Page 63 of Mafia Handbook

Chapter Twenty-Six

Three months later…

Bash heldonto Milena’s hand as he pulled his convertible into his parking spot, spinning the diamond ring he’d placed on her finger last weekend. He’d taken them back to The Cliffs, served her dinner on the floor of the conservatory, and then made love to her for hours after she’d agreed to marry him.

“I hope he has your eyes,” Milena sighed beside him, admiring the photo from the advanced ultrasound in her hand.

Turning off the ignition, “I hope he inherits my dick size.”

“Sebastian Kelly. That is my son you're talking about.” Milena chastised, smacking his check with the back of her hand.

“Face it, Sweetness, girls are going to be lined up around the block to get a piece of our son. It’s my job to make sure he knows how to handle them.”

“And by handling them, you mean be kind and respectful.”

Leaning over the console, Bash tipped Milena’s chin up to meet his. “Sure, whatever you say.”

Milena smiled lovingly at Bash; he’d shown her so many sides of him in the last three months. From the serious side when he’d testified against Oakley, helping the courts send her to federal prison for a minimum of twenty-five years. And even his vindictive side when he’d suggested she spend those years computer and internet free. The kind side when he befriended Gil, setting him up with a counselor who was helping him manage his addictions. To the side she loved best, the gentleman who opened her door and indulged her cravings in the middle of the night.

Opening the door to the building, Bash waited as Milena crossed the threshold, covertly adjusting himself as he eyed her baby bump. If someone would have told him the sight of seeing a woman carrying his baby would give him the biggest hard-on of his life, he would have called them crazy. Yet, as he watched her push the elevator button, he couldn’t help but think of how quickly he could get her up to his office.

Taking two steps back, Milena allowed herself to melt into Bash’s embrace, loving nothing more than to have him caress her stomach.

“I love you, beautiful,” Bash whispered into her ear, meaning every single word.

Moving to turn her head and return the words, her progression was paused as the elevator doors opened and a shocked Gretchen walked out.

“Sebastian? Oh, my god, I was just in your office looking for you.” Gretchen pointed over her shoulder, her eyes drifting to Bash’s hands circling Milena’s swollen belly.

“I can’t imagine why, Ms. Lewis.” Bash deadpanned. He’d given up on avoiding the clingy bitch and was headed toward filing a no trespassing order.

“Ms. Lewis?” Gretchen scoffed. “I’d say, given our intimate history, we are way passed formalities, wouldn’t you?”

Bash opened his mouth to tell Gretchen where she could put her intimacy when Milena pushed out of his embrace.

“Wait, weren’t the two of you engaged?” Milena pointed to Gretchen, the diamond ring noticeably absent from her finger.

“I,” Gretchen stammered, the smirk on her lips falling, face going pale.

“What the fuck are you talking about, Sweetness?”

Milena turned her body to face Bash. “The day I came here to speak with you, after I found out I was pregnant, Gretchen bragged to Melissa and I how you’d surprised her by dropping to one knee and giving her this massive ring. Guess I’ll have to return this one to you,” Milena shrugged, raising her left hand and wiggling her fingers.

“The fuck you will, Milena.” Bash growled, taking her hand and pressing it to his chest before darting his gaze in Gretchen’s direction. “Get the fuck out of my building. I catch you here again and I will have you arrested for trespassing.”

Gretchen moved to plead her case when the elevator door opened up and a frazzled Slate came storming out.

“Woah,” Slate stopped abruptly, the leather bag over his shoulder falling forward. “You’re back. What’s the verdict?”

Ignoring a retreating Gretchen, Milena held up the ultrasound photo. “It’s a boy, Jamisson.”

Staring down at the photo in Milena’s hand, Jamisson felt a twinge of jealousy. He’d hoped for more children with his ex-wife, but life had other plans. “Heaven help us all. I don’t think the world is ready for another male Kelly.”

“Ready or not, he’s coming.” Bash spoke proudly. “Where you off to in such a hurry?” Pointing to the bag at Jamisson’s feet.

“Got a call from Wizard. Quick Silver sent an encrypted mayday message. I’m headed there to help.”

Bash knew there was more to the story, but given present company, he’d call Slate later for the details. Quick Silver was a company owned by a friend of theirs who’d employed former military to escort civilians and support personnel across zones occupied byterrorist organizations.

Milena’s heart felt full as she watched Bash cross the small space, taking Jamisson into a hug and slapping him on the back.

“Be careful, man. Make sure you check in and get your ass back here as soon as you can. My son is going to need Uncle Jamisson to teach him how to fold origami or some shit.”

Tucking Milena under his arm, Bash watched as Jamisson ducked out the door and ran toward his car.

“Come on, Sweetness. I have a corner of my desk upstairs that hasn’t been christened yet.”

The End