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Raven

Dylan

WIFE?????? RAVE!!!!! What’s going on?

Rachel

Looks like I need to update my wedding program

Allie

You little sneak. You ran off and got married on us?

Liv

Now we really have to talk.

Dylan

Tell my stinky brother he’s in trouble… Rave??? Where are you???

I’m in Hendrix’s giant bed again, wrapped up in linen sheets holding Haddy. She had her bottle and her bath, and she’s falling asleep with a pacifier, Axel, and her daddy’s pillow. I’m chewing the side of my nail trying to decide what happens now.

He did it.

He yanked off the Band-Aid and told the whole world we’re married. My mouth dropped open when he said it.

We watched him on the giant television in the living room, and Tack peeked his head in to offer congratulations. It’s the only time the giant, six-foot-four, 250-pound, former football lineman-security guard has spoken to me.

I said a quiet thank-you back, and he disappeared again.

On the one hand, having the news out is great for me. It takes the pressure off, no more hiding. It might even speed up the release of my trust fund.

On the other hand…

“One year. Six months! And we can separate after three…” I remember the day I proposed this unorthodox plan so clearly. I remember my promise not to intrude or try to change his plans. I remember promising it would be over so fast, and we’d go back to how we were before.

Now I realize how foolish I was.

My phone buzzes, and I expect it to be Hendrix. I can only imagine his family is blowing up his phone as well.

Amelia

Cha-ching! You’re rich, bitch

I exhale a shaky breath, not really feeling her joy and not really certain why, since that’s the whole reason I’m here in the first place.

Yeah.

Amelia

When are you coming home? I miss my squishy baby.

I chew my bottom lip as I watch Haddy sleep. Her face is so relaxed and peaceful after being so fussy. Every few seconds she’ll give her pacifier a little suck, but otherwise, she’s perfectly content snuggling in her daddy’s bed.

Going home…

The shades are open, and I look out the wide windows at the golden horizon. I’m rich. I have everything I wanted. I can make my dreams come true now. Why do I feel so sad?

Curling around Haddy, I watch the clear blue sky grow gradually darker. It’s another day of sun, not a cloud in sight.

I must’ve fallen asleep, because when I open my eyes again, it’s completely dark. I’m still lying on my side curled around Haddy, but a large, warm body is curled behind mine. It only takes one breath to recognize his rich vanilla scent.

Turning my head, I look over my shoulder at his sleeping face, and warmth rushes from my stomach to my toes. I shift carefully, doing my best not to wake him, but he blinks.

Blue eyes capture mine, and my chest squeezes.

“Hey.” My voice is quiet. “What are you doing here?”

Full lips lift with a smile. “I wanted to sleep with my wife.”

Another squeeze in my chest. “You said it. On national television.”

“My phone’s been blowing up ever since,” he chuckles. “My brothers either want to kick my ass or dogpile me.”

A laugh huffs through my nose. “The girls are going crazy, too.”

Sliding his hand over my cheek, he traces the hair off my forehead with his finger before leaning down to kiss me. Our lips part, tongues curling together. I turn fully to face him, and our bodies move together.

Heat radiates through my core. My hands move to his waist, drawing us closer, pressing my soft chest to his firm one. His cock is a hard bulge against my stomach, and he exhales a groan.

Oh, God, what are we doing—and why can’t I stop?

Rolling me onto my back, he kisses my cheek before lifting his head and looking over at our sleeping beauty. “She’s the cutest little cock blocker.”

With a quiet laugh, I turn my head to look at Haddy sleeping on her back with both arms over her head. “She missed you a lot. The entire time you were gone, she fussed.”

He smiles, watching her a moment longer before looking down at me. “Are you mad? I might have upended our lives, at least for a little while. ”

“No.” Lifting my hand, I trace my finger along the edge of his square jaw. How could I be mad at him?

“Good.” He leans down as if to kiss me again, but I straighten, pulling my body from beneath his.

He releases me at once, but my core is slippery and tingling. I’m a live wire of need, and I’m searching for anything to slow this down, to calm this hurricane.

