Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
The only other person he could abide was Antwone, and that was because the man was his brother.
He fucking adored Maria. She was sweet, kind, and so fucking funny. Even though he was supposed to be taking care of her, he had this feeling she was in fact taking care of him. They worked together.
Like now, he sat on the bed, waiting for her to come out of the bathroom. This was a social, full-dress event. He was in a tux, and he wasn’t interested in going. Maria had made him choose the dress, and now she was getting ready. Everyone hated her, but he kept her on his arm.
There had been no other threats to Antwone’s title, or to their history. The men who had left, Draven had paid them a visit. They refused to even acknowledge who he was. They had wanted out of the life. Draven had given them the means, and in doing so had made them loyal to him.
The only other concern he had now was the pesky little problem that hadn’t shown up last month. Maria’s cycle.
He’d never contacted the doctor like he planned. There had also been the problem with condoms. Using them was somewhat difficult. The first couple of months hadn’t been much of a problem, apart from when her cycle showed up and he couldn’t fuck her. Then last month, Maria had looked troubled, scared even.
Draven refused to think about it. He tried to convince himself she wasn’t pregnant, but in the back of his mind, he knew she was. She tried to hide the fact she’d been throwing up in the mornings, and she could no longer drink coffee. She had to enjoy dry toast and water for breakfast. He also noticed her clothes were tighter.
Draven had spent many hours exploring his wife’s body. He knew she was changing. Her body was getting thicker, and he didn’t have a problem with that. But, it also meant she was pregnant. Draven would have to start making plans. He didn’t like the thought of forcing her out of his life.
“What do you think?” Maria asked, stepping out of the room.
The dress he had chosen molded to her tits, but then curved out, so he didn’t have to worry about the growing bump he was sure was expanding by the day.
“You look stunning,” he said.
“I haven’t even twirled yet.” She gave him a twirl and giggled as she did so. “Now what do you think?”
“Now I think it’s awful.”
She threw her head back and laughed. “You’re lying.”
“That I am, but I also think you need something else to go with this.” He reached behind him for the box of jewelry he’d stopped by to collect.
“Draven, you didn’t have to.”
“My wife deserves the very best.” He opened the box, where a pair of diamond earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace waited for her.
“It’s … wow,” Maria said.
She had to wear this tonight. Draven had purchased them so she stood out. The whole room would know who she belonged to. She was his wife, and he was going to have to give her up. He would never make a good father.
Draven couldn’t allow her to give up her child, even though he was tempted. At the same time, he wanted her to have their child. He felt an overwhelming urge to touch her stomach, but he stopped himself. If he did that, then their time would have to come to an end. Maria would have to leave.
“I don’t think I can wear these.”
“You can.” He took the jewels out of the box, placing them on the bed. “Your wrist.” She held her hand out and he slid the bracelet on. It fit perfectly. Next, he took care of the necklace, and when it came to the earrings, he placed them in her palm.
Maria disappeared into the bathroom, only to return minutes later. She looked exactly as he hoped, like his queen. This was what Maria deserved.
“Do we have to go out tonight?” she asked.
He chuckled and walked toward her. Reaching out, he gripped the back of her neck and pulled her in close. “Yes.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “But when we get home, I’ll make it worth your while.”
They were on borrowed time. He should have worn that fucking condom.
Taking Maria’s hand, he walked her downstairs to where Calvin was waiting. He opened the door, and then he climbed into the back of the waiting car. Draven waited for Maria to climb in first, and then followed in behind her.
He didn’t let her get too far, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her in close. Draven wanted to keep her. Staring into her blue eyes, he knew he couldn’t. The risk was too great. In the back of his mind, he saw the image of his father … how evil he looked as he took the strap to Antwone on that final day. Draven had made a vow right then, he would never have children.