Page 221 of This Woman Forever

“I want you to revoke Sam’s and Kate’s memberships to The Manor.” She hurries over her words, retreating on my lap, watching me, waiting. God love her.

“Okay,” I agree easily, dipping myself and spreading some more of my vice on her chest.

Her frown is epic. “What?”

“I said okay.” Opening my mouth, I lower and indulge some more. Jesus, finger dipping just isn’t going to cut it anymore.

“It is?”

I lift my face and take her cheeks in my hands. I could be a fucker and use this as a bargaining chip. Tell her I’ll cancel if she quits work. But... that would be pointless. She won’t quit. “Sam already canceled.”

Her mouth falls open. “I thought you were finally doing as you’re told.”

What’s she on about? “I always do as I’m told. Come here.” I help her up and get us on the couch, my belly full, my heart full. “Snuggle,” I breathe, as she crawls onto my chest and settles, her sigh in my neck deep. How long before she can’t lie front down on my chest? I pout. I’ll miss that. How long before I can’t get my arm around her stomach when we spoon? “Are you warm enough?” I ask, weaving my legs with hers, smiling at her sleepy hum. “I love you, lady,” I whisper. Another hum. “You’re going to be the best mummy.”

“And you the best daddy,” she murmurs, her hand stroking the area around my scar. “Thank you for my wall.”

I smile sadly. “It’s my wall, actually. So thank you.”

“Welcome. But it’s a little bit weird, all those pictures you took when I didn’t know.”

I chuckle. “I have an unhealthy obsession with you, baby,” I say, dropping a kiss into her hair, tightening my arms. “It’s old news.”

“I know,” she breathes. “I know.”

“Tell me what your diary is like tomorrow.”

“Well Mikael isn’t in it,” she quips, earning a nudge from me. Definitely not funny. “I have a lunchtime meeting with Ruth Quinn.”

“Oh, the awkward one?”

“Yeah, her. She seemed quite normal at first, friendly, you know? But she’s become a bit demanding. She called in the office repeatedly while we were away, was almost indignant that I didn’t tell her I wouldn’t be at work. I just need to get her job finished, get payment, and never work for her again.”

I don’t understand it. She doesn’t have to deal with these people. She could pick and choose her clients, do what she wants, when she wants. She likes her boss, I get it. But even Ava would have to admit, Peterson has definitely become a little less easygoing the past few weeks. In fact, since he found out about me. I sense he’s not all too happy about sharing Ava with a life outside her job. It’s a common problem. Bosses hiring young, single, child-free people. People with no responsibilities other than working and earning. Full commitment to the job.

Yeah, she’s trying. Half succeeding. But when the babies come, they will be the most important thing in our life. Nothing will come before them.

My mind wanders. Could we move out of the city? Would Ava consider that? I don’t want to raise our kids in this chaos. I want green land, clean air.

And sanity.

42

I feel her naked warmth all over my front, her soft boobs and belly pressed tight. I hum, happy, the peaceful sense of half slumber too glorious to leave just yet. Her soft voice in the distance is encouraging me to wake up. My dick hears her too, and my hands skate down her bare back to her bottom, my palms cupping her cheeks. Her breath on my face tells me her mouth is close. “If I open my eyes, I’m going to see big chocolate fuck-me ones, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re going to see big, wide, disturbed ones. Open your eyes.”

I squint, peeking at her. She’s right. Her eyes are, indeed, wide and worried. Then she flicks her head, and I catch sight of her problem. My dear, old housekeeper is standing at the foot of the couch, her face silently amused. “Oh,” I murmur. “Morning, Cathy.”

“You too love birds need to buy some pajamas.” Pajamas? Not a chance. “Or at least keep your underwear on.” Nope. “I’ll be in the kitchen preparing breakfast.”

I laugh, feeling Ava’s mortification. “Morning, baby.” Now Cathy’s not got direct line of sight to between my legs, I open them, getting Ava nestled comfortably. “Let me see your face.”

She burrows deeper into my neck, trying to disappear.

“She’s all bashful.” While I’m not. Cathy’s copped a load of my fine form more than is acceptable for a housekeeper. “Shall we get you upstairs?”

“Yes.” Ava pushes herself up and looks around, as I use my stomach muscles to lift and peek over the top of the couch to the kitchen. Ava snorts, laughing loudly, all embarrassment lost.

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