Page 128 of Beneath Scarred Vows

"You're a fucking lunatic having another," Marco says. "Though," he says, taking a drink, "we're trying also, so…"

We all start laughing.

"You all sound crazy. I'm never having kids," Theo says after taking a drink. "Too many women out there."

"Just wait. That's what we all said, and now?" Marco says, looking at the women. "We'd have it no other way."

"Speaking of the woman of the hour," Gio says.

"What are you all plotting over here?" Katerina's voice cuts through our conversation as she approaches, one hand supporting her lower back, the other resting over her belly.

My pulse quickens at the sight of her. Even if she feels like she's going to explode, she still moves with a grace that captivates me. And I like the way her hair falls in waves around her shoulders, catching the afternoon light.

"Mrs. Kastaris," Marco says, bowing his head slightly. "We were just telling your husband what he's in for."

Katerina raises an eyebrow. "And what exactly is he in for?"

"Sleepless nights," Enzo says.

"Complete loss of control," Gio adds.

"What they mean is, the utter destruction of his fearsome reputation," Marco finishes with a grin.

Katerina laughs. "Bold of you to assume he has any control now." Her eyes find mine, filled with that particular challenge that's been driving me wild since the day we met.

I close the distance between us, sliding an arm around her waist and drawing her against my side. Her body fits perfectly against mine, even with the rounded belly between us. I press my lips to her temple, inhaling the scent of her.

My hand slides down to rest on her stomach. I feel it then—a strong kick against my palm. "She's already stubborn," I say.

Katerina covers my hand with hers, her wedding ring catching the light. "Just like her father," she replies.

Everyone laughs, and I shoot my brother a look.

"I think she knows your voice," Katerina says, looking down at where our hands rest together.

"Of course she does," I say. "She knows I'm her father."

"I hope she has your eyes," Katerina says.

I lean down, pressing my lips to hers in a brief but possessive kiss. "I hope she has everything of yours," I murmur against her mouth.

Gio clears his throat. "And on that note, I think we'll leave you two alone."

The Bonventi brothers and Theo excuse themselves, moving toward the bar set up on the far side of the garden.

I keep Katerina close. "How are you feeling?" I ask, scanning her face for any sign of discomfort or fatigue.

"I'm fine, Ares," she says, rolling her eyes. "You don't need to ask me every five minutes."

"I'll ask as often as I want," I counter. "You're carrying my child."

"Our child, mister," she corrects, a flash of that familiar fire in her eyes. "And yes, I know that makes me your most valuable possession right now, but?—"

"Not a possession," I interrupt. "My world, Katerina. My heart. My future. My everything."

"Gosh," she says, playfully hitting my chest. "When did the fearsome Ares become such a romantic?"

"When a woman saw the man instead of the monster." I press my lips to her forehead, lingering there.