Page 25 of The Devoted Husband

“Not quite.” Sade shifted in her seat and took a sip of her water. “I would like to keep you in my life but as a friend. I don’t want to go around your family, and I also don’t want us to have a romantic relationship because that’s what makes you get crazy. Dante can be here for the baby...but I want you here with and for me.”

“How will that work if you want to hide me and what we have?”

“I’m not hiding it; I’m just not making it public. I know Dante, and he will need some time to process the fact that I knew what Adam and Imani had planned and that you and I were...intimate. It wouldn’t be good if I tried to bring you around him any time soon. I’m already springing a baby on him, Atlas. I don’t want to tell him that I was fucking the man that tried to kill him too.”

Atlas scoffed with a shake of his head. “So, that’s all it was for you? Sex?”

Her eyes rolled as she released a tired breath. “No, but we weren’t in a relationship. The specifics don’t matter. What matters is you and I are perfect when we’re alone, and no one else is in our business.”

“I can’t argue with that.”

“So, I want it to stay like that while I’m pregnant. If by the time I have this baby, you aren’t as violent when it comes down to other men looking at me and flirting with me, and we can trust Dante not to go crazy over you being around me and the baby, we can talk about taking things to the next level. But I can’t make any promises, Atlas. If that’s not good enough—”

“I’m cool with that, baby,” Atlas said, and Sade hoped to God that was the truth.

Atlas

Though he agreed to them keeping a low profile, that didn’t mean Atlas wouldn’t put forth the effort to make Sade just as crazy about him as he was about her. She was a laid-back woman who was easy to please, and that made Atlas want to give her the world. He looked over everything he’d done in his home again before heading to the door to let her in.

The TV was up and a medical drama was queued for them to watch. He had several crossword puzzles and the extra-large mahjong tiles for them to play. The coffee table had all her favorite snacks, and candles were lit all over the room.

As much as he wanted to take her somewhere to show her off, this would have to do.

When he opened the door and waved in her direction, Sade exited the car. She looked as beautiful as always, dressed down in leggings and a crop top. Her hair was pulled up into a bun for a change, and her smile was as radiant as ever.

“Hi,” she greeted him, puckering her lips for a kiss.

“Hey. Thank you for coming over.”

“Of course.” It wasn’t a long walk from the entryway to the living room, so by the time Atlas was done locking up, he heard her gasp. “Aww, Atlas, this is so sweet.”

“I know you want to stay low-key, so I’ve been looking up home date ideas. I figured something chill like this would be a good start.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him another kiss. “This is a great start, Atlas, seriously.”

Pride filled his heart as he released her. “Good. I ordered Chinese, and it’s on the way. These snacks should last us for the rest of the night. Did you bring a bag like I asked?”

“Yes, it’s in the car.”

“Good. I don’t want you to worry about driving back if you get sleepy. I’ll go get it if I need to.”

“Okay,” Sade agreed as she sat down on his couch. “This is really cute, baby. Thank you.”

“Anything for you.”

Atlas sat next to her, and they talked about their days. It wasn’t long before the food was delivered. After dinner, they started the show and began to play games. Three rounds of mahjong later, Atlas was upset over how good she was at it, but he didn’t mind losing to her. They ended up falling asleep on the couch, and he didn’t wake up for hours. When he did, he put Sade in his bed and went to get her bag out of the car, putting a new tracker on it in the process.

It took a second for Sade to stir, but Atlas didn’t mind. He continued to feast on her center. When she hummed, it was like music to his ears. Sade gripped the back of his head, rocking her hips against his face.

“I swear you’re using sex to keep me addicted to you,” she slurred, sleep thick in her voice.

“Is it working?” he asked, slipping a finger inside her opening.

“God, yes,” Sade purred as her back arched.

He stayed between her legs until she came on his tongue. Then he flipped her onto her stomach and slipped into her from behind. Each moan and whimper she released mixed with his groans and heavy breathing. Atlas wished she wasn’t pregnant and thathisseeds could plant life inside of her. Since that wasn’t the case, he’d have to behave and be patient...and come up with a plan to get rid of Dante—permanently.

Dante

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