Page 105 of Takedown

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask.

Diane looks around the room, and when she’s met with nothing but unsmiling faces, she takes a visible step back. “I just meant that you two are newlyweds. No need to rush anything.” I narrow my eyes at her, but I hold Mel in place when she tries to walk around me.

“When me and Adam decide to start a family is our business,” Mel practically growls at her. “Not that you ever need to worry about any kids I might have.” I catch her stare and nod, confirming what my wife just said, but I don’t miss the hurt look on her face. She doesn’t stay down for long, though.

“What the hell do you mean by that, Melanie? You’re going to punish me until the day I die, aren’t you? You’re going to keep my grandchildren from me?”

Mel manages to step aside and starts to approach Diane, but I reach out and hold onto her wrist. “If you think for a second that I will allow you to infect my kids—”

A hand slams on the table, causing Mel to jump in shock. “Can we have five goddamn minutes without a fight?” Jason says. “Mother, enough! Mellie got into law school and you’re going to be happy for her and not dump any more bullshit on her shoulders. In fact, go back downstairs.” When Diane doesn’t make a move to leave, Jason points at the door. “We’ll see you downstairs.”

She purses her lips and leaves without another word.

“I’m sorry, Mel—”

I hold my hand up to him and shake my head. “You’re done here. Good night.”

“Flynn, I can talk to my sister,” he says, but his voice is missing the usual malice he keeps just for me.

“Not tonight you can’t. You’ve said enough.”

He nods and holds out his arms for Addison. As soon as he takes her, they leave and Mel breathes a sigh of relief. I pull her into my arms and press kisses on her forehead.

“I regret telling him about law school.”

“I’m so proud of you, Mel. So fucking proud.”

She pulls away and looks into my face. “You’re my person.”

“You’remyperson,” I say back.

“We’ve never talked about it, but you do want kids, right?”

I give her my brightest smile and put a hand on her belly. “I’ll get you pregnant right now, love. Flood that womb with the potent Flynn sperm.”

She bites her bottom lip and takes a step closer to me. “I didn’t offend liberated Mel, did I?”

She kisses me softly after wrapping her arms around my neck. “Quite the opposite. Liberated Mel is very turned on. That actually sounds kind of sexy, but maybe we can practice for the next couple of years.” She jumps into my arms, and I spin her around.

“Whatever liberated Mel wants.”

“Liberated Mel is about to leave the building. Slutty Mel is on her way.”

“She’s my favorite.”

Her laugh follows us while I run to the bedroom.

53

“I’m going to fall.” My husband ignores my complaint. In fact, he snorts, and I can imagine his eye roll. He has his hand firmly on my elbow, and I know there is no way in hell he would let me fall. I reach up to adjust the blindfold, but he swats my hand away.

“Almost there. Stop trying to peek.” I can hear noise and talking while we walk through a room. The enticing aroma of food gives me at least one clue, but I don’t know why he would blindfold me just to take me to dinner. “And you’re killing me in that dress. If a man checks out your ass tonight, he’s going to lose an eye.” I bite my bottom lip at the thought of Adam losing his shit over someone checking me out. “You like the sound of that, don’t you, love.” His free hand reaches down and cradles an ass cheek. I knew he’d go crazy for this dress. It’s a form fitting black sheath that just touches my knees, with a long zipper in the back. It hugs all my curves, showcasing my ass and hips.

“Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Flynn.” Being called Mrs. Flynn by the strange voice sends shivers down my spine. We’ve only been married a few months, and I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t Mrs. Flynn. I don’t want to remember.

Adam tells me to be careful while we cross a threshold, then he stands behind me and starts to fiddle with the blindfold. “I’m using this on you tonight,” he whispers so that only I can hear. He removes the blindfold and orders me to open my eyes.

I blink twice before I focus on our family and friends. Everyone stands and shouts congratulations. The next few minutes are a blur of hugs and kisses.

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