Page 61 of Storm

“You’re right. It’s a girl.” He scoots his body next to mine, lying down on his side, so he can continue prodding at our baby, who is more active than I’ve ever felt her.

“How do you figure that?”

“She’s as feisty as her mother.”

“Huh, and what are the men in this family like, then?”

Bringing his face dangerously close to mine, he hovers. So close to touching. “The men in this family are all enamoured with the women in this family.”

I can’t breathe. Give me strength. At my throat closing up, plush, warm lips meet mine tentatively. Forgetting about my game and that he’s the enemy of my salvation, I throw myself at Melek, grappling with his hair so I can push him further into our passion, ravenous for him.

Control isn’t something he gives freely. Extracting my fingers from his hair with brute force, he pins them against the glossy material at my back. “What about your pain?” he questions.

Moving my head closer to his, but still trapped by his hands holding mine down, I buck, whimpering breathlessly. “You fixed me. I’m all better.”

Just kiss me already.

He tilts his head, appraising me. “Just like that?”

“Yes, husband. You’ve got magic hands, okay? Is that what you want to hear? Now fuck me already.” That earns me a devilish smile and a smack on the hip, as close to my ass as he can get.

Unburdened, my husband doesn’t hold back, consuming every part of me, giving me every roughened part of him, and in all honesty, the old Melek is a familiarity I never thought I’d miss. This new, softer Melek who speaks his feelings is making me question every decision I’m about to make to leave him.

I’m untethered in this new contest.

CHAPTER 17

THE END OF THE BEGINNING

Multiple unknown footsteps stomp outside of the lounge room where Sunny and I were playing a game of Jenga in front of the fireplace. As soon as he heard shuffling at the front door, he was off, checking out the commotion.

“Mama, Mama!” My son squeals as he jumps up and down, now back from his investigations.

Using the couch beside me for leverage, I push up. “What is it, baby?” The small child looks ready to burst. His amusement is infectious, and my smile comes naturally.

“I can’t tell you,” he shouts and runs away.

That was odd.

Dark onyx hair falls in my face as I brush the oat cookie crumbs off the shelf I’ve created on my upper abdomen, thanks to my bump. I’ve given up on wearing anything that isn’t for comfort. Today, I have opted for one of Melek’s extra-large black T-shirts and some super stretchy cotton pants that are probably meant for exercising. The shirt smells of his spicy forest scent, and I have not been sniffing it all afternoon.

The Halo wives would have a field day if they saw me in such attire.

Huffing at having to leave the comfort of the position I’ve been locked into, I push my hair behind my ears and walk to the foyer, loud chatter travelling down the hall. There’s only one person who would be behind this, and he is meant to be working in his office. However, I find my husband with Sunny on his shoulders. Both of them are directing deliverymen to the upstairs bedrooms. Boxes line the curved wall of the staircase.

Melek notices my sudden appearance and cuts through the men walking up the stairs to get to me. As I watch him, I realise how much of a giant he is, bigger than the men he bypasses without care.

Tickling the sides of our son, he stands before me. “Did this guy tell on me?”

“Surprisingly, no. He told me he couldn’t tell me and ran away. Naturally, I followed the loud noises you were all making.”

The sheepish look he sends my way is new and makes my knees buckle slightly. “We have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise? Are you both keeping secrets from me?” Both of them look very pleased with themselves.

“See? I told you, Papa. I didn’t tell Mama a thing.” Sunny mimes zipping his lips. He’s too cute.

“I’m impressed. When can I see this surprise?”