Page 162 of Shâhzâdeh

“Oh no, baby. You didn’t see the look on your face just now. It got all wispy and soft and your voice went up a few octaves and got all breathy. So, yeah, you’re in deep. I’ll let you name it whatever you want. You can call it being a fuckingGummi Bearfor all I care. But I know you’ll start being all weird if I say anything else so I’ll hush.” She pretended to zip her lips together while she sat there pleased as punch with herself.

“Reul, we are done early but Xerxes invited us to stay for dinner. Why donna yoo and Vanya go to the nail spa to relax?” I didn’t need to agree with anything she said because she was right and the men both walked in before I could.

“Because your son still thinks his food is on demand like he’s in the womb.” She rolls her eyes playfully as she bent her head back to accept his kiss.

“My boy is spoiled I will say. But yoo need a break. Especially with yoor maternity leave ending soon. I want yoo to relax a bit and treat yoorself. Yoo donna like the nail artists in Carolina Falls—”

“Because they’re the same jealous hoes who wanted you in high school and are pissed they can’t have you now. What I look like putting money in their pockets?”

Liam’s head dipped in embarrassment as Xerxes laughed at him. “All the same. Yoo are ‘ere now. Take advantage of it.”

“Are you okay with being with the kids alone?” I knew she trusted her husband but I could assume it was only a motherly inclination to hesitate being away from a baby fresh out the womb.

“I have had little practice but I have watched my cousin Mansa before. He is still alive to speak of it. Well, to babble of it. So he is not alone, Francesca. I am more than adequate help.” Xerxes had picked up Quad and was bouncing him playfully. He looked delicious with his hair up in a bun off his face and his goatee slightly thicker than normal.

Frankie stood up from the countertop and reached for her back. “Lord, give me my baby back.”

“I am teasing, Francesca. Zhey will be fine. Skye will have me buying her a new pony and we will find somezing equally decadent for Quad. So enjoy yourself, you boz more zhan deserve it.”

“I haven’t been balancing business and motherhood for the last few months like you have, Frankie. You know you want to go.” She knew she wanted to go, but she was nervous about looking like a bad mother for wanting to go. I had all the freedom in the world so I wasn’t sure why I deserved anything.

Xerxes’ eyes narrowed at me like I’d insulted him. “No, but you have been balancing me. And I promised you zhat you were to be treated like a princess every day for zhe rest of your life. Zhat does not change simply because you do not feel you haveearneda treat. Being well taken care of is not somezing you earn from your partner. Your breazing air is worthy of praise and my everlasting gratitude. And besides, we are speaking of you furzer beautifying your hands, which I get zhe pleasure of seeing. I would never deny you such a simple pleasure as getting your hands done.”

“Oh,Gummi Bearsfor sure.” Frankie was snickering from her chair at the island and I wanted her to hush.

“Reul, are yoo calling my friend sweet or a candy? I am not sure I like either and his bride might not either.” Liam went to Xerxes and picked up his son, bumping him in the shoulder like he was jealous.

“Although he is sweet, Vanya knows exactly what I’m talking about. And thank you. There is milk in the cooler and I just fed him. He should be more than good until we get back.”

Xerxes turned to me triumphantly, as though my going to spend money made his day. “Will you mind if Quentin accompanies you?”

I rolled my eyes because I don’t know why he was asking. Even if I said no, Quentin would still be hanging around. “I know that it’s better for your peace of mind.”

“It absolutely is. Zhank you for indulging me.”

“Thank you for ensuring I’m protected.” I tried not to be bashful especially with his friends around, but I couldn’t help it. The surprise on his face was clear. Instead of staying that way, it melted into something softer and the more sensual.

“May I send my wife off wiz a kiss?”

I had to remember that this was normal for him. For his friends, hell for everyone that wasn’t brought up in a cult. I simply nodded and he made his way over to me. Gently, he put his hands on both sides of my head before he pressed his lips to mine. The feeling from the wedding quickly took hold and I was opening my mouth to receive him without thinking.

I laced my fingers together around his back as he pulled me even closer to him.

“Reul, I think we need to up our passion. It seems the newlyweds are attempting to steal the title of most amorous couple for us.”

“I thought that was Yacouba and Jasmine.”

“Would definitely be my cousin and his new bride. She does not allow the twins in her belly to slow her down. I almost think she’s worse.”

Frankie chuckled sarcastically. “Please don’t get any ideas. The factory is closed for a few years.”

“So yoo’re open to it next year then? We will have to perfect our practice afore then.”

The hope in Liam’s tone forced me to break our kiss. If the two of them were about to get fresh, we would never get out of here today.

I wiped Xerxes’ lips but I could tell he wanted to be the one’s locked up in the bedroom. “Okay, let’s go. If y’all get started y’all will christen the guest room and my fill in won’t happen. We’ll be back, so call us if you need us.”

“What did you do to my son?”

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