Page 16 of Shiver

“If that’s all, we’re done here,” Samara says, standing and effectively ending the meeting without another word. We each reach across the table to shake hands as Cecily’s big blue eyes stay cast downward, never once meeting mine.

This just feels so… off.

***

“Thank you, Samara,” I tell her as she walks me down to the lobby.

She nods. “You’re welcome, Luca.” She continues ahead of me until we’re at the front doors. “I’ll call you with updates. Have a good rest of your day,” she says before strutting off in the direction of her office.

I wouldn’t exactly call her shift in attitude warm and fuzzy, but it’s a positive improvement from the way she’s been speaking to me since we first met. Rome had warned me that Samara would see through all of my “pretty boy charm,” as he calls it, and considering at one pointhehad been the biggest player of the two of us, I can imagine he’s speaking from experience.

My eyes snag on her hips as they sway with her, that snug pencil skirt hugging against every one of her perfect curves.

If she weren’t my attorney anddidn’t want to punch my lights out,I’d love nothing more than for her to come all over my tongue while she rides my face with those thick thighs.

Jesus Christ,I need a cold shower.

I haven’t gone this long without an orgasm since I was a fucking teenager.

I shake the thoughts out of my head, and instead, I revel in the relief of knowing that Gia,my kid,is going to really be mine soon.

Now, it’s just a waiting game.

Chapter fourteen

Samara

Sunday, July 12, 2026

“Alright, sis, it’s time to tell me why you polished off three glasses of wine already tonight.” Vea eyes me speculatively. Before I can respond, she puts both of her palms up in surrender. “I’m not judging you, but this isn’t like you.” She leans forward to grab her own wineglass. “So spill.”

I groan, leaning back into the royal-blue couch cushions.

Nosy pain in my ass… always knows when something’s bothering me.

“Aren’t we supposed to be planning your wedding anniversary?” I question, trying to change the subject, but I know it’s futile. Once she’s gotten her claws in something, she doesn’t let go.Maybe she should’ve been the lawyer.

“Yeah, don’t give me that. Tell me what’s really on your mind ‘cause I know you don’t wanna hear about your older sister getting some ‘causethat’show I’m celebrating my anniversary.”

“Lord Jesus, woman! Can you chill?” I yell, snatching the pillow beside me as I try and fail to suffocate myself out of this conversation.

“Damn pillow is too breathable,” I grumble before tossing it at her instead.

She dodges it and cuts right to the chase. “Is it the IVF? Have you decided to try another round or something?”

I blow out a breath, already wishing I could crawl into bed and hide from this conversation. “No, Vea, I’m not doing it again. I justcan’t.”It nearly killed me the first five times.

“Well, why not? I know it ain’t the money, so what is it?”

“You know, for someone who carries on about being so damn sensitive to other’s feelings, you don’t seem to be doing a great job,” I snap, feeling bad about it the moment the words leave my mouth. I’ve always been a little impulsive with my words when I feel personally attacked. It’s as if I’m being backed into a corner, and the feeling makes my mouth move faster than my brain can seem to. Luckily that doesn’t extend to the courtroom when it’s my clients under attack.

Her expression softens, and she places a hand on my thigh, squeezing gently. “All I’m saying is that thereareother options. You don’t have to give up entirely. Even if it isn’t IVF.”

I nod slowly. “I know there are other options, but I’m a single Black woman. Please tell me where the adoption agencies are that are jumping for joy for applicants like me. I’dloveto know.”

She gives me an incredulous look. “Exactly.” I shake my head.

“Your feelings are valid, as are your concerns, but why not surrogacy or one more round of IVF? There’s more than one way to start a family, Mara,” she says, hope lacing her words.

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