“Oh...”

“You taste delicious, Samantha. I want you to fill my mouth with your juices.”

She cried out, arching as her pink pussy contracted and her juices covered her hand.

“Fuck, you’re sexy.”

“I can’t believe I did that.”

I smiled at her, hoping she didn’t feel self-conscious. “I’m glad you did.” I wanted to promise her lots more orgasms. Lots more happiness. Lots more children... but I held my tongue.

“Get some sleep. I’ll see you in a few days.”

“Goodnight, Henry.”

“Goodnight.” My love.

As the call ended, I couldn't help but smile. Our conversation had given me a glimmer of hope. The thought of being with Samantha and Pax filled me with a sense of purpose beyond work.

I lay in the quiet dark, my heart filled with joy and love. I could imagine Samantha lying beside me, her body pressed close, her gentle breaths whispering against my skin. I allowed my thoughts to drift toward that dream, envisioning a life focused on family again. I could see us walking hand in hand through Central Park, our fingers intertwined. Or lazy Sunday mornings spent tangled in each other's arms.

As sleep finally began to claim me, I clung to that hope that Samantha felt the same for me.

23

Samantha

Three days later, I stepped off the plane in New York, holding Pax's hand as Marie followed closely behind us. We got into the car with Knightly. I wished Henry had been here to greet us, but we’d see him at home.

As the car drove through the city, my gut twisted into knots. Tonight, I’d tell Henry that he was Pax’s father. And hopefully, when I told him that I loved him, he wouldn’t be too angry about Pax to see what we could have together.

My father's threats loomed over me, and I hoped that once Henry knew the truth, those threats would be nullified. I prayed that Alex would uncover something to help my case, or at the very least, I'd be able to handle whatever my father threw my way.

We drove into Henry’s garage. “I’ll take your bags up,” Knightly said, pulling into an area by the elevator.

“Is Mr. Banion home?” I asked.

“He’s at his corporate offices.” Knightly helped us out of the car. “He’s expected home by dinner.”

Though part of me breathed a sigh of relief. Another part wished Henry was home so I could get this conversation over with.

Once on the third floor, Marie and I worked to get resettled into our space. For a moment, I wondered if Henry would ask me to stay when he learned how I felt and that Pax was his child. Maybe he’d move me into his room.

I shook my head and warned myself not to get ahead of myself. It was quite possible that my heart would be broken.

I’d just finished getting Pax’s books and toys unpacked when Knightly appeared again. “Mr. Layton is here to see you.”

My father? “What?”

“He’s in the living room.”

My chest tightened. This was the worst possible timing. "Marie, can you watch Pax while I deal with this?"

"Of course."

As I walked toward the living room, I prayed that I could get the conversation done and send my father away before Henry arrived home.

"Didn't expect to see me, did you?" The venom in my father's voice sent chills down my spine.