Just as ecstasy became a constant current, he roared and lodged into her womb, jetting his seed, filling her to overflowing.
She jerked with every hot wave of pleasure, her insides quivering, overloading—then blackness....
* * *
Reluctant to exit that realm of bliss but eager to rejoin Rafael, Ellie’s eyelids drifted open. Slowly adjusting to the light, she saw he was now at the end of his expansive bedroom, theirs now, putting the last touches on his immaculateness in front of the full-length gilded mirror.
He met her gaze in the mirror at once, his nostrils flaring with that all-out passion she’d become addicted to and that now formed the foundation of her world.
“I didn’t want to wake you. You looked so peaceful. All I wanted, of course, was to disrupt that peace and corrupt that apparent innocence, but regretfully, I have an appointment.”
She kicked off the duvet he’d covered her with, stretching luxuriously, jutting her delightfully sore breasts at him. “One that couldn’t be postponed for a mere half hour?”
“Temptress. I’ll take it all out on you when I come back.” He strode back to her in all black, looking every inch the ruthless, unstoppable god of finance. “But for now, I’ll have one for the road.” Sitting down beside her, he pulled her into his arms, lips soothing her nipples, hands caressing her all over until she twisted in his arms, her breath hitching.
“Shh, let me take care of you, meu alma.”
Her thighs fell apart for him, and his fingers sought her core knowingly, tenderly, as they plunged inside. Pumping into her while his thumb ground her bud in circles, in the exact pressure and speed to spill her into a hot, sharp climax almost at once.
Melting in his embrace, she sighed. “Even when pressed for time, my fiancé knows how to give me a sample of delights to come, to ensure he leaves me burning for more.”
“It is my evil plan.” Suddenly his lust-hooded gaze turned serious. “Speaking of plans...I wanted to talk to you about something.”
She struggled to sit up, feeling this was big. “What is it?”
“It’s about Diego, and the bond we share. I want to offer him more than visits and sponsoring. I want to discuss the possibility of fostering him or even adopting him. I know he’s a little old to be your son, but maybe a younger brother...”
She leaped into his arms, clinging around his neck frantically. “Yes. Oh, God, yes, Rafael. Whatever you wish, whatever works. Diego is an angel and he loves you so completely. Oh, God, I love you so completely it hurts.”
His eyes and lips filled with such tenderness. “As long as the hurt is a good one.”
Burying her lips in his neck, she trembled with emotion. “The absolute best.”
Pulling back, he caressed her flushed cheek. “I shouldn’t have broached this huge subject when I have to run. But mull it over. Think practicalities and logistics. I realize it’s a lot to take on, but I want us to do it. For Diego, and for us.”
She nodded, a galaxy full of stars in her eyes as he kissed her and stood to leave.
Cupping her cheek, he pledged, “Eu te amo, minha Eliana, my answered prayers. The prayers I never even prayed.”
* * *
She went back to sleep as soon as Rafael left, dreaming such wonderful dreams. All vague and unconnected to their reality or the new possibilities with Diego. But she woke up soaring. And almost certain about something.
An hour later, after calling one of those pharmacies that delivered, the “almost” part was gone.
She was pregnant.
Sitting down, heart pounding, she held the strip with the vivid pink lines in her hand.
This was...too much. Everything was too perfect. Too incredible. Rafael on his own was already all that. But his love, a future with him, with Diego joining their family...and now a baby already?
She was certain she’d conceived that first time he’d taken her. He’d claimed her so completely, and she’d surrendered so totally that night, needing him to put his mark on her. And he had. His seed had taken root inside her and was growing into a precious, little miracle.
She couldn’t wait to tell him. Though he might be a bit disappointed he’d have to compete with his child so soon for her love and attention, it was up to her to show him he never had to worry. Her love for their baby would never interfere with hers for him. Never.
Jumping up, she dressed in a hurry, intending to surprise him. As he now no longer went to his offices on weekends, he was having his meeting in a hotel nearby. He never brought work and work-related people home. The only ones exempt from being considered work were his brothers.
Stopping, she groaned. She’d forgotten. He’d invited three of those intimidating Black Castle men for dinner.
After meeting the other two who were coming tonight, Raiden Kuroshiro and Numair Al Aswad, she considered Graves the lesser evil.
Rushing downstairs, she called Rafael’s driver, and Daniel told her Rafael had finished his meeting and was already back home.
Joy swept her as she rushed to find him. It was 6:00 p.m. and his brothers should arrive around eight. She had time to tell him the news. And maybe for one more lovemaking session.
Approaching his study—“their place”—she heard him talking. Slowing down, she debated whether to walk in or wait until he finished his call. Then she heard another voice. Then another. His brothers were already here.
Dammit. What were they doing here so early?
As she stood undecided about what to do, one of them said something. It was Numair. She’d recognize his arctic voice anywhere. And what he’d said hit her between the eyes like an icicle.
He’d said, “We put our bigger plans on hold so you could come to Brazil and get close to Ferreira. We did only because you wanted the satisfaction of looking him in the eye as you destroyed him.”
Before she could muster an explanation for those words, Rafael spoke and ended her fumbling efforts.
“Destroying him anonymously will do, as well.”
“Stick with your original plan, Numbers.” That was Raiden. Deceptively suave and even more deadly for it. “Once that guy is rotting in prison, you can walk up to him and tell him it was you who put him there. He wouldn’t be able to do anything about it or say anything to anyone.”
“Actually, your original plan is nothing compared to your new one,” Numair said. “Landing his daughter, making her spill his secrets, is your best weapon yet. Right after the wedding, you can use it to strike him down and be done with it.”
“Then you can tell him,” Raiden added. “With his daughter in your bed and at your mercy, he’d keep silent forever.”
Graves cracked a harsh laugh. “You, my boys, have no idea what kind of land mine you’ve just tripped over