“Fun fact…” I clear my throat. “Aristotle believed wind was caused by the earth exhaling.”

Leaning back on his elbow, a frown pierces his brow. “What?”

My nose wrinkles, and I scrub my fingers over my forehead. “We’re forgetting why I’m here.”

He falls onto his back, speaking as if he’s reading a script. “You’re here because you needed to get married so you could inherit your trust fund. So you could be financially independent. So you could follow your dreams.”

“That’s right.” I bend my knees, hugging them to my chest to calm my racing heart.

He rises again, hitting me with those gorgeous blue eyes like a lightning strike. “I said yes because I wanted to help you, because I wanted to know Haddy, because…”

A knot is in my throat. “Because?”

“Because you’re beautiful and smart, and I’m not sorry we have a daughter.” He moves closer, his heat invading my space, and my breath comes faster. “Up to this point, I’ve let you take the lead, Pink. I’ve let you set the rules, but I have needs too.”

“What do you mean?”

“You needed a husband, but it’s not a real marriage if it’s never consummated.”

“Hendrix—” I don’t know what to say.

“I’m not fucking my hand tonight, Pink.” His voice drops, and he holds me with his incredible force. “Tonight I want my wife. ”

My nipples tighten, and my lips part. “What about…” I glance at Haddy, and he’s off the bed in one fluid movement.

I watch him moving silently, my body vibrating with need. In a careful sweep, he lifts her from the bed along with his pillow and strides out of the bedroom.

My hands are trembling. My whole body is trembling. One word, and I could stop this. I could hold the line and insist we’re making a mistake.

He returns to the room, standing in front of me in boxer briefs and a gray tank top. His broad shoulders rise and fall with his breathing, and he hesitates.

Rising onto my knees, I can barely breathe as I move across the mattress to where he’s standing.

His bicep flexes, and he reaches up to slide his thumb across the top of my cheek. “I want to sleep with my wife. Will you let me?”

Reaching up, I put my hand in his. It’s small and cool in his firm grip. I can barely breathe as our eyes meet. We’ve done this before, but this moment feels different, sacred somehow.

“Yes,” I answer softly.

I put my hand on his shoulder as he leans down to cover my mouth with his. His strong arm circles my waist, and he pulls me flush against his hard body. His lips open mine, and I exhale a moan.

His tongue invades, caressing mine, and my knees turn to liquid. Reaching down, he lifts me into his arms, and I cup his face in my hand, leaning closer to kiss his neck and inhale his warm scent of wooded vanilla.

Placing me on my feet, he holds my cheeks in his hands and leans down to kiss me again, pulling my lips with his as our movements grow hungry.

“Fuck, I’ve wanted to do this so long.” He groans, moving his face into my hair, to my ear, and shivers race down my arms and legs. “I’ve dreamed of this body every night. I don’t want anyone else. ”

“Hendrix,” I exhale, lifting my arms around his neck.

My nipples pierce the thin fabric of my sleep shirt, and he cups my breast in his hand, rolling the stiff peak between his fingertips. “Take this off.”

I quickly lift the shirt over my head, and he does the same, standing in front of me with his lined chest heaving.

His blue eyes darken with desire, and I exhale a whimper. I’m going to regret this so much, and I don’t even care. I’ll sacrifice my heart for what I know he’s going to do to me.

“So beautiful.” His hand cups my bare breast, and he sits on the edge of the bed. “Come here.”

I turn, and he puts his hands on my waist, sliding my thin cotton pants down my hips, following his movements with his lips.

My head drops back with a moan as hot kisses grow closer to my core. Large hands slide up the back of my thighs, and he grips my waist, turning me as he stands again.

“Lie on the bed, so I can taste you.”

“Hendrix…” I start, but he leans down to kiss me, stealing any protest.

I do as he says, and he drops to his knees, wrapping his arms around my thighs and spreading me open before him.

“Fuck, you look so good.” He leans down, kissing my inner thigh, dragging his mouth to the center of my pussy and pulling the fabric of my thong with his teeth. “Delicious.”

