Page 52 of The Devil's Heir

Liliana

"What's wrong?" Joey asks as soon as we walk into the study.

I tried to put on a straight face, but apparently, I've failed miserably. Everyone is used to Jarek's broody expression, so I'm sure the question wasn't because of him. Forcing myself to smile, I look up at Jarek, who returns it with one of his own.

"Nothing is wrong—at least, it isn't anymore." Jarek winks at me before looking at his friend. "Have you seen your fiancé by chance?"

"Actually, no. She excused herself to use the restroom. I should probably go find her." Joey starts to walk past us, but Jarek grabs his arm, stopping him.

"I think you and your father should hear what I have to say first." Jarek releases Joey's arm and rests his other arm around my waist.

"What's going on?" Lonzo furrows his brows.

"Well, I was just accosted in the bathroom by Gina. That's what's wrong."

"Who is Gina?" The confusion on the older man's face makes me want to giggle.

"It's Gia, for fuck's sake, and are you fucking kidding me right now?" Joey growls out.

"Hey, you can ask Lily. She walked in and saw it all," Jarek states, then smirks at me. "My woman defended my honor."

I scoff at this.

"You have no honor, Jarek. I was staking my claim is what I was doing. Ain't nobody going to get their claws into you while I'm carrying your spawn," I taunt .

"Aw, you're jealous…" he teases, and I smack him on the chest.

"Down tiger. No need to throw me into a wall, too." Jarek steps away, holding his hands in a defensive gesture playfully.

"You threw Gia into a wall?" Joey asks incredulously.

"She was pretty barbaric in there." Jarek chuckles, and I roll my eyes.

"Was she okay?" Lonzo asks.

"She's still breathing, obviously," Jarek states dryly, then adds, "But I don't think I can let you marry my best friend off to a whore like that woman. I know she told you she's innocent, but she's far from it."

"What the fuck?" Joey turns to his father. "You were going to have me marry a lying whore?"

"Don't talk to me like that, bambino ! You will marry who I say you will marry!" Lonzo barks out.

Jarek steps forward. "Pardon me, but I think I have the final say as to who Joey marries, do I not? I don't want to pull this card, Lonzo. You know I have a lot of respect for you and would never go against your wishes for your own children, but I can't allow my friend to marry someone like Gina."

"Gia!" We all correct him simultaneously.

He gives us a mischievous grin.

"I would fight you on this, Falcon—boss or not—but I have to agree. I was duped into this contract, and now someone is going to pay for it." Lonzo tosses back his drink.

Joey breathes a sigh of relief, but it's short-lived when his father tells him he has a backup bride for him. He pleads with Jarek with his eyes, and I can't help but feel bad for the guy. Aside from being a killer like Jarek, he seems like a nice guy.

"Sorry, old friend, but I think I had better get Liliana home. I don't want to tire her out in her condition," Jarek says, using me as an excuse.

I don't say anything because I actually wouldn't mind returning home. I turn to our host and smile. "Thank you so much for dinner, Lonzo. Everything was amazing."

The older man takes my hand and brings it to his lips again, earning another growl from Jarek, but he ignores it. "It was a pleasure to have you, Bellezza. I wish my wife had been home so you could meet her, but she's visiting her sister for another week. "

"That's okay. I understand. I look forward to meeting her next time," I tell him. Jarek then pulls me from the room and out of the house. "Whoa, where's the fire?" I ask when we get outside.

"The fire is under that dress, and I need back inside to hose it off."

I burst out laughing, but when I look him in the eye, I realize he's dead serious. "Jarek, are we—"

"Shut up and get in the car, Lily." The raw hunger in his voice has me hurrying to get in, and when I slide over too far, he pulls me back to him.

Undoing his belt, he pulls himself out, grabs my hips, and settles me over his lap. "Ride me, pauper. Ride me hard, or I'll take over, and I can't promise I'll be gentle in the car."

My heart pounds rapidly as I lower myself onto his throbbing shaft. His eyes roll back into his head, and he sighs, making me feel powerful for the very first time in his presence.

We're heading to another doctor's appointment, and I'm a little excited. Today, we get to find out the baby's sex. Of course, I want to know; I don't know how any parent can go without knowing. I'm anxious to start buying baby stuff.

I know I should be thinking about leaving when the baby is born, but if I'm being honest with myself, I don't think I will be able to leave a part of me behind. Besides, things have been really good between me and Jarek. He's still the devil at times, but he's a devil who treats me like a queen.

"We've never discussed names," Jarek states, surprising me.

"I haven't really thought about names. I figured you would be the one to name the baby…" My voice is soft, and I let it trail off.

Jarek studies me and then takes my hand. Licking his lips, I wait because I can tell he has something on his mind; I'm guessing he's just searching for the right word. Finally, he asks the question I know has been eating at him.

