Chapter 35: Bonus Chapter One
3420words
"I am going to pretend I didn't hear that," her voice was soft yet there was an edge to it.
His body tensed, surprised by her ambush. Slowly, he turned to gaze at his wife. Not expecting her behind him while he talked to their head of security. One hand on her hip, she was tapping her foot on the carpeted flooring. Her gaze threw daggers at him.
If looks could maim...
Rick, the head to her detail, coughed to hide his chuckle. Having witnessed this scene numerous times, he was not surprised anymore that his bad-ass employer was afraid of his petite wife. The only one who could make him quake in his boots.
"Do." Viscount Redington uttered and dismissed him. She arched her brow.
Amused at his defensive reaction, she reigned it in. Consternation filled his handsome features. She kept her expression bland though. It was always good to keep him on his toes. Or on his knees.
"Sweetheart," he pushed closer to her until he could wrap her ample waist with one arm, while the other caressed her rounded belly. His son kicked him in a greeting, making him grin boyishly. "Hello there, son." He adored moments like this.
Just like that, she lost a big fraction of her ire.
He flashed her another panty-dropping smile. Unrepentant.
Her hormones acting up, she slapped his chest to return to the topic at hand. "Really, Nick? I already have four gigantic men trailing behind me. You are going to add four more?" Now, this was really vexing her. She found his possessiveness super hot, especially in the bedroom, regardless, she did not want those said bulky bodyguards cordoning her like she was the Queen of England, every time she decided to go out with her besties.
Add Louise's protective detail, they were like trailing the whole football team, times two!
"I have an important meeting with the club today, sweet. I need you safe. You know I won't be able to concentrate if I am not there to protect you." Her husband murmured the words on her neck, kissing and nipping her exposed skin. She shuddered in delight. Desire pooled at her most sensitive places.
Okay. When he put it that way...No! "Stop distracting me." She protested a bit breathlessly.
He raised his head, merriment filled his dark brown eyes, loving the effect he had on her. "Is it working?"
"You know damn right it is. And you are not playing fair." Sin almost stomped her foot in frustration. He smirked, looking smug. Gathering her closer, her protruding stomach preventing him, he groaned.
Thwarted from his strategy, trying a different tactic, he cradled her petite form in a swift move and carried her to the bedroom they decided to occupy on the first level of their townhouse.
In her third trimester, at 36 weeks, ready to pop, one of his fears was his wife tripping while climbing up and down the stairs to their master suite in her condition. So, her lord husband decided to renovate several rooms connected to his study and now they were using them until she gave birth. Or until the elevator was installed.
Sinclair rolled her eyes at his stunts. Got distracted when he laid her gently on their new bed, following her down, settling on her side, careful not to crush her with his weight.
"You look so radiant, my lady." He murmured, his gaze on her heaving mounds. Fuller now because of her pregnancy. He lately couldn't get enough of her beauties. Her nipples hardened in anticipation. "Hmmm, you read my mind, sweet."
Sinclair was wet instantly. "I am sure I looked like a beached whale."
He chuckled huskily, peppering kisses on her flushed cheeks. "My beached whale."
"Watch it!" She warned, however, there was not much heat in her tone. Rather than continuing their argument, she lost before it began anyway, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down. "I will make you pay for that."
"Looking forward to it. It would be my pleasure." He met her kiss with a groan, ravaging her mouth, showing her how crazy he was for her.
***
She didn't enjoy defying Nick. But she really needed the time away from him.
For some stupid reason, she wanted more air to breathe without her husband smothering her around the clock.
Marriage to him was bliss. No question about it. Every day, she was thanking her lucky stars he found her and pursued her until she surrendered. Loving him and being loved by him was her destiny.
But she was about to lose her mind!
These past few months, he has become so overbearing. If he could wrap her in a bubble wrap, he would.
He was on her heels all the freaking time and had decided to guard her in the bathroom every time she had to pee, despite her aghast reactions.
Enough was enough. She had to draw the line.
At thirty-six weeks, the petite viscountess was so restless and feeling out of sorts, that she decided to meet Dinara, her also very pregnant new bestie, at a cafe, before their prenatal appointment.
Of course, Nicholas would be waiting at the clinic after his meetings. Her due date was fast approaching and she had no willpower to stop him. And she loved him too much to hold a grudge.
