Page 52 of Black Mark's Heart

"That's the plan."

Luckily, Darius woke at four in the morning ready to go. I was on the brink of orgasm already when he woke me, shattering myself on him before I'd even opened my eyes. We snuggled back down to sleep afterwards, but Jacob woke us just after six, ready for his morning bottle. I yawned, climbing out of bed, pulling on my dressing robe and preparing the bottle for him. I handed it to him then fixed up his nappy while he fed.

"Does he cry much?" Darius asked, watching as I did the mom thing. "He seems pretty happy every time I see him."

I shrugged. "He has his moments. Mostly, he's been pretty good. When my milk dried up a few weeks ago, we had a rough week until I worked out what was happening."

Darius considered me while I finished fixing Jacob up and went to wash my hands. When I came back in, Darius took my hand and pulled me into bed again.

"You're an amazing woman, Mora. Everything you've been through, and you can still smile and be positive," Darius praised, holding me tight. "I own a brothel, several in fact, but one is a bit more elite and private than the others. When we are to see each other in town, that's where we will meet."

I frowned, "I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable going to a brothel to have sex with you, Dare. For the obvious reason, but also because...well, that used to be your thing."

Darius huffed, "I want to see you once a week, Mora, at least."

I bit my lip. "My place has a discreet back entrance."

"Really!" Darius chuckled, his hand tapping my backside.

"Pervert," I scolded. "I could give you a key to let yourself in the back door," I suggested. Darius chuckled and drew a deep breath to talk. "Don't even," I warned. "You are never getting my ass now, Dare. That was meant to be our wedding night remember? You blew it. Not going to happen now."

"I'll win you around one day," Darius assured me confidently.

"In the meantime..." I brought us back on track. "If you come to me, no one will see you and I don't have to worry about organizing babysitting."

Darius planted a kiss on my mouth. "Lunch tomorrow?"

I rolled my eyes. "Greedy much? I can't. I fly out tomorrow morning to start the Carnival tour."

"It goes to Dublin this year, doesn't it?"

I smiled, seeing where he was going with this. "Yes. We are there on Wednesday."

Darius grinned. "Then I'll see you in Dublin on Wednesday."

"Mama," Jacob called.

"Duty calls," I announced, pulling away.

"Mind if I use your shower before I go back to my room?" Darius asked, already heading that way.

I took Jacob out of the cot and took him to the bed to play with me. There was a knock at the door ten minutes later. "I wonder who that is?" I picked Jacob up so he didn't fall off the bed. I opened the door and my eyes went wide. "Dad? It's really early."

Marshall pushed open the door, taking Jacob as he stepped in. "I know, but I don't get to spend enough time with my grandson. I was hoping you, Alex, and Jacob would spend today with me."

My eyes flicked to the shower and back quickly. "Um, yeah, but can we do that after breakfast?"

Marshall's smile disintegrated as he spied something over my shoulder. I turned and saw Darius's clothes on the floor and the chair. Marshall's eyes flicked to the opening bathroom door and filled with anger as Darius stepped into the room.

"Dad," I sighed.

"Marshall," Darius froze.

Dad turned his back on Darius. "I thought I was pretty clear about where you and your nameless lover should meet, Mora."

I frowned, "Well, we actually discussed that last night, so it shouldn't be an issue from now on."

Marshall took a deep breath. "How about I take Jacob down to the dining room, and you join us once you've showered?"

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