Page 20

Chapter 20

Carlito

The sound of muffled voices filters through the closed door of the guest room. I stand outside, leaning against the wall, trying to steady my breathing. The doctor’s words echo in my head, clear and inescapable: “She’s pregnant.”

I’m not sure what hits me harder—the shock of the news or the flood of emotions that follows. Relief. Fear. A fierce, primal protectiveness that courses through my veins.

I glance toward the door again, my hand hovering over the handle. Mia’s in there, resting after fainting last night. I haven’t seen her since the doctor arrived, but I can imagine the look on her face when she finds out. Will she be terrified? Angry? Happy?

I push the thought aside and step into the room. The air inside is thick with quiet tension, the faint scent of antiseptic lingering from the doctor’s visit. Mia stirs on the bed, her lashes fluttering as she slowly comes to.

Her hazel eyes meet mine, dazed and unsure at first, but then a flash of recognition flickers in them.

“Carlito,” she murmurs, her voice hoarse. “What... what happened?”

I pull the chair closer to the bed, my movements slow and deliberate, as if any sudden action might shatter the moment. “You fainted,” I say, my tone soft. “The doctor came to check on you.”

She sits up slightly, wincing as she props herself on her elbows. “The doctor?” she repeats, her brows knitting together. “Why?”

I hesitate, the words caught in my throat. How do you tell someone that everything they know about their life is about to change?

“Mia,” I begin, my voice steady but low. “You’re... pregnant.”

Her breath hitches, and she stares at me, unblinking. “What?”

“The doctor confirmed it this morning,” I say, leaning forward. “You’re going to have a baby.”

For a moment, she says nothing. Her hands move to her stomach, her fingers trembling slightly as they press against the soft fabric of her shirt.

“A baby,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “Mia,” I say gently, “this changes everything. You and our child... you’re my world now. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you both safe.”

Her gaze lifts to mine, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Carlito... I don’t even know how to process this,” she says, her voice breaking. “Everything feels so... overwhelming.”

I squeeze her hand, my thumb brushing against her knuckles. “I know it’s a lot,” I admit, my voice softening. “But I need you to trust me. Whatever happens, I’ll make sure you’re both protected.”

Her lips part as if she’s about to respond, but the words don’t come. Instead, she shifts her gaze to the window, her profile illuminated by the soft morning light.

The room falls into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of our breathing. As I watch her process the news, a single thought burns in my mind: This is my chance to make things right.

Mia shifts under the covers, her eyes darting toward the documents still scattered on the desk. Her silence is deafening, and for a moment, I wonder if she regrets telling me how overwhelmed she feels.

“Say something,” I urge, leaning closer.

She blinks, as though pulling herself out of a trance. “It’s just... a lot to take in,” she says softly, her voice wavering. “A baby? I didn’t even think...”

Her words trail off, and she bites her lip, her gaze dropping to her hands resting on her stomach.

“I know,” I say, my tone softening. “It’s a lot, but we’ll figure this out together.”

Her eyes snap up to mine, and there’s a flicker of doubt in them. “Will we, Carlito? Because right now, it feels like I don’t know you at all. And now... now there’s a baby in the middle of all of this.”

Her words hit hard, but I can’t blame her. She’s right—I’ve built walls between us, keeping her in the dark about things that directly affect her life. Still, the idea of telling her everything about my world, about who I really am...

“It’s not that simple,” I say, my voice firm but calm.

Mia laughs bitterly. “Nothing with you ever is.”

I feel the tension coil in my chest, but I force myself to stay grounded. “You’re right,” I admit. “But keeping you in the dark—it was never about controlling you, Mia. It was about keeping you safe.”

Her gaze sharpens, and for a moment, she looks like she’s going to argue. But then her expression softens, and her shoulders sag. “I don’t even know what to feel,” she admits. “One moment, I’m finding out my parents were hiding this entire other life, and the next, I’m... I’m pregnant. It’s too much.”

I move closer, my hand brushing hers. “I know it’s overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.”

The vulnerability in my voice surprises even me. I’ve spent my entire life keeping my emotions locked away, refusing to let anyone see the cracks in my armor. But with Mia, everything is different.

“I just need time,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You’ll have it,” I promise, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

The tension between us shifts, softening into something else entirely. I can feel it in the way her breathing changes, in the way her hand hesitantly brushes against mine.

I lean forward, my lips capturing hers in a kiss that is both tender and fierce. Mia responds, her hands threading through my hair, pulling me closer. Our tongues dance, a silent promise of love and protection.