But he was not aware of the change in her schedule. She had just decided to visit a popular high-end store.
"I can't believe we just devoured that," Dinara complained with an exhausted moan. Empty plates and glasses on their table, mocking them.
Sin nodded. Feeling miserable because of the amount of calories she consumed in one sitting. "As soon as this is over," she pointed at the somersaulting melon in her tummy, "I am going to enroll on a strict regimental diet plan. I think I've gained another fifty pounds." She added in disgust.
Her friend giggled. "My thoughts exactly. But your husband will still worship you if you weigh a ton."
Viscountess Redington rolled her eyes even though she was blushing. Nick had just demonstrated this morning, so thoroughly, how much he adored her despite her size. He left her gasping, fully sated from multiple orgasms before he departed for a meeting at the club. The memories made her miss him.
Damn! She loved that man.
"Ha, lucky you." Easily reading her lascivious thoughts, Arie smirked when her friend blushed deeper.
"We still have more than an hour to spare. I saw this store in a magazine last night. Let's go there." Sinclair changed the subject right away.
"More shopping? Lead the way." The blond mafia goddess uttered happily.
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Nicholas
"The French Mafia could be involved. I have discovered some documents, manifests of questionable cargoes pointing in that direction." He announced.
Cerdic's golden orbs narrowed in thought. "That is highly possible. We should investigate more on that front. That is the first lead we had in months." The gang they had been pursuing vanished overnight. Nevertheless, their disappearance didn't stop the club from digging deeper.
Redington nodded. His fingers were busy tapping his keyboard. "I will get more information from the French Police and Interpol. They will have records of operations and arrests. That should provide us with more data."
The four of them were quiet for a while, engaged with their respective contacts. Searching for more ways to expose society's scum.
Almost done, nearing luncheon, they relaxed for a drink, murmuring thanks to the club's butler serving them dishes and bourbon.
"You should be preparing you know," Sandringhan muttered from his desk. "Don't you have those birth lessons to go to?"
Huntly chuckled. "Trust me, this old chap here is a pro, having attended several of those for weeks. Nick will soon have his doula license." He added, jesting.
The men in the room cracked up at the baron's joke.
Shaking his head, a smile playing on his lips, he growled. "I can't wait till it's your turn, assholes."
This time Nick served his comrades celebratory drinks. "Cerdic, I hope you are next." He raised his glass in a salute.
The duke gave him a hard stare before draining his half-filled tumbler. But he didn't confirm nor deny anything.
"Hey, what about me?" Sandringham asked.
"Your sister might marry before you," Nick added, his gaze still on Cerdic. Knowing it would happen whether his leader liked it or not. It was just a matter of when. No one could escape fate.
"Yeah. Maybe." Jared agreed. "I also have a promise to carry out before anything else. Fuckdamn! I couldn't find any leads yet." His baby-blue eyes filled with worry. "I am running out of time."
"The General will have the answer soon. Be ready." Cerdic reminded him.
"Of course." The Marquis answered.
"We have your back, Sandringham." Redington reminded him. "Always will." The least he could do for the woman's sister, who saved his life. "By the way, when will Mountford be back? He is already missing a lot."
"Soon. We would have to extract him behind enemy lines." Cerdic said.
"I thought it was just a simple mission." Huntly scowled.
"It was supposed to be. But you know how dramatic the Prince Regent can be." Nicholas was worried. The Earl had been gone for quite a while.
"Don't worry, I already have a plan in motion. I too want him home very soon." The Duke assured them.
***
The meeting took forever. He was practically jogging to his car as soon as they adjourned, praying he would not be late for Sinclair's prenatal appointment.
He tapped the speed dial as he joined the light traffic. "Sweetheart?"
"Umm...Nick?" She picked up his call after several rings.
"Where are you? I am on my way to the clinic." Concern laced his tone.
There was a pause on the other line. He sighed. Knew what she was about to say. And was not pleased at the sudden change in her schedule. Especially when he was at least thirty minutes away from her. He made a mental note to have a serious talk with her security detail.
Moreover, the nursery's storage closet was almost filled to the brim with everything their baby could possibly need. But he couldn't find it in him to stop her from doing something she enjoyed.
"Shopping, baby." She finally answered.
He grunted. "Where? I'm going to pick you up, sweet."
"I'm with Dinara." Sin confirmed.