"Are you still planning on leaving when the baby is born?"

The heat from his stare has me squirming in my seat just a little. I won't lie to him, but I won't get his hopes up either. I squeeze his and sigh .

"I can't answer that, Jarek. Things have been good between us lately. Can we just keep going and see where it takes us?"

He looks down at our entwined fingers before smiling at me. It's not his usual smile, not that he smiles often, but it's more of a sad kind of smile. He nods, though.

"Yeah, of course. I do want you to have a say in the baby's name, though. Regardless of whether you stay or go, I want them to know that their mother had a part in their name."

The corners of my eyes sting with tears threatening to fall. "Thank you. I would really like that."

Jarek raises my hand and kisses my knuckles just as the car pulls up to the clinic. "We'll take it one day at a time, and hopefully, one day, I can win you over."

I can't stop myself from leaning over and pressing my lips to his briefly. The conversation is dropped, and as we climb out of the car, I hear Jackson call out from the front seat.

"I have dibs on a boy!"

I chuckle, and Jarek grins as he shuts the door and leads me into the clinic, still holding my hand. I feel like a teenager holding hands. Never in a million years would I picture myself holding Jarek Falcon's hand, especially in public.

The doctor is already waiting for us. He has the ultrasound machine pulled up by the bed and he's placing items on a tray.

"Good afternoon, you can go change into a gown just like the last time. I'll try to be quick since I'm sure you need to urinate." He chuckles.

"You have no idea." I give a short laugh and go into the restroom to change.

It doesn't take me long, and when I come back out, I lie back on the table. The doctor covers me with a blanket before pulling the gown up so he has access to my stomach.

"This might be a little cold at first," Dr. Owens warns just before he places what looks like a scanner on my tummy.

I suck in, smiling as the cold gel startles me. He moves the wand around until we hear a thumping sound. Dr. Owens smiles.

"There's the heartbeat. "

We've heard it before, but it feels surreal this time, especially when he shows us where our baby is. I stare at the screen in awe, as does Jarek, while the doctor starts measuring the baby.

"Are you ready to know what you're having?"

"Yes!" Jarek and I answer simultaneously.

"Congratulations, Mr. Falcon, Lily. You're having a baby boy, and everything seems to be measuring normal."

I gasp and then smile happily at Jarek as he leans in to kiss me. I'm giving him a male heir. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

Jarek's phone starts buzzing. He apologizes and reaches into his pocket to silence it. However, it starts buzzing again, so he ignores it a second time. When it goes off a third time, he scowls and answers it.

"What is it? I am fucking busy!"

When I glance at Jarek, my smile drops as I notice his clenched jaw while he listens to whoever is on the other line.

"I'll be there shortly," Jarek growls into the phone before hanging up.

"Is everything okay?" I ask, concerned.

Jarek pinches the bridge of his nose as he answers, "There's been an explosion at one of the warehouses, and they aren't sure if everyone has made it out. I've got to go do damage control. Will you be alright if I send my other driver to get you?"

"Of course, go!"

Jarek leans in again, kissing me. I'm disappointed when he pulls away, but I know he has to go. Lives depend on it.

"Stay inside until Owens' guard comes to tell you the car is here. I'm sending him with the Bently."

"I'll be fine; just go."

I watch him leave and then sigh. Dr. Owens clears his throat, and I look over at him.

"If I may, Lily. I've known Jarek for years and never seen him act the way he does with you. You've changed him. I just thought you should know that."

"Thank you. I appreciate you telling me this. To be honest, I've seen the change myself, but I'm worried that it won't stay. I'm trying to remain positive and see how these next few months go. "

The doctor smiles. "You have a good head on your shoulders, Lily. Don't let him bully you into staying; give him hell when he steps out of line."

I chuckle. "You haven't seen what my hormones have done in recent weeks. I've learned that I have an inner bitch that doesn't care if she's yelling at a crime boss as long as I get my way."

Owens laughs heartily and moves the machine to the side to help me sit up. He instructs me to change and tells me he'll be waiting for me when I'm done.

After printing out the ultrasound pictures, he explains what to expect in my second trimester.

Although I have books that I've read up on, it's nice to hear it from a doctor, and I'm grateful for Dr. Owens taking the time to explain it all to me and answer all my questions.

Before I know it, his guard is knocking on the door, informing me that the car is here to take me home.

I text Jarek to let him know I'm leaving the doctor's office, but I don't get an immediate response. I'm sure he's busy, though. Waving goodbye to Dr. Owens, I let his guard walk me out to the car and open the door for me.

I sigh when I see the divider up between the seats; I'm really not in the mood to make small talk with someone I don't know. Resting my head against the seat, I close my eyes and let the drive back home help me relax.