Page 108 of Twisted Games of Revenge

I spot Sloane coming toward me, and Ricky and I waddle toward her. “Well done, you guys, this is quite an achievement,” she calls, glancing over the place.

I beam back to her, so damn excited. All our hard work of the last year and a half has paid off. “Thank you. I can’t believe it’s opening day and somehow we brought this dream to life.”

“I can. Have you seen her when she’s determined about something?” Ricky quirks a skeptical brow at Sloane, a playful smile tugging at his lips as their laughter fills the air.

“You’re positively glowing as well, sis. I hope those babies aren’t still making you sick.”

“The morning sickness has calmed down. Now we just have to stop her from working so hard,” Ricky butts into our conversation, wrapping an arm around me, his hand resting on my baby bump. He’s obsessed with it. If I thought he was touchy-feely before, he’s hit a new level now.

I roll my eyes for Sloane’s benefit. “I’m not sure how I’m going to last another five months of this. Four overprotective assholes telling me what to do,” I huff out, only half serious as I lean into him.

She laughs. “Yeah, good luck with that, sis.”

Ricky kisses my cheek. “Not going to lie, taking care of you is my favorite thing to do, especially when I know it annoys you so much. We need to get you out of the sun, it’s scorching out here today.”

I take his hand, agreeing. It’s close to midday, and the summer sun is beating down over the front entry of our new center, and with my fair skin, I’m going to be burnt if I don’t get a move on. “Come with us, Sloane. Lola’s inside, and I know how much you like my fur baby.”

The three of us enter the lobby together, with Onyx following along closely behind. The lobby is understated luxury, with polished concrete floors, warm wooden accents, and strategically placed greenery that brings the outdoors in. The open floor plan is flooded with natural light, thanks to the towering glass walls. Off to one side of the building is the day spa and wellness part of the clinic, and off to the other are our offices, an art studio, gym, and doctors’ rooms.

“How are you getting on with your new co-worker?” I ask Ricky as we make our way to the gym where Geovani and Maddox are running some self-defense classes for our open day.

“She has her own way of doing things, but I’m sure she will be a great new addition to our team.”

“He was way too busy with clients before the clinic even opened, so we knew we would have to expand,” I tell Sloane, so proud of what Ricky has achieved already. “By the end of the year, we hope to have another couple of doctors on board as well.”

“Do you guys have some more flyers I can leave at the club?” she asks, hopeful. She has been one of our top referrers. Unfortunately, in her line of work, girls often find themselves in dangerous situations, facing threats and harassment or worse.

“I’ll get you some,” Ricky tells her.

I push open the heavy, swinging gym door, and Lola bounds toward us, tail wagging furiously. She’s the happiest dog you have ever seen. With her soft fur and gentle eyes, our adorable black Labrador is going to be a perfect therapy dog, alreadyshowing an aptitude for interacting with children and a clear love for people.

Sloane drops to the mat, the soft material cushioning her fall as she strokes Lola. They have a special relationship. She fell in love with Lola that first time she saw her, just like I did.

Maddox comes over to greet us, pulling me out of Ricky’s tight grasp with the confidence of a man who’s just won big. He kisses me then runs a hand over my growing belly. “How are the boys doing?” He grins, a playful glint in his eyes that says he’s teasing me.

“The girls are doing just fine, big guy.” I smirk back. He’s obsessed with the fact we’re going to have two boys, and I constantly rib him back that it will be girls. Neither of us really know because we’re waiting until they are born to find out. I think it’s more exciting this way.

“A little extra swagger today, Maddox.” Sloane smirks at him.

“He should, you’re looking at the new heavyweight champion,” Geovani declares, placing a kiss to my lips.

“You two do make quite a team. Who would have thought?” comes Dani’s voice from behind us.

She’s decked out in a little sports top and leggings and looks fit and incredible. “You ready to take your first class?” I ask.

“Ready as I can ever be,” she says nervously.

“Sorry to drop you in it, you know I would take the class if I was allowed to. But apparently, I’m not supposed to roll around on the MMA mats in my condition.” I roll my eyes, and she giggles. “But if it’s any consolation, I think you’re going to be amazing. I watched that last class you were doing with Geovani, and you nailed it. You also look hot, girl.”

Her smile brightens, and I know she’s going to be just fine. A small group of girls has gathered at the back of the room, decked out in their workout gear. Dani smiles at them. “I think that’s my cue to get to work.”

“We will leave you to it.” I offer her a wave.

Sloane collects Lola’s lead, and Geovani and Maddox head off with Dani to help get her set up. “They make a great team.”

“They sure do,” Sloane agrees, walking with me out into the hall. “Which one is your office?”

“Right across the hall.” I motion in the direction of my space, and she follows me in, with Ricky and Onyx talking in a hushed tone behind us. The boys have gotten close to Onyx, well, as close as anyone can get to the man who barely speaks.

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