Chapter 31

In the lush calm of the garden, I sit with Elena and Lily, sipping tea while basking in the delightful vibes of a golden afternoon. It feels like one of those snapshots of time you wish you could just freeze.

“We’ve been brainstorming names for the little guy,” I say, giving my tea a lazy stir. “Got any ideas?”

Lily, eyes lighting up, throws in, “How about Jonas? I’ve always thought that was a cute name.”

Elena snorts, amused, “Not bad. But knowing Luk, he’ll probably want something with a bit of a badass vibe.”

We all crack up, picturing Luk’s face upon hearing our cute, gentle suggestions. It’s the kind of laughter that makes your sides ache, the kind that comes from deep within when you’re with your people.

Curious, I ask, “What about you two? Have you ever considered diving into motherhood? Maybe someday?”

Lily nods, a dreamy look on her face. “Yeah, if Mr. Right ever decides to show up. I do find myself fantasizing about having my own little family, though, regardless of whether he does or not. There are so many options today that would allow that to become a reality.”

Elena’s response to my question, however, is quite different from Lily’s. She bursts out laughing, almost spilling her tea. “Me? Please. I’m swamped with trying to keep this family’s heads above water. I can hardly fit in a date, let alone think about kids.”

I nudge Elena playfully. “Don’t close your heart. Love’s sneaky—it shows up when you least expect it, and suddenly, you find yourself making room for it.”

Elena rolls her eyes, but there’s a smile behind them. “Okay, okay. I’ll keep an open mind. But only because you make it look so good.”

Lily adds, “Seriously, Elena. Love could be just around the next corner, waiting to surprise you.”

Our laughter fills the air again, weaving through the afternoon’s soft light and the shadows it creates. Our talk drifts from dreams to dares in the kind of heart-to-heart talk that stitches souls together.

Lily checks her watch. “All right, break time’s over. We have salmon for dinner tonight, so don’t spoil your appetites.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Elena says.

As Lily excuses herself, a shadow of concern crosses my face, pulling me away from the serene moment.

Elena, always the observant one, nudges me, her voice low and warm. “What’s up? You’ve seemed off since we sat down.”

I let out a sigh, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched. It’s probably nothing, right? Just residual effects from everything that’s happened.”

Elena’s expression turns serious, her brow furrowing. “Maura, in our world, ‘probably nothing’ can mean a whole lot of something. But with Sharon gone and the Bratva’s grip tighter than ever, who would dare?”

“I know, but…” I trail off, the unease staying with me.

Elena nods understandingly. “Listen, there’s always someone looking to stir the pot, especially when they think the top dog might have a weak spot. But you know Luk, he’s always three steps ahead.”

Her words are meant to comfort me, but the knot in my stomach tightens. “I should tell Luk, shouldn’t I?”

“Absolutely,” Elena agrees with a nod. “If there’s something to it, he’ll find out what’s going on and deal with it. And if it’s nothing, then at least you’ll have peace of mind.”

She’s right, as usual. “Thanks. I just hate adding more to his plate.”

Elena smiles, placing a reassuring hand over mine. “Dealing with shadows is part of the job description for him. Besides, he’d want to know if something’s bothering you. You are his number one priority, no matter what may already be on his plate. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.‘

Elena’s curiosity shifts, her eyes lighting up with a new interest. “So, how’s the pregnancy going? How are you feeling?”

I can’t help but beam, my hand automatically cradling my growing stomach. “Honestly, it’s amazing. I was scared at first, but now, I love it more than I thought possible. Feeling him moving around in there, it’s like a little miracle.”

Just as our conversation deepens, Elena’s phone buzzes on the table between us, breaking the moment. She glances at it, her expression turning back to business. “Ah, it’s a message from Grigori. Bratva stuff; you know how it is.”

I nod, understanding all too well the demands of the Bratva side of our lives. “Of course.”

Elena looks up at me after reading the message, a smile returning to her face. “Hey, let’s go grab lunch in the city tomorrow, just us girls. What do you say?”

“I say that sounds wonderful,” I reply, genuinely excited at the prospect of some normalcy.

Elena stands to leave, promising to text me the details of the following day’s lunch plans. Left alone with my thoughts, I am forced to realize how my life has taken so many unexpected turns in such a short period of time, but sitting there, in the serenity of the garden, I wouldn’t change a thing.

My mind wanders to the blessing I received from Father McCarry. A warm feeling of acceptance and understanding envelops me. It’s given me a new perspective on my relationship with Luk.

Lost in thought, a sudden vibration from my own phone pulls me back to reality. It’s a text from Luk.

