Page 24 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy

Twenty

J aneiro

We’d finally made it home after a long day. Erie had us out practically all day shopping for our babies and new home. It was her way of having her last bout of physical freedom because she’d soon have to be on bed rest. Three babies were a lot on her small yet curvy frame.

It had gotten dark out. To my surprise, there were more cars parked on the street than usual. Maybe one of my neighbors had a function going on. I pulled into my driveway and killed the engine.

“You all set and ready to go in, Bella?”

“I’m set and ready,” she replied.

Erie slipped into her chestnut-colored trench coat. I exited my truck and helped her out of the car. We walked up the three stairs to the front of the house. As I placed the key in the lock, Erie grabbed my dick.

“Bella, baby, now is not the time,” I stated between a laugh and moan.

“There’s always time, big papa.”

Her tongue snaked across her top lip, and that gesture alone had me brick hard. She gripped my dick harder when I turned the key and opened the door.

“Bella,” I moaned. “Not now, baby. It’s pe—”

“Ssh, baby. I’m going to take care of you, Ro.”

She dipped her hand in front of my joggers and firmly yet sensually massaged my dick. My head fell back and hit the coat rack. The sound of quiet chatter filled my ears, and my eyes popped open. I forgot about Erie’s surprise.

“Surprise!” Our guests shouted in excitement.

The lights were flipped on instantly. Erie and I were exposed to our families and friends. The looks on their faces were priceless. I was pretty sure our faces mirrored theirs. Erie quickly stuffed my dick back into my pants and shielded me.

“Erie, you so damn nasty. What have I told you about taking advantage of Janeiro?” Londen teased.

I smiled and mimicked the “oh well” emoji.

“He likes it,” Erie retorted without a care in the world. “Question is, what are you guys doing here? What surprise?”

Londen pointed to the banner over our heads.

Erie's eyes flitted the banner. She covered her mouth in shock. Londen pointed to the three-tier cake, sweets table, and gifts table. Erie’s sobs filled my ears.

I assumed that all the puzzle pieces came together for her.

Tonight wasn’t any old function but our engagement party.

Tonight was the night I’d make her my fiancée.

I removed the ring from my pocket and lowered to one knee.

Londen grinned and pointed for Erie to turn around.

She turned, and her tears trailed down her face.

My poor baby was a teary-eyed wreck. Her eyes left me and examined the ring I held.

She was in such disbelief at the moment.

I cleared my throat, prompting her eyes to focus on me.

“Erie, when I met you, I was a shell of a man. The facade I used to wear said I had my shit together, but I didn’t.

I was lonely, unfulfilled, and chasing after ghosts.

The moment your gentle spirit walked into my life, all the chaos quieted.

It was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

For that reason alone, I knew I had to be around you as often as I could.

“But honestly speaking, I wasn't ready to accept the mirror you made me look into. I’m ready now, though. I’m healing because of you and no longer chasing the ghosts from my past. It’s because of you I’m a better man.

“For that alone, there will never be a day where you’d have to question my love or loyalty. You own me, Bella, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am all yours, beautiful, and you are all mine. Will you please give me the honor of calling you my wife?”

Erie nodded adamantly.

“Yes! Yes, I’ll be your wife,” she expressed through her tears.

Loud applause and cheers erupted around us. I was grateful for the celebratory affection, but my sole focus was on my soon-to-be wife.

“Thank you, Bella.”

I slipped the custom made, diamond encrusted, princess-cut ring on her finger. She fell into my arms, and I held her tightly so she wouldn’t fall over.

“Ro, I love you forever and always.”

“The sentiment will always be shared. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world.”

Erie and I held each other a little longer before our family and friends came forward. Londen and my aunt examined her ring as she looked around.

“This is so beautiful, guys! When did you all find the time to plan this?”

Londen gushed over Erie’s ring then pointed over Erie’s head to me.

“It was all his idea. Janeiro had a vision, but he didn't know how to execute it, so he called in the expert. You know I done worked hella jobs in my life,” Londen replied, making everyone chuckle.

“Thank you so much, baby. I truly appreciate all the effort you put into making me happy,” she hiccupped. Erie stayed with the hiccups now that she was pregnant.

“It’s my job and my pleasure, beautiful.”

I kissed the side of her temple. Tonight was the first night of forever for us.

Erie

“Alright, alright, alright. It’s party time!” Londen cheered.

She led me through the kitchen and into the dining room. Ro's long dining room table was set in gold and white with all the table accessories to match. My fiancé pulled out my chair then took the seat next to me, which was placed at the head of the table. It was his home after all.

My dad sauntered over to us and kissed me on the forehead.

“Congratulations, Sweet Pea. Good shit, Ro. Our family is growing and thriving, and I owe a lot of this blessing to you, son,” my dad voiced humbly.

“It really is all my pleasure. Thank you for agreeing to give me Erie’s hand in marriage. Without her . . .” Ro’s sentence trailed off.

My baby had seen some really dark days in his life.

We hadn’t talked about if suicide was on his list once before.

Despite that, no such thing would come to light as long as there was breath in my body.

I would die for that man. Not to mention, I planned to spend every day of my life loving him a little longer and harder, especially during the tough days.

“Thank you, Daddy, for everything,” I professed.

“Anything for you, Sweet Pea. How are my grandbabies?”

“They’re doing well, Daddy. I love being pregnant, but I’m ready to have them already.

My back feels like it’s about to snap any minute.

I’m done after this. I know I can’t endure any more children after this bunch.

We won't be missing out on nothing. We got three our first time around.” I chuckled, and they all joined in with me.

