baby would be almost a year old, and I pictured Abel holding his child tightly in his arms. It’s funny what a year could bring. How many changes could happen—some anticipated while others weren’t. I chewed on my thoughts for a bit.
The booms and explosions continued through the night while some of the guys spoke about the different kinds of fireworks they shot off as kids. I didn’t have any brothers, and didn’t realize what pyromaniacs boys could be until Mr. Gunner started telling childhood stories of Abel. He had an unhealthy obsession with fireworks and school bathrooms. People laughed and added their own stories. However, to my surprise, I experienced an explosion of emotion, like water bursting free from a dam. It was overwhelming, sweeping over me with its intensity. I had no idea why my brain chose that moment to consume itself with my mother, but it did. Maybe, it was the fact I was going to be a mother? Fuck, you’re an emotional wreck.
I shifted against Abel’s chest, needing to breathe in his spicy scent. His virile smell stirred up all sorts of sensations. My thoughts blurred, and all thoughts of my mother vanished along with the fear of my failure as a mother.
The party was winding down with some of the guests shouting their goodbyes. Abel’s parents kissed and thanked us for a lovely day. I promised they were on the list of phone calls to make as soon as I went into labor. I got up, needing to stretch and saw Cindy at the bar, chatting with the young bartender while Woody stood only a few feet away looking on. Where was Chance? I searched the sea of people and spotted his face through the sliding doors in the kitchen. He was helping Michael put away some of the leftovers. I continued my sweeping visual journey until my focus landed on Ender, Jake, and Jessie, who disappeared into one of the private cabanas. My breath caught in my chest.
“Are you going to deny that you’re turned on, my beauty?” His hands around my waist, and pulled my back against his chest. “Your pulse is racing, my love.” He tsked. Why was I ashamed to admit it? Because I’m pregnant and embarrassed he caught me in a lie? Would he be furious with me? It was a bit of everything. The trifecta. I did feel like a pervert and yet the woman in me was curious…even turned on. Fuck it. I was sexual, sensual, and expressive, and I liked to explore. Hell, look who I was marrying. Why lie?
I nodded and turned to face him, catching the desire in his eyes. I reached up on the balls of my feet and kissed him. He kissed me back and heat exploded between us. He wound his hand through my thick hair and gripped the back of my neck, pulling me against him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and ran my hand through his hair. Our kiss grew until he pulled back, and smiled.
“Do you trust me Gia?” His voice felt like silk over my skin.
“You know I do,” I replied, half annoyed because it was a stupid question.
“Do you trust me to give you what you need?” His voice held command. This was my Dom asking. Which meant this wasn’t a question but instead, a lesson…an experience he wanted to share.
He regarded my posture for a moment and then explained as only Abel could. “The only one that would breach your walls is me. I would never invite anyone into our life…into our bed. Because I love you too much to share. If there are clear boundaries, there will be no anxieties to demand of you what you are not ready to give—true intimacy. Not the physical kind, but the emotional kind. Nothing will be hidden between us ever.” He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand and waited for an indication I would follow him.
I nodded.
“In this place, if we have unhindered trust, nothing can destroy us—ever.”
“Trust…always,” I answered through a shaky voice.
He nodded and kissed the ring he put on my finger. He spoke no words, but led me to the private cabana.
The moon blinked in between the bursts of fireworks. We walked quietly around the pool and into the dark until we reached one of the private cabanas. The July air was uncharacteristically warm and sultry. Perfect. The night’s air electrically charged. Endorphins maxed out, and sex was in the