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Nikolai is already moving, reaching out for his phone.
Though his face is calm, I can see the tension in his jaw, and the sharp focus in his eyes.
“Let’s get you more comfortable.” I say, pressing a kiss to her damp forehead as I help her move. “I’ve got you, beauty.”
Her legs are still trembling from the aftershocks of her orgasm, or maybe it’s the sudden shift into labour as her body is already working to bring our baby into the world.
I slide my arms around Chiara’s body, careful and steady, lifting her from the soaked sheets.
She makes a soft, startled noise as her hands grip my shoulders, but she doesn’t protest.
Of course she doesn’t.
She trusts me.
I carry her out of our bedroom and into the next room—it’s one we’ve set up for the birth of our baby.
Everything is ready here, and the space is warm, dimly lit, exactly how Chiara wanted it.
The bed for her to rest is already prepared, and extra towels and sheets are stacked nearby.
But before I can even think about helping Chiara get settled in, I need to get her changed first.
“Can you stand for me, beauty?”
I murmur into her hair as I ease her feet onto the floor.
My hands stay firm on her waist, holding her steady as she sways slightly.
“I think so.”
She whispers, leaning into me, resting her forehead against my chest.
I run my hands down her back, grounding her.
“I’ve got you. Just keep leaning on me.”
Nikolai’s voice carries from the other room, smooth and levelled as he speaks into his phone.
“Yes, her waters broke a few minutes ago. Mikhail and I will set everything up now.” There’s a brief pause. “She hasn’t said anything about contractions yet, but we’ll be ready for you.”
Reaching over, I grab the loose dress from the cabinet we set aside for this very moment, and I slip it over her arms, gently guiding it down her body as I help her become dressed.
My fingers brush over her swollen belly, and I feel how tight it’s now become.
Chiara’s breath hitches slightly, and I know it’s happening now.
The first contraction.
Her fingers tighten around my arms, her body tensing. The pain is enough to make her suck a sharp breath in.
Shifting my stance, I steady Chiara with one hand on her lower back, and the other supporting her as I press it under the curve of her belly.
“Breathe, Chiara.” I murmur, my voice soothing. “Let me help you.”
She exhales shakily, pressing her body further into mine.
She relaxes, just slightly, as I slowly begin swaying with her, rocking her body from side to side.