“You may be right about that, Sweet Pea. I can’t wait to meet my youngins when they arrive.”

He rubbed his hands together like Birdman.

“Daddy, you're so silly.”

He took his seat next to Londen, and I entertained Ro’s aunt and uncle until it was time to eat.

While I ate, I took my time and really looked around the room.

There were beautiful 3D blocks decorated in gold and white.

The boxes were stacked on the floor of each end of the table.

There was a beautiful balloon arch adorned in gold and white glitter balloons.

I had never seen glitter balloons before in my life.

The other long table was filled with delicious smelling food. I was pretty sure they came from my café because I knew the aroma anywhere. They were my Gigi’s recipes. There were six different dispensers on another table that had my top-selling fruity teas in rotation.

That was when it dawned on me that my whole staff was there. I turned to my Ro abruptly.

“How did you get everyone here?” I asked excitedly.

“I paid everyone quite handsomely. I even paid for your café to be closed today so Londen could help decorate how she wanted, and they all not miss a day from their paycheck,” he responded.

“Baby, I truly love what you did, but you didn’t have to pay them for today. I could have done that,” I expressed.

Janeiro turned in his seat to face me. “Again, Bella. I got enough money to spend in three lifetimes. I’m excited I get to finally spend it. My money is your money. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so wipe that pout off of your face.”

Ro leaned over, and I sucked his full lips into my mouth. I trapped his face between my hands, and we kissed sloppily like we always did.

“That’s the reason y'all in the situation y’all in now,” Raquel stated.

I knew her seductive voice from anywhere. Ro and I pulled apart to see Dawn and Raquel standing before us. I smiled and wiped my gloss from his lips. Ro looked at me and smirked.

“When did this happen?” I probed, looking at the two of them.

“This . . .” Dawn pointed between them, “. . . is still pending. We’re just getting to know each other for now,” Dawn replied.

Raquel wrapped her arms around Dawn’s waist and placed her chin on her shoulder. “What she said. For now,” Raquel affirmed.

I clapped happily and snapped my fingers. “Yass, that’s what I’m talking about.”

“Thank you, Erie boo. But you’re all talk,” Dawn tossed at Raquel.

“You’ll see. We’re going to get food. See y’all in a bit,” Raquel fired back. They walked off hand-in-hand.

My gaze moved around the room. There were so many gifts that couldn’t fit on the table anymore, so they surrounded the table on the floor.

People came over and talked to us for a bit.

After a while, I grew tired, and I was stuffed.

My cooks recreated my Gigi’s recipe with ease.

Tonight was superb, but I focused on my lover. He wasn’t a social butterfly like me.

“Ro, are you comfortable with all of these people here?” I pried.

He had acclimated to being a loner for years. I wanted to make sure he didn’t ever experience being alone again. His past caused him to stay away from crowds. It also could have been because of what he did for a living.

“I’m okay, love. You know how I feel about crowds, but I’m toughing it out for you, Bella.”

“Thank you.” I kissed his cheek sweetly.

More food, sweets, and drinks were served, then Londen announced it was gift opening time. I opened at least ten gifts. I could no longer proceed through the party. The walking and shopping today tired me out. I felt my feet and ankles swell in my boots.

“I’m sorry, y’all. There’s no way I can get through all these gifts at the moment, but I’m so grateful for all the thoughtful gifts. My feet and ankles need to be elevated.”

As soon as those words left my mouth, Ro hopped up and helped me to my feet.

“Londen and Aunt Bianca, can you all take care of everything while I get Erie situated?” he quizzed politely.

They both agreed. My dad rushed over from his seat.

“Is everything okay?” he queried, worried.

“I’m fine, Daddy. I just need to relax some and elevate my feet. Please thank everyone for me. I’m sorry I can’t.”

“No need to apologize, Sweet Pea. We all understand, and for those that don’t, fuck ’em. Simple as that.”

My dad was with the shits at all times. Even in a professional capacity, he spoke his mind freely.

“Before you retire for the evening, I want you to have this.” He placed a black journal in my hands.

“What's this, Daddy?”

“It’s your brother’s journal. I’ve been cleaning out his apartment, and I stumbled upon it. I’ve read a few entries. I think you should too. You don’t have to now, but one day, you should. You might get some much-needed answers.” He kissed my forehead.

“I appreciate it, Daddy. Good night.”

“Get some rest, Sweet Pea.” He went back to his seat.

I turned to Londen and Aunt Bianca.

“Thanks again, ladies. Tonight was so special and beautiful.”

I kissed them on their cheeks before Ro helped me upstairs to our bedroom. Once I sat on the bed, he removed my boots and my sweater.

“Whew!” I exhaled. The freedom I felt once my boots were off was such a relief.

He helped me scoot to the headboard. I released another deep breath. I was always out of breath. The load I carried weighed heavy on my chest and bladder. No matter the direction I moved in, I was always out of breath. Ro sat on the bed and massaged my feet and legs. They were pretty swollen.

“Did you enjoy your surprise, Bella?” He applied a little pressure to my ankles.

“Mm,” I moaned. “That feels so good, and yes, baby. I loved it. Thank you for making me feel on top of the world.”

Ro’s hands slid up to my thighs. An accidental moan escaped my mouth. Janeiro pulled his hoodie over his head. He bent down and kissed his way up my thighs.

“I want my dessert I didn’t get a chance to get earlier.”

I released a sexy sigh. “Eat up, handsome.”

My head fell back from the pleasure his tongue delivered to my thighs. Before I knew it, Ro attacked my clit, and my back arched off the headboard. Whenever he performed oral on me, he always put me to sleep. Tonight was surely no different.