I haven’t pushed the subject because I like how things are. Jace is there for me emotionally and Gio has been trying to be everything as best he can.
Which is why I’m so concerned. This could change so much. However, I never knew how much I wanted a baby until now. I jump when my phone rings.
“Hey,” I answer, seeing it’s Jace.
“Hey, I felt like something was wrong. Everything all right?”
“Jace, I think I might be pregnant. My period is late.”
“Really?” He says excitedly.
“It’s been about a week. I haven’t taken a test or anything. I’m too scared to.”
“I’ll go get one and come up. We’re almost done here.”
“He’s not coming tonight?”
“You do know it’s not intentional. He’s working and his mind is occupied. By the time the night ends, he doesn’t trust that either of us are alert enough not to lead someone to the house.”
“I understand and I want you with him to make sure he’s safe. I’m just starting to feel the distance, you know?”
“Yeah, I understand.”
I scoff. “I know a baby isn’t going to make this better. He’ll never come to see me.”
“I don’t think that’s true. That’s his one weakness. If he were a father, he’d be tied to you, and this would all be over. No Don, no dolls, nothing but you.”
“I doubt that…Jace, I could be having his baby. This would change everything.”
“It would.”
“You’re not upset?”
“No, why would I be?”
“Don’t you want children of your own?”
“Any child you have would be mine too. No matter who’s seed it comes from. I want all of us. Not pieces.”
“I wish there was a way to…” I clamp my mouth shut.
“To what?”
“It’s stupid. Forget it.”
“Nothing you say is stupid. What?”
“I wish I could have a baby by you both. You know, at the same time.”
“It’s not stupid, Ny. Look up superfecundation twins.”
“What? Like insemination? Would they do that?”
“Look it up. It’s not what you think. Hey, baby. Gio’s ready to go. You need me to head up with that for you?”
My stomach starts to hurt as my head spins. I’ll be twenty-one in a few days. Maybe I should wait until then to take a test and tell Gio. The thought takes root and I smile.
“No. Go get some rest. I’ll be fine. Love you, Jace.”
“Love you too, baby. Call me if you need me.”
Jace
I hang up and stare down at my phone. Gio is going to be pissed, but I couldn’t be happier. I’m getting a family. I had hoped to plant the seed about superfecundation twins before this, but I’ll take this baby just the way it’s been made.
“Everything okay?” Gio asks as he settles into the seat beside me.
“Yeah.”
“What’s with the shit-eating grin?”
“Nothing, nothing at all.”
“Good, I need to make a stop to talk to Gwen.”
“Gio,” I groan.
“I don’t like the idea of her working for the firm. Gwen should have known better. She can train the dolls. Fuck, send some of them to work for Gwen, but Ny is out of the question.”
“Did you notice she didn’t ask you for permission?”
“Marone, that’s the first fucking problem.”
“For you. She’s going to lose her shit.”
“I don’t give a fuck. I said no.”
“You should leave this fight alone. Things have been good. It’s been peaceful. You just might get what you want without rocking the boat.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.”
“Exactly, take me to Gwen’s.”
CHAPTER 31
If I Could…
Gio
Ny’s birthday is tomorrow. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the house. I hate this distance when she’s so near. When I was in Italy, it was different. We were oceans apart. Now, she’s a toll away.
However, Barbieri is still alive, and Riccardo is still in my little brother’s ear about a promotion that’s not meant to be his. He may not see me as a threat, but when he does realize his mistake, I can’t have him target the woman I love.
I’m lost in thought as Jace’s phone rings. He’s driving us to the house. We wanted to surprise Ny. I got her a fur coat and diamond earrings for her birthday. I hope she likes them.
“Hello,” Jace says as he places the phone on speaker.
My blood runs cold as Ny’s sobs fills the air.
“Nyla, baby, what’s wrong?”
She doesn’t answer me, she just starts to sob more. Jace doesn’t have to be told to hurry the fuck up. He steps on the gas to get us to her. We’re not that far from the house.
“Ny, talk to me,” Jace pleads as we clear the gate.
I’m ready to lose my shit. My heart is pounding. All I’ve done to keep her safe. If someone has found her and the house, I’m killing everyone.
“Nyla, please. What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I wanted it to be real. I wanted it so bad,” she cries.
“Oh, no,” Jace groans. “Baby, calm down. We’re coming. It’s going to be all right. I promise.”