Page 48 of Sin and Seduction

“Some velvet couches would be nice, though,” I say as he laughs and kisses my nose.

“Whatever makes you happy, mi ciela. Though I will say if you want to get rid of that bed, go for it, but I’d much rather put it to great use before you do,” he says darkly, and I grin against his lips.

His hands slide down from my back to grab my ass and pull me against his hardening cock. I gasp, and he continues to kiss my neck as I tilt my head back and moan. Just as he bends his head to kiss my breast, his phone rings, and he growls.

“What is it?” he snaps when he places the phone to his ear.

He listens for a moment before shutting the phone and sighing, kissing me once more.

“Duty calls,” he groans, and I smile as I run my fingers through his lengthening hair.

“Anything I should know about before I make dinner?” I ask, and he frowns.

“We may have a lead on Rowen’s new location. My office and security room are downstairs beneath the second family room. Please come down if you need me,” he says, and I kiss his cheek before he leaves me alone on the balcony.

I take one last look at the ocean before walking back inside and closing the double doors. The bed is very large and has a sheer canopy covering over it. I love it and decide not to part with it. All the bedroom really needs is some lounge chairs and tables and maybe a few shelves. The bathroom is completely remodeled with the same stone and granite that’s in the kitchen. The sauna-sized shower and jacuzzi tub practically call my name.

Sergio instructed the movers to bring all of our clothes and bathroom items here and to set them up. My laptop sits at a large, wooden desk outside of my closet, and I know I should turn it on and start working on my restaurant plan more, but I decide against it and choose to relax instead. The place would look much better with fresh flowers in vases everywhere, and I make a note to say that to the interior designer.

I’m hoping to finish decorating the house before my graduation in two weeks. I’m planning my first party here on the day of graduation, and I want to wow everyone with a warm and welcoming home. I slip out of my dress and heels and slide into some loungewear and house slippers. It is a velvet tank top and pants with a matching cardigan, and I yawn from the comfort of it. I wash my face and head downstairs to start dinner. Javier flew back home during our honeymoon, but he’s staying at his own loft downtown. He did mention before we left on our wedding night that he had the kitchen fully stocked for me as well as the bar.

I walk into my kitchen and look in the fridge to decide what to make. Javier set my old recipe book out on a small stand in front of a built-in bookshelf on the wall. I see that many recipe books reside on the shelf and even see one with a large portion of his recipes in it. I smile and pull it out, flipping to a page that reads “Quick and elegant” before I browse through it.

There is a recipe for a savory beef stew that only takes thirty minutes to cook, so I decided on that. It calls for red wine, so I open a fresh bottle and pour myself a glass while I prepare everything. Gabriela walks in, a gift in hand, and sits down on one of the barstools. Her makeup is gone, and her hair is tied up. I see the dark circles under her eyes and the paleness of her skin.

“Morning sickness happens at night, too?” I question, and she lets out a tired laugh.

“Yes, I guess so. This child hates me already.” She sighs, and I shake my head at her as I start marinating the beef.

“This is for you. I had it made before we left for Columbia.” She hands me the silver-wrapped box on the counter, and I wash my hands and grab it.

“What’s this for?” I ask, and she smiles.

“A late wedding gift,” she says, and I shake my head at her.

“You didn’t need to get me anything, Gabriela,” I say, and she rolls her eyes.

“I know I didn’t. I wanted to. Now open it,” she orders, and I obey.

As I open the box, I see a dark emerald-colored fabric and pull it from the box. It is an apron, and it reads “Mrs. Moreno” on it, and the fabric is made of silk. I smile broadly and rush around the counter to pull her in for a hug.

“I’m guessing you like it?” She laughs as I pull back and tie it on.

“I don’t like it; I love it. Thank you, Gabriela,” I say, and I go back to the stove on the counter to start searing the beef and making the stew.

“What’s for dinner?” she asks

“Javier’s beef stew. Is that okay?” I ask, and she nods quickly.

“Thank God,” she says. “All this baby wants is meat and chocolate.”

“The two best things.” I laugh and finish up the stew.

We set the table in the kitchen that can easily seat ten people. I call the men up, and we all eat and drink together peacefully. Once dinner is over, Gabriela helps me wash up and clean the kitchen before resting her head in her hand and breathing deeply.

“Are you okay?” I ask, and she nods slowly.

“I’m just really tired. I’m going to go to bed now. I’ll see you in the morning,” she says, and I pat her back as she leaves.

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