Heat races through my veins, and I feel the wetness slip from my core. With one hand, he reaches around, pulling the front of my undies to the side, and I yelp at the first pass of his tongue over my clit.

He goes to town, licking and sucking like he can’t get enough, like he’s ravenous for my body, and it isn’t long before the orgasm twists tighter and tighter in my lower stomach.

The scruff on his cheeks brushes my inner thighs, and he groans, kissing and pulling until my legs shake.

My orgasm explodes in my torso, jerking my hips and bending my body. I moan louder, trying to move away, but he holds me, kissing my stomach and biting my ribs as he rises higher between my legs.

“I love the way you come.” He’s over me, pulling my lips with his mouth. “Let’s make a little brother or sister for Haddy.”

“Hendrix…” I start to laugh. “I got an IUD after she was born.”

“Thank fuck, because I want to fuck my wife bareback.” Energy races through my core, and he rises above me, looking into my eyes. “Is that okay?”

Deep, mesmerizing blue steals my breath, and I ache for him to fuck me hard. It’s been so long, and as much as he says he’s wanted this, I’ve wanted it too.

“Please…” The word slips from my lips, laced with so much need.

Leaning down, he seals our mouths, and with one firm thrust, we’re together. We break apart with a groan, and he fills me, stretching me in the most delicious way.

My knees rise, and I move beneath him, rocking my hips to take him deeper. He groans into my neck, so good … it’s undeniable, friction, heat, rising tension.

Lifting his head, our noses touch. He kisses me again. A bead of sweat is on his cheek, and I kiss it, salt filling my mouth. His thrusts are relentless, my body feverish.

I pull his hips with my hands, digging my fingers into his firm ass. It flexes beneath my palms, and when he finds that place inside me, I break again, arching off the bed with a cry.

His knee shifts, lifting him higher, fucking me harder, until he holds, shuddering with a groan. Thrusting again with another moan, he fills me.

It’s intense and erotic, and I hold him as we melt into each other. We drift down together, his lips caress my cheek, moving to my temple. His hands smooth my hair away from my face, and our eyes meet.

We don’t speak. I reach up to place my fingers on his cheeks. My husband is beautiful. He’s passionate and forceful and sensitive and kind… and I’m afraid it’s too late.

I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with him.

Sunlight wakes me. I’m curled in the middle of Hendrix’s large bed, surrounded in linen sheets the color of sand. My body is deliciously sated, and I reach for his pillow, pulling it to my chest and pressing my face into the down. Inhaling deeply, it smells like my new favorite blend.

After our first, desperate consummation, he pulled my back to his chest, wrapping his arms around me as we drifted to sleep. Then sometime in the middle of the night, I noticed a hard rod at my backside and scooted around so I could ride it.

Then early this morning, just as the light set the horizon aglow, I felt him lifting and teasing my breasts and nipples. Reaching behind my neck, I pulled his face down for a kiss, and that started Round 3.

I exhale a sigh into the pillow, grinning at all the happy memories of fucking my gorgeous husband when loud baby squeals echo through the house.

They’re followed by Hendrix’s teasing voice saying, “Dang, girl, that poop is bigger than some of the guys I tackle.”

My eyes cut to the side. Did he just say …?

“That poop is as big as you !” he continues.

I don’t believe my ears.

Throwing back the covers, I look around for my clothes. My underwear is destroyed, and my pajamas are too thin for walking around with Tack here.

Going to his drawers, I pull out a white cotton jersey with a royal blue number 85 on the front. Pulling it over my head, I creep through the house, following their enthusiastic noises through the living room, down the hall, and all the way to Haddy’s bedroom.

She lets out an ear-piercing squeal followed by da-da-da .

“Yeah, you’re proud of it, I can tell.” He leans down to kiss her forehead. “I can’t wait to embarrass the crap out of you if you try to bring a boy home.” Another baby squeal, and he continues, leaning down. “That’s right. My Haddy breaks toilets.”

