Page 118 of Corrupted Pleasure

Yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of curiosity. Or something. I always wished for a big family and this was my chance for it.

“Why was Alexei Nikolaev at City Hall?” I asked Liam.

He hesitated to answer for a heartbeat too long. “Your sister knows about you and wants you in her life.”

Everything is happening too soon.

“I don’t know.” I hesitated. The girl scared of rejection was still deep down inside me. “I have everything I want right here.” My voice was hoarse, but I meant it. They said blood was thicker than water and familial bonds would always be stronger. But in my case, it wasn’t true. My grandfather was the only blood family that mattered to me, along with my girlfriends and my husband. It was all the family I needed for now.

“You have connections, don’t you?” I asked, never lifting my head.

“Yes.”

“Can you make it happen that my mother never gets out?” I didn’t regret the words that came out. My grandfather taught me to be fair and forgiving, but only when a person deserves it. My mother didn’t.

“Yes.”

And that was it. I knew without a doubt he’d make it happen, and she’d never be able to hurt anyone again.

“Do you want to meet your father?” I shook my head.

“No, I don’t.” I didn’t even have to think about it. Senator Ashford blew his chance. He knew about me and swept me under the rug. My grandfather never revealed the details of my birth and my father’s identity, but he was honest. When I was old enough and asked the question about my parents, for the millionth time, he finally sat me down and explained.

He told me just enough truth to understand my parents didn’t want a baby and then added to show me how happyhehad me. He’d always said that Grandma and I were the best things that happened to him.

“Do you want to meet your brothers and sister?”

“Maybe one day.” When I was braver and no longer planning heists with my best friends.

“Thank you, Liam,” I whispered. It was funny how the universe worked. Maybe I was meant to end up in his room three months ago. Or get caught by him in his office. So I could finally learn what my grandfather had said all along. Family was more than just blood.

“A-are you mad about the other stuff?” I rasped.

His big palm rubbed my back. Maybe I was a coward, but I didn’t dare to look up to see his face. So I remained, my forehead pressed against his chest and soaked up his strength and comfort.

“What have you seen, Davina?” he asked, his hand never pausing on my back.

“I saw a gun,” I muttered. “And I was proud you had a gun. You know, since you’re a gangster and all.”

“Gangster?” His chest rumbled with laughter.

“A kingpin of the underworld?”

A soft chuckle vibrated through his chest and straight to mine. My lips curved into a smile, feeling lighter. I liked him laughing.

“If you say pimp next, I’m gonna have to smack your pretty little bottom.”

“At least you think my bottom is pretty,” I teased and his hands lowered down to my ass, his fingers gently squeezing it. I felt his shaft harden, pressing against my belly and instantly my body responded. My hands came around his waist and I rubbed myself against his erection. “I also saw your family tree, and your father’s will with the clause about children. Then I read the will of Juliette’s parents.”

He tensed slightly, but his hands never stopped touching me. In such a short amount of time, this man’s touch became a necessity. I wanted his approval, his acceptance… his love. God, was it normal to want all that to happen this fast?

“I’m sorry,” I choked out, all the emotions thick in my voice. His hands came to my shoulders and gently peeled me away from him. He took my chin into one hand, his fingers holding it firmly. Lifting my gaze, I met his deep dark blues. He didn’t look angry. “I won’t say anything,” I added quietly. “About any of it.”

Even though Juliette already saw the birth certificate, it wasn’t my place to verify it. But I couldn’t betray her trust. I had to walk a delicate line here, keeping my husband’s and my friends’ trust.

Our eyes locked, it was hard to know what Liam was thinking. Obviously, he wanted me. His erection pressed against me, straining for me, just the way I seemed to crave him.

“Get on the desk, my céile.”