He quirks a brow in a way that is uniquely his and doesn’t even pause as he kisses the fingers I’ve just licked. “I love you too, baby.” We both look down to see one piece of pizza remaining. I give him a questioning look and he nods indulgently. “Yes, even enough to give you the last slice.”
In a perfect world, I would have insisted that he take it, but instead, I grab it before he can change his mind. “Thanks, babe. I promise that after I’ve had the baby, I’ll let you eat again.”
I look around the kitchen for the special fruit pizza Leo usually sends for me. I’m ready to panic when Lucian points to the refrigerator. “It’s in there. I know better than to withhold sugar from my woman. Now finish eating and I’ll rub your feet before bed.”
I run back to where he’s sitting on the barstool and give him a smacking kiss on the lips. “You’re a rock star.”
“Fuckin-A,” he retorts as he pops me on the ass before rubbing it to soothe the sting. “Just so you know…I’ll be collecting that promised blowjob before bed.” Never one to make idle threats, he got exactly what he wanted…
Chapter Thirteen
Lucian
Aidan has been officially on leave for almost a month. He generally checks in via email weekly so I’m surprised to see his name on my cell phone display. My stomach drops when he doesn’t bother with pleasantries.
“Luc, something’s happened here today. I need to see you.”
It’s after six in the evening and I’m walking out of the office. Sam is waiting at the curb in the Mercedes. I acknowledge him with a nod when I slide into the backseat. “What’s going on? Has something happened to Cassie?” I keep my mind carefully blank. I want to offer my best friend the support he so obviously needs.
“She’s fine…but this does concern her. Listen, I’m on the road now. I’ll be in the city shortly. Are you going to be home?”
I don’t pursue the subject, not wanting to upset him while he’s driving. “Yes, come straight there.” He ends the call abruptly and I sit staring at the screen before putting it away. “There’s a problem with Cassie,” I say to Sam, knowing he can sense my tension.
“Any ideas as to what?” he asks while continuing toward my apartment.
“None. Aidan’s rattled though.”
“Maybe she’s taken a turn for the worse,” Sam suggests.
“He said that she’s fine, but this is something to do with her. Hell, she’s probably living with him by now.”
I notice Sam’s scowl in the rearview mirror and comprehend he’s no more excited by that thought than I am. It’s Aidan’s life and I can’t ask him to walk away from her, but at the same time, I need to keep her where she belongs—in the past. I’m not looking forward to more discussions concerning her, although I’m curious and more than a bit uneasy about what has him so agitated. It seems my life follows a predictable pattern, though. One month of peace and then some big upheaval.
“I don’t really like him being up there at her mercy,” Sam finally says. “She always knew how to get to him and I can’t believe it’s changed any.”
“I know.” I sigh. “But it’s his decision. We can only try to help him pick up the pieces again if something happens. He’s done that for me more than once so I certainly owe him that.”
We arrive at the apartment and I open my door to get out of the car. “Can you let me know later that Aidan is okay?” Sam asks.
I lean in to clasp him briefly on the shoulder. “Of course. Enjoy your evening.” I grimace as I walk away, thinking he’ll no doubt be doing just that with my secretary. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that idea. It’s too much like thinking of your parents having sex.
Lia is already yawning when I walk in the door. “Hey, baby.” I smile as she walks slowly toward me. One of my T-shirts drapes over her very swollen stomach to reach mid-thigh. Her feet are bare and I see the pink polish on her toes that I applied a few days ago when she was unable to do it herself. I chuckle when I notice she’s tied her hair up in the elastic she’d removed from my underwear months ago—at least I hope she hasn’t taken the scissors to another pair. No matter how many ponytail holders I buy for her, she still prefers her homemade version. Her quirkiness is just one of many things I adore about her. She walks into my arms and I inhale the floral scent of her hair as I nuzzle her neck.
“Hey, babe.” She snuggles against me as closely as her stomach will allow. “Are you hungry? I had a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and some soup when I got home so I’m still full.” She yawns again and I rub her back soothingly. “I thought I would lie down just for a few minutes. Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” I assure her. “Actually, Aidan is coming by to talk. Maybe I’ll just meet him downstairs and we can grab something for dinner while we chat. That way we won’t disturb your sleep. Want me to bring you back something?”