"I know." He knew everything there was to know about her new best friend. "Share me your location and wait for me there. I miss you."
She giggled, making his heart flutter. "Okay, baby." His annoyance vanished in an instant.
There was a ping on his phone and he glanced at it. "Got it. See you in a bit. And don't you dare lift those heavy shopping bags." He growled. Her answer was a beautiful melodic laugh, making him putty for his wife once more.
God! He loved that woman so much.
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Sinclair
"Nick is on his way." She informed Arie. Looking at the number of large shopping bags and boxes on the floor, she grimaced. "Jesus. I spent a lot."
"Me, too. But the onesies are just so cute. I couldn't resist getting a dozen for each color. Plus, have you seen those pink baby blankets with ruffles?" Dinara puffed a breath.
"Don't worry. We have at least three SUVs waiting at the curb. Our purchases will fit the trunks and backseats. Or we could have them delivered." She suggested.
Her friend nodded. "Let's wait for your husband at the curb before he gets feral."
Good idea. She was missing her husband suddenly, wanting to snuggle in his arms and stay there for her afternoon nap.
Rick nodded at them respectfully when they exited the shop.
They were descending the steps at a slow rate but the screech of several cars got her attention. She paused. Startled. The hair on her nape stood, alarming her of the threats coming their way.
"Watch out!" Dinara screamed and shoved Sinclair down on the pavement, behind huge pots of plants, to take cover. "Five me a fucking gun." She demanded from Rick, turning into a ferocious woman. Glancing at Sin, she uttered. "Stay down. And don't come out until it's safe." The fierce girl instructed before she joined the fray.
Having found her voice, "Arie!" Sin shouted. Her friend should also be protecting herself instead of entering the gunfight.
Who was attacking them? The thugs came out of nowhere. God! Nicholas would be livid.
Instinct made her curl into a ball, trembling as bullets flew around her. She could hear glasses shattered and people screaming, running in different directions.
Her stomach tightened and she felt warm sticky liquid flow between her thighs. Seconds later, she smelled blood. Oh, no! This was too soon. This couldn't be happening. Not now.
Shivering, she tried to remain calm. But her breaths were too shallow and she could feel her heartbeat beating too fast.
When rough hands grabbed her from behind, pulling her roughly, she screamed. "No! Help!" More blood dripped between her legs.
Hearing her desperate cries, Dinara ran to her, shooting the two men about to abduct the viscountess.
More bullets were exchanged.
Then silence.
Sinclair's gaze blackened but a sudden wave of contraction kept her awake.
Also holding her stomach, Dinara hovered over her, kneeling suddenly.
"Get us to the hospital. Our water broke." The mafia princess clasped her belly more firmly, her face twisted in pain. "Sinclair. Hold on."
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Nicholas
"At 36 weeks, it's viable. Your son's nervous system is strong. It's safe to deliver."
"Nick," she sobbed, one hand on her stomach while her right hand gripped him just as tightly.
He gritted his teeth, leaned to kiss her forehead. "Sweet. Everything will be okay."
"Our son," she uttered weakly. Her voice was barely audible. Her soft brown eyes suddenly lost focus and she lost consciousness.
"What is happening?" Alarmed, the Viscount stared around as everyone got busy. Machines were immediately hooked to his wife, showing numbers he couldn't interpret.
"Prepare for C-section. Now!" Their physician rap out orders to the nurses. More doctors entered including Huntly.
Commotion surrounded them.
"Let the doctors work on your wife Nick." EJ tried to push him outside the delivery room.
"No! Sinclair! I need to be there. Let go of me!" It took three of his friends to hold him down. He growled, trying to free himself so he could go back in.
"There is nothing you can do in there, buddy! Let them save your wife and son. Calm down! It will be fine." Huntly tried to reason with his friend. Careful to keep his expression professional, belying his own panic.
Nicholas stopped thrashing, gulped in much-needed air, and slumped on a bench, tremors made his fingers tremble while he gripped his dark locks tightly. "Fuck! What is happening, EJ? I can't lose them."
"To be honest, I don't know. She may have lost a lot of blood. Or the baby is in distress. But Sinclair is young and she is strong. Trust that Redington. Be strong for her." The baron clasped his shoulder.
The other two sat beside him. Silently supporting him. Breaths bated. Prayers on their lips.
