“I’m going to make you beg,” he says, moving his kisses down to my belly button.

He slides his thumbs into the sides of my panties and slowly lowers them down my thighs, teasing me with the sensation of lace trailing along my skin.

I hold back, wanting to beg already, the heat within me ready to explode.

And as he moves back up along my thighs, he presses them apart, exposing my wetness to the evening air. He kisses my inner thigh, slowly moving up to my hot folds. And then, his mouth is on me, sliding his tongue over my pink flesh and finding my most sensitive spot. He flicks it with his tongue, tickling it to the point I’m about to scream.

I grab the fabric of the lounge, lifting my hips and spreading my knees to give him full access between my legs. The cool air mixed with his hot breath sends me higher. And then he slides his fingers into me, moving them in and out with precision as he continues to suck me.

“Now, please,” I beg.

“Say it,” he whispers.

“Fuck me. Please. Fuck me!” I call out.

And in a smooth movement, he’s on top of me, positioning his hips between my legs, and he pushes himself into me with a groan.

“Jesus, Emily,” he moans, moving in a powerful rhythm that makes me lose my mind.

“Harder,” I scream. “Please, Lucas!”

He reaches down, touching my spot as he thrusts inside me, and unable to hold off any longer, I shudder with mind-blowing explosions of passion.

He grunts as he erupts inside me, spasming over me, and then collapses in drained exhaustion.

We pant, holding each other close, smiling with pure satisfaction.

I cling to him, wanting him so badly in my life, wanting him to be my man forever. And all I can do is pray that he’ll always want me too.

“You’re wonderful,” I whisper, still feeling shivers between my legs.

“Everything feels so right with you,” he says, gently trailing his fingers over my breast. He takes a deep breath. “There’s just one last thing we need to take care of.”

I lift my head, looking into his eyes, having no clue what was going through his mind. “What is it?” I ask.

He lets out a slight chuckle. “We need to tell Chloe about our baby.”

Chapter Twenty-Two (Lucas)

I pace back and forth in the gym, my heart thundering in my chest like I’m about to step into the ring for a championship fight. But this isn’t any ordinary match—this is the biggest moment of my life. Charlie clings to my heel, following every movement with precision, as if understanding the weight of what’s to come. His wagging tail assures me, though, that I’m doing the right thing.

“Lucas, man, you’ve got this,” Xavier says, chuckling as he watches me wear a path into the mats.

“Easy for you to say,” I snap, running a hand over my hair. “This is kind of a big deal.”

“Oh, I know.” He grins. “But you just need to relax and enjoy the moment.”

“Relax” and “enjoy” aren’t exactly in my vocabulary right now, but I nod, taking a deep breath.

With everything set, I pull out my phone and text Chloe.

Bring her in.

“Okay, everyone, places!” I call out to the guys who take their positions around the gym, each wearing their most intimidating game face.

Chloe’s response comes almost immediately.

OMG, I can’t believe this is happening!!! On our way.