Page 176 of Ruthless God

His fingers dip beneath the hem of my dress, brushing against my bare skin. A slow, teasing stroke.

“Watch a movie.”

He gives me a wicked look.

“So many things we could do.”

A breath shudders out of me. I know exactly what he’s suggesting. And damn it, I want it, too.

I stand, moving closer, my belly pressing against him. His hands drop lower, kneading the curve of my hips.

“We should take advantage of the peace and quiet,” I whisper.

His eyes darken. “I was hoping you’d say that, though there won’t be much peace or quiet when you’re screaming my name.”

He picks me up effortlessly, carrying me inside, kicking the door shut behind us. We tear our clothes off, both of us in a hurry.

I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck as he lays me on the bed, his body settling between my legs. His mouth meets mine, slow at first, teasing. Then, the heat builds, the need between us turning sharp, desperate.

Hands grasping. Lips tracing. Breath hitching.

My fingers dig into his back, my body arching into his as he slides into me.

“Claudius,” I moan as he slides deeper, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.

And then a sharp pain rolls through me. I gasp, my whole body going stiff. Claudius freezes, instantly alert.

“Cecely?” His voice is tight, controlled.

I squeeze my eyes shut as another wave rolls through me. Then a warm rush between my legs. I don’t even need to look to know.

I groan. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”

Claudius’ eyes widen as realization dawns. “Did you just?—?”

“My water just broke.”

Silence. Then he lets out a low, incredulous laugh.

“Damn, mama. You really know how to kill the mood.”

I glare at him, smacking his chest.

“Shut up and get Agnes. And the midwife.”

His laughter doesn’t stop, but he’s already moving, reaching for his clothes.

I breathe through another contraction, gripping the sheets. Of all the ways I thought this moment would go… This was definitely not one of them.

He turns to me at the door. “You know, this is the same way Carter’s wife went into labor. He’s going to get a kick out of this in the group chat.”

“Go!”

He laughs, hurrying away.

But I’m smiling as I rub my stomach. “Mama can’t wait to meet you.”

Everything happens quickly once Agnes and the midwife enter the room.

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