Soon, more family members arrived. His mother and sisters, bringing the other things they would need, left to prepare the VIP suite for Sinclair and his son. Their positive actions gave him hope.
Nicholas would have to cling to that. If anything, he could trust his lady to survive this.
They both will. No other outcome was acceptable. He would die if he lost his wife and baby.
The chaos he had arrived to at the scene, his wife writhing in pain, had almost paralyzed him.
Recovering quickly, he barked orders to his men, picking Sinclair in his arms, making sure the Mafia princess was also taken care of before he climbed into the backseat of an SUV.
Not giving a damn about anything else, he shouted at the driver to bring them to the nearest hospital. Hounding the poor chap until he was navigating the busy streets like a maniac.
Closing his eyes tightly, he prayed with all that he was.
***
He could be waiting for minutes, hours, days. None of that mattered as soon as he heard tiny irate cries from the operating room.
His son! Sinclair.
The Viscount heard joyful roars and tearful laughter around him but he couldn't celebrate yet. "My wife?" He addressed the person coming out of the room.
"She is sleeping, my lord. Your wife did great. Come meet your heir." The seasoned nurse gently placed a tiny bundle in his waiting arms.
His whole body jerked. Tears prickled his eyes. So small. So perfect. So precious. "Your son will have to stay at the NICU overnight for observation but from the tests we did at the delivery room, his heart and lungs are strong despite being born four weeks short. Such a strong warrior." She added with a wide smile.
He nodded, reluctantly handing his sleeping son back to the waiting midwife.
"I want to see my wife now." Nicholas's voice was gruff, anxious to be by Sinclair's side.
"The aftercare team is almost done. You can wait in the recovery room." She suggested.
"No. I will wait here." God! He had to see for himself she was okay. He was losing his mind. His heart ached, wanting to hold her.
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Sinclair
Groaning, her tired eyes fluttered. "Nick." She mumbled groggily.
"Sweet," she felt his lips on her hair.
"Water, please." Her unused voice croaked.
"Just this for now." He wet her dry lips with a soaked cotton. Then her lips parted for a small piece of ice chip. She moaned at the treat.
More aware of her surroundings after his ministrations, she started to remember what happened. "My baby!" She tried to get up. Nick gently pushed her down.
"No, Sin. Lie back down." He covered her firmly with a soft familiar sheet. Smiling, he cupped her cheek reverently. "You have given birth to a beautiful baby boy. Our son. I am so proud of you, sweetheart. I love you so much." He embraced her tenderly.
"Oh, Nick. I love you, too." Tears of joy spilled from her eyes. "Where is he? I need to hold him." Her breasts began to ache. The front of her hospital gown was soaked.
Understanding what was happening, he leaned to the headboard and pressed a button.
Doctors and nurses entered with wide smiles. Then a midwife was pushing a cart inside the room. She could see tiny arms and feet kicking vigorously.
"He is awake and very vocal." The pediatrician picked him up and brought him closer to the new parents. "I believe this cute boy is yours."
"How are you feeling, Lady Redington?" Her OB asked while her vitals were checked, satisfied when everything was normal. "You have to take it easy for a few days."
"I need to feed him." Was her only answer but she nodded to acknowledge the doctor.
Her eyes trained on the tiny precious human she and Nick created out of love. The pediatrician nodded, gently placing the bundle of joy in his mother's arms.
"Here you go, my lady." She uttered. "He is 7.9 lbs and growing more by the second."
Nicholas Stafford grinned, eyes bright with unshed tears, never straying from his wife's beautiful countenance.
"Thank you." Holding her son was pure bliss. Warm tears spilled to her cheeks. "Oh, Nick. He is stunning." She said in awe. "He has your eyes. Your nose. Your lips. A mini you." She giggled. The sound so pure and heavenly.
The staff left the room silently, giving the new family some privacy.
It was so natural for her to guide him to one of her swollen nipples. She sighed in relief when he began to suck and warm milk began to flow freely to his rosebud lips. Soft sounds of him feeding filled the room.
"Jeremy Nicholas 'Nico' Stafford VII." She uttered while she was holding their son to her chest.
"You honor me, Sin." Her husband was gazing at her in wonder. His dark eyes filled to overflowing with his endless love for his lady. "Today is my late father's birthday."
"Oh, Nick, baby. This is the best gift ever. Your father would be so proud."
"He is."
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