He kisses her neck, and she laughs so hard it makes me laugh. “What the hell?”

He straightens quickly, casting me a disapproving glance. “Cover your ears, Haddy. Mama said a bad word.”

“Oh, no!” The foul scent of baby poop hits me, and I wave my hand in front of my nose. “Where’s your snorkel mask? It’s a four-alarm poop!”

“She’s also a wimp, Hads.” He lifts the poopy diaper, actually attempting to wrap it up and nearly dumping it on the rug.

“Stop—let me do that!” I rush forward, sliding the mess away and quickly wrapping it tightly to hold in the smell. “Phew, that is foul.”

“I don’t know what you’ve been feeding her, but that rotten egg was the size of a dump truck.” He smiles down at her, and Haddy kicks her legs happily, squealing and doing her best to chatter right back.

“Maybe that’s why she was so fussy.” Crossing my arms, I watch as he fastens the fresh diaper around her waist.

Then lifts her off the table to his chest. “She was fussy because she missed Dada.”

She pats her hands on his shoulders, blowing raspberries and clearly thrilled he’s here taking care of her.

I can’t argue with him. The swoon bursting in my chest is almost too much. He kisses her little neck again, and I step closer to rub my hand on her back.

She points a drooly finger and says, “Ma-ma!”

My eyes widen, and I lean closer. “What did you say? ”

Hendrix turns as well, giving her a little bounce. “What was that?”

“Mmma- ma !” She says it again with a little more force.

“Check her out. She did it!” Hendrix gives her another bounce, but I lift her out of his arms, doing a little spin.

“That’s right! Mama!” Haddy giggles, and I pull her close, kissing her baby cheek. She pats my face with a sticky palm saying it again like she’s practicing.

Hendrix leans against the changing table, crossing his muscled arms over his chest, but even all his gorgeousness can’t distract me from this moment.

“Yes, I am! I’m your mama!” I nuzzle my face into her neck so happy.

“Breakfast?” he asks. Our eyes meet, and I nod, thinking about kissing his cheek, too.

“Let me get cleaned up, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

“I’ll take care of her. You make the biscuits.”

I head to my bedroom to clean up and slip into a fresh pair of underwear and leggings, and when I get to the kitchen, my sexy husband is standing at the coffee maker bare chested and wearing only those thin joggers.

Haddy is on his hip with her finger in her mouth, like it’s the most natural thing in the world to be held by a shirtless Adonis. I guess he is her Dada .

Her little eyes widen when she sees me, and she points, letting out another, “Mama!”

My heart squeezes, and I skip over to where she’s standing, cupping her hand in mine and kissing it. “That’s right! I’m Mama!”

Then I go into the massive pantry to search through the shelves. I find all-purpose flour and a small bottle of oil, carrying them out to the counter, and I grab a carton of milk and dig around under the cabinets for a large bowl.

Hendrix mixes up her cereal while I make a little valley in the flour for rolling out the biscuits, one at a time .

“I can’t get over you changing her poopy diaper.” I watch him stirring. “How did you do that?”

“I got over myself.” He walks back to where Haddy sits in her little chair kicking her feet. “I figured if Garrett can do it, anybody can.”

Pressing my lips together, I don’t say a word. I’m not buying his story, but I’m not about to stick my nose into that sibling rivalry.

“How’d you sleep?” Hendrix walks to where I’m making biscuits and takes down a jar of puréed fruit, pausing briefly to kiss my lips.

A flash of heat rushes through my stomach, and it takes me a second to recover. I blink at his muscular back, before returning to the pinch of dough in my hands.

“Good…” I chew my bottom lip, giving him a sly peek. “Although, I kept waking up to find a hard, thick object in the bed.”

“That’s odd.” He sits back in his chair, straightening his shoulders in a way that is utterly sinful. “I kept waking up to something incredibly soft and warm… and wet .”

The heat in my stomach moves lower. I swallow air as I fight the goofy grin trying to break across my face.

“Gotcha.” He points Haddy’s spoon at me. “Pink ears.”