Need to see you.

Those four simple words send a thrill through me.

I hurry through the sprawling mansion, my steps quick and light. I can’t help but smile and throw hellos to the staff as I pass.

The moment I step into our bedroom, I’m hit with a massive wave of desire. He stands by the window, the afternoon sun framing his ridiculously handsome features. He’s wearing a suit that fits him perfectly, highlighting his broad chest and shoulders and every lean muscle in between. I can’t help but want to skip the pleasantries and dive right in. Just the sight of him makes my pussy clench, and my panties are immediately soaked.

“What’s up?” I ask, trying to sound casual and not like I’m mentally drooling over him. But who am I kidding? I’ve been head over heels for this man from day one, not just for the power he wields so effortlessly but for the softness he shows only to me.

He turns from the window. “How are you feeling?” he asks. I melt at the question because, despite everything, his first thought is always my well-being.

“Good,” I say with a grin. “The morning sickness is hit or miss, but I’m hanging in there. How are you?”

He smiles at me, one that’s only meant for me, and says, “I’ve been trying to work, but it’s been difficult because I can’t stop thinking about you.”

I step closer, reaching out to touch the lapel of his suit. “Is that so?” I tease, my tone low and sultry. “And here I thought you were all about business during the day.”

He reaches for my hand, bringing it to his lips in a gesture so filled with love that it swells my heart to near bursting. “With you,” he whispers against my skin, his eyes never leaving mine, “it’s always personal.”

Everything else just fades away. The luxury around us, the weight of our roles, the endless responsibilities—it all just disappears.

He leans in closer, his voice a soft caress in the silence of our room. “You know,” he begins, his eyes glowing with a mixture of pride and something deeper, more intimate, “this pregnancy… it’s brought out even more beauty in you, something I didn’t even know was possible. You’re radiant.”

His hand finds its way to my belly bump, and a surge of love floods through me at the contact. It’s more than just a gesture; it’s a connection, a shared moment between the three of us. I lean into his touch, cherishing the warmth of his palm.

Our eyes lock, and without another word, we kiss, deep and passionate, our souls mingling. The kiss is a testament to everything we are, everything we’ve been through, and everything we’ve yet to become.

But as things start to heat up, I pull back slightly, my heart hammering against my ribs. He looks at me, concern etching his handsome features. “What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with worry.

I take a deep breath, my nerves dancing under my skin. ‘I’ve been thinking,’ I begin, the words tumbling out in a nervous rush. ‘There’s something I want to try. Remember the gifts you gave me a while back?‘

The change in his expression is immediate. His eyes darken, a grin spreading across his face, one that says he’s been hoping I’d come around to this idea.

He doesn’t need to say anything; his grin says it all. He’s been waiting for me to embrace this part of our relationship, to explore this facet of our connection together.

“Do you know where they are?” I ask.

He nods slowly, stepping over to one of the dressers and opening the top drawer.

“I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I took it out of your room after that night. I figured you had enough to deal with, and we’d revisit the matter when the time was right.”

He turns slowly, the leather collar in one hand, the nipple clamps in the other. The sight of him standing before me, those tools of pleasure in his grasp, gets me so damn wet that I can hardly think straight.

With measured steps, he approaches the bed. My eyes are locked on the tools.

“How do we use them?”

“Let me show you. First, we decide which to start with. Ladies’ choice.”

My eyes flick back and forth between the clamps and the collar. I’m excited, more excited than I’ve been in a long time.

“The collar. Seems like it’s a little more straightforward.”

“It certainly can be. But there’s an art to it.”

As he comes over to me, my whole body is tingling. Slowly, carefully, he slips the leather collar around my neck. The material is cool and smooth, and as he locks it shut, I feel a sense of arousal. There’s a small key, and he shows it to me before placing it in the drawer of the nightstand. The long, metal chain of the collar hangs from the side, pooling onto the bed.

A thoughtful expression crosses his face.

“What is it?” I ask.

“The sub/dom dynamic requires trust and care. And once those matters are established… well, you’ll see how good it can get.”

“I trust you,” I say. “Totally.”

“I know. But there’s still the matter of the safe word.”

“The safe word. Right.”

“How about… Guinness.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Because I’m Irish.”

One side of his mouth curls up in a sexy grin as he replies, “Either that or vodka.”

“I’ve always been a tall-pint kind of woman.”

“Guiness it is.” He takes my chin into his hand and tilts my head up gently. “If anything happens that you’re even a little unsure of, say the word, and we’ll stop. Don’t ever feel like you have to do anything you don’t want to do. Just say the word. I want total comfort and consent.”

