouty lips, that Oriana Thorne hasn’t just pieced my heart back together. She gave me a life. A purpose. A future.

I’ll make damn certain she never regrets that fact. Judging by her hands creeping further up my leg, teasing me with the promise of a second round, she’s as ready for this wild ride as I am.

“So, tell me, does anyone else have news?” Ori asks, her eyes bright with excitement.

But all eyes swing to Mina as she walks back into the room, her earlier smile replaced by a scowl.

Ori rests a hand on her shoulder. “Mina, are you okay?”

“Too much marriage talk?” I tease. “We can switch to football chat if you’d prefer.”

“Apparently notenoughmarriage talk,” Mina mutters, her gaze on the floor.

“What?” The single word echoes through the room, spoken in unison by me, Ori, and Braden.

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