Page 32 of Who I Crave To Be

"You did it, Haven.She's here.Baby Alyson DeMarco is ready to meet you!"the midwife coos as she wraps a squirming bundle in a loose-fitting blanket before placing her straight onto Haven's chest.

I can't fight back the tears anymore, I allow them to fall freely as the door opens and Kelley comes running towards me with Haven’s mother Tina."Dad!Mama did it!We have a girl!"he squeals as he jumps into my arms and I cradle him close before turning back to our girls.

Haven is smiling from ear to ear.The pain long forgotten as she stares longingly at our daughter.

She sobs, sniffing through her tears as she caresses our Allie’s tiny, reddened little cheek.

"Congratulations, Daddy!"she whispers and I place a soft kiss to her salty lips hoping that alone conveys the emotional current I'm struggling to formulate into words.

"I'm so proud of you!"I whisper, glancing down at my gorgeous little girl.

Her hair is a dark brown like her mamas and the fine strands have a slight kink in them.Wavy, a perfect blend between mine and her mother's.

She flutters open her eyes and those tiny depths full of wonder and curiosity find mine like she knows, I'll always be the one to protect her from this world.

Her daddy will always be her hero.

Sapphire eyes peer up at me, tiny specs of hazel and deep brown sparkling in her gaze like a marvelous orb of twinkling lights. Again, the perfect mixture of us both.

"I love you guys, from now, until the end of time, you'll always be my best adventure," I declare, clearing my throat of the thick emotions that clog it.

"We love you too, Daddy!Don't we, Allie?"Kelley asks, beaming over his sister and she coos back, reaching out a tiny hand and clasping my finger with more strength than I thought possible.

I found everything…

The peace in a family and a home.The adventure that true love will forever burn brightly.

My family is the torch that lights up my soul.

And on the count of three, we’ll take our next plunge, together, as a family so utterly content.

Three years later.

Itwirl my wrist, watching as the amber liquid dances against the crystal before bringing it to my lips to sip it slowly.

The whisky burns just right on the way down, feathering across my chest as my entire body warms from the flames.Indicating at the man behind the bar, I watch as he pours me another before turning in my seat, in slow appraisal.

I glance around as my eyes drift over the attention I have gained from the men dressed to impress.They sit, suited and booted in attire that screams money and I smile, loving the desire coursing through my veins as I sit here feeling like a temptress.

I'm a being that's revered, powerful and wanted by men just as powerful.

I can't out run the rush and I never want to.

I'm addicted to being addicted.

It consumes my body and overtakes my emotions.Removing all hesitation, leaving only pure need.

I sank my teeth into the pulse of life and I'll keep my hold until my lifeline dwindles.

Because I'm free, I'm beautiful and I'm a seductress that has the world as painted jewels at my fingertips.

A man walks into the bar and he instinctively demands my attention.The air changes, becomes suppressing as every other man in the room sits up straighter, paying attention.They know just as instinctively as I do that there's true power emanating from the newcomer.

Wealth, power, respect.

It gleams brightly in his ocean eyes as I capture his attention.

Dressed in black fitted slacks, crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows and a silken sapphire waistcoat, he prowls towards me slowly.I shift in my seat, anticipation making my pulse thunder beneath my skin as I subtly clench my thighs and feign interest in a man that birthed the gods.

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