As the kiss deepens, my hands roam her body, tracing the curves I've come to adore. I unbutton her garment, and I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of her pregnant form. Her breasts are fuller, her nipples darkening with arousal.

"You're so beautiful," I whisper against her neck, my breath hot on her skin. "I want to worship every inch of you."

Mia's breath quickens, and she arches into me, her hands tugging at my shirt, eager to feel my skin against hers. I oblige, shedding my clothes until I stand before her, my body hard and ready.

"Please, Carlito," she pleads, her voice husky with desire. "I need you."

I don’t need further encouragement. I lower myself onto the bed, my eyes never leaving hers. I kiss her again, my hands exploring her body, mapping every inch of her soft skin. I caress her breasts, pinching her nipples until they peak, and she moans, her back arching off the bed.

"Yes, amore," I growl, my hands sliding down her body, tracing the curve of her belly. "Let me pleasure you."

Mia's eyes flutter shut as I kiss my way down her body, my tongue leaving a trail of fire on her sensitive skin. I reach her navel, dipping my tongue into the hollow, and she squirms, her hands fisting in the sheets.

"Carlito, please," she begs, her voice breathless.

I smile against her skin, my hands gripping her thighs, spreading them open. I blow gently on her core, making her shiver, and then I lower my head, my tongue flicking her clit.

"Oh God," she cries out, her hips bucking against my mouth. "Yes, right there."

I oblige, my tongue working her sweet spot, my fingers sliding into her wet heat. I thrust my fingers in and out, curling them to hit her G-spot, and Mia’s moans fill the room. Her body trembles, her orgasm building, and I redouble my efforts, determined to bring her to the brink.

"Come for me, Mia," I urge, my voice hoarse with desire. "Let go."

Mia's back arches off the bed, her hands gripping my hair, holding me to her as her body shakes with release. I continue to lap at her, drawing out her pleasure, until she is boneless beneath me, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

I kiss my way back up her body, my hands caressing her softly. "You're incredible," I whisper, my eyes dark with desire.

Mia smiles, her eyes heavy-lidded, her body still humming with pleasure. "You make me feel incredible," she purrs, her hands sliding down my chest, wrapping around my throbbing cock.

I groan, my body aching for release. "I need to be inside you, Mia. Now."

She giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Impatient, are we?"

I don’t respond, instead capturing her lips in a hungry kiss. Mia wraps her legs around my waist, guiding me to her entrance, and I thrust forward, filling her in one smooth motion.

"Oh, fuck," I growl, my eyes rolling back in my head as her tight heat envelops me.

Mia’s nails dig into my shoulders, her body adjusting to my size. "You feel so good," she moans, her hips rising to meet my thrusts.

I set a relentless pace, my body demanding release, but I want Mia to come with me. I reach between us, my fingers finding her clit, and I rub in firm circles as I drive into her.

"That's it, Mia," I grunt, my breath coming in pants. "Come for me again."

Mia's body tightens around me, her inner muscles clenching, and she cries out, her orgasm rippling through her. I follow her over the edge, my cock pulsing as I empty myself into her, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

We lie there, our hearts pounding, our bodies slick with sweat. I roll onto my back, pulling Mia with me, her head resting on my chest. I feel her breath, steady and rhythmic, as she processes the intensity of what has just transpired between us.

"You're amazing," she whispers, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest.

I smile, my eyes closed, savoring the afterglow. "So are you, Mia. So are you."

Afterward, the room feels quieter, heavier. Mia lies beside me, her breathing steady as she stares at the ceiling. My arm drapes over her, but her body feels tense, like her mind is still racing.

“You’re scared,” I say, breaking the silence.

She turns to me, her eyes glassy. “Aren’t you?”

I don’t answer right away. Instead, I tighten my hold on her. “Only of failing you,” I admit. “But I won’t. I’ll protect you and this baby with everything I have.”

Her lips curve into a faint, sad smile. “I want to believe that.”

I press a kiss to her temple, my own fears swirling beneath the surface.

---

As the morning light filters through the curtains, a buzz from my phone pulls me back to reality. I glance at the screen, my jaw tightening at Leo’s message: Dominic has made contact with Mia. We need to act fast.

I finish reading the message and a storm begins brewing inside me, a mix of anger and urgency. Dominic isn’t just a threat to my world—he’s a direct danger to Mia and our unborn child.

As I watch her, the mother of my unborn child, I vow to do whatever it takes. She’s mine to protect, no matter the cost.