His words accomplish exactly that. “Okay. Let’s start.”

Another smirk. He walks slowly from the bed and sits down in the chair in the corner of the room.

“Come.”

He tugs the chain gently, enough to make it go taut. He uses just enough force to pull but not to hurt. I rise from the bed, and he slowly pulls the chain more and more, guiding me over to him.

Soon, I’m standing before him.

“Think of this leash as an extension of my hand. Where it guides you, you come. Understood?”

“Understood.”

He seems to place extra emphasis on coming as if he knows precisely the effect he has on me.

“Let’s begin.”

He tugs the leash gently, guiding me toward his mouth. We kiss, his tongue finding mine, his free hand lifting my shirt and pulling down my pants. I help him, and soon, I’m nearly nude before him. His touch explores more of my body, caressing my breasts, teasing my hips, and venturing between my thighs just enough to send a fresh wave of arousal through me.

He tugs the chain again, this time guiding me to my knees.

“Open my pants.”

I do so happily, undoing his leather belt, buckle, and zipper before reaching inside, taking hold of his cock, and pulling it out. My mouth waters as it always does at the sight of his manhood, long and thick, hard and dripping, just for me. I can’t resist leaning forward and licking his head, tasting the salty bit of precum at the end.

“Someone’s jumping the gun,” he says with a smirk.

“Sorry. Couldn’t help it.”

He pulls the leash gently again, guiding me back to his cock.

“Since you’ve already shown such initiative,” he adds with a wink.

Luk doesn’t need to say another word. I go right back to work, extending my tongue and licking him up and down his length. God, he tastes so good, so perfect. His cock is like a treat, a delicious dessert I can’t wait to devour. I alternate between licks and kisses, glancing up at him, loving the way he gazes down at me while I work.

When I’ve teased him enough, I open my mouth and take his head inside, lavishing it with my tongue as I suck. I glance up; my look is heavy with arousal. I move my lips down further, taking more and more of him into me.

Luk curls the rest of the leash’s slack around his fist. When there’s only a few inches left, his hand right by my head, he pulls down slowly, lowering me even further, more of his cock entering my mouth.

“See?” he asks. “A little guidance goes a long way.”

It’s hard to smile with my mouth so full, but his words nearly make me do it. To my surprise, deepthroating him isn’t uncomfortable. It feels natural, even. Luk has merely pushed me past my limits to a place I’d deep down wanted to go.

He guides me off his cock, his length glistening. He stands.

“On the bed.” The leash slackens.

I do as he says. Luk steps over to the bed, and I follow behind him, crawling. The sensation is strange but good. I feel like I’m his property, like he’s truly claimed me.

Once at the bed, he guides me with the leash to my feet, then onto my back upon the bed.

“Spread your legs.”

I do as he commands. Luk drops to his knees, covering my inner thighs with kisses before moving between them. He spreads my lips and begins to lick, slowly, with the flat part of his tongue. The pleasure is immediate, insistent, and incredible.

I run my hands through his thick, dark hair as he eats me, his tongue dancing over my clit, his fingers moving in and out. The pleasure builds and builds, and I come in no time.

I arch my back as he sends me over the edge, releasing a cry of total delight, Luk licking me through the orgasm. He stands up as it fades, slipping out of his clothes and pouncing onto me. Within moments, we’re wrapped up in one another’s arms, Luk’s cock gliding into me with the ease it always does.

My eyes go wide as he fills me to the brim. The anticipation the leash provides brings things to a new level of intensity, and soon, he’s pounding me hard, driving into me with powerful, deep thrusts. I open my eyes just a bit to watch his thick cock split me in two over and over, his muscles flexing with each drive.

“You’re so goddam sexy,” he growls.

“And this body?” He reaches down and grabs the fleshy part of my hip. “It’s mine. All mine.”

“Yes,” I moan. “Yes, it is.”

The words are a surrender, bringing both of us quickly to orgasm. Pleasure courses through me, a sensual eruption accompanied by Luk tensing up, his cock pulsing inside of me, draining his seed. I focus on our bodies and our breaths as we rise and fall together.

When our climaxes wane, he’s at my side, holding me close. The sub/dom stuff… it’s intense. And I know we’ve just scratched the surface. All the same, Luk understands the importance of making me feel loved and secure after it’s done, making sure I know that the foundation of our experimentation is pure, sweet love based on trust.

He kisses my shoulder, placing his hand on my belly. “You’re my everything, love.”

I smile, nestling into his body.

“Don’t ever forget that,” he adds.

It’s his final command of the evening, one I’m more than happy to obey.