Shaking my head, I roll another biscuit before dropping it on the pan. “I guess we’re officially married now.”

“Yes, we are.” His low voice is firm. “Where’s your ring?”

“It’s on a necklace in my bedroom.” My mind drifts to the simple gold band I’ll treasure forever. I can’t imagine I’ll ever find someone this good to marry again. “Where’s yours?”

“In my wallet.” He frowns. “Why is it on a necklace?”

“It’s a little tight…” I didn’t want to say anything, since he was so sweet to even think of it.

“I’ll have it resized. Give me another ring to use.”

“But it’s the one you gave me!” I poke out my lip, and his blue eyes flicker to my mouth. The heat in them makes me feel all tingly and electric.

In a blink it’s gone, and he finishes feeding Haddy, lifting her out of her chair so she can stand on his legs. “The paps are camping out today. We’re big news.”

Haddy leans forward to put her mouth on his nose, and I swoon watching them together.

“What do we do?”

“Try to go about our normal routine.” He shrugs. “We’re not hiding it anymore, and Tack is here.”

“Okay.” I nod, watching my hands.

He plays with the baby, and I continue rolling out the biscuits until the pan is full. We fall into a comfortable silence. He rinses up the dishes and cleans her with a cloth.

I drop the last biscuit on the pan then slide it into the preheated oven. “Fifteen minutes, and those will be ready.”

My phone lights up on the counter, and I know I’ll have to reply to the girls soon. I don’t expect the text that’s waiting.

Hendrix

Your husband needs you in the pantry.

Looking around, I see Haddy is in her Pack ‘n Play, squeezing a crinkly book in her hands before ramming it into her mouth. My eyes slide to the pantry, and I walk over to where the door is cracked.

I’ve just pushed it open slightly when a large hand closes over my wrist and pulls me inside the dim space. My back slams against the shelves, and Hendrix covers my mouth with a demanding kiss.

Heat flashes through my body as his lips part mine, his tongue invades, curling ours together, and I exhale a whimper. Our hands are everywhere. He grasps my waist, and I hold his neck so I don’t collapse into a puddle.

“I wanted to do this all morning,” he groans, lifting my shirt and cupping my bare breasts in his hands. “Fuck, you’re so fine.”

“Hendrix…” I whisper, need flashing through my body as he pulls a hard nipple between his teeth, giving it a suck before turning me to face the shelves. “Oh, God.”

“You can call me God, Pink.” His face is at my neck, and his morning beard ignites my skin. “Hold on. This is going to be hard and fast.”

Another whimper, and my fingers clasp the smooth wooden shelf. He shoves my leggings down, and my heart beats faster. I’m wet and tingling, and I moan when his hand moves between my legs.

He presses something hard and cool against my clit, and I squeal when it begins to vibrate.

“Oh, shit!” I moan as he slides it up and down my pussy.

Wetness spills onto my inner thighs, and I’m about to come.

“Like that?” His voice is rough, but I can’t speak.

His rough kisses and demands already had me on the edge, and now my legs start to tremble. Nodding quickly, a low groan comes from my parted lips, and he takes it away.

“Hendrix!” I wail, aching at the loss.

“Wait for me,” he laughs, and I feel rustling at my backside as he shoves his pants down. His hard cock is against my ass, and he nudges my legs. “Spread ’em.”

My lips part, and I do as he says, my stomach twisting in anticipation. Another loud moan scrapes from my throat as he invades with a hard thrust, sending me onto my toes with the force.

“Fuck…” he groans, wrapping his arm around my chest and pulling me up so he can kiss my neck. “It’s too good.”

His legs bend, and he thrusts harder, faster. I’m so wet as his hand goes between my legs again. The vibrator ignites, and he slides it up and down my clit prompting another loud moan.

“Yes?” he gasps, but I’m too far gone to reply.

My palms press against the wood. I buck my ass against his thick cock, doing my best to take him all the way before I explode from the orgasm twisting tighter and tighter in my core.

His hot body is behind me, and I’m wrapped in his arms. His mouth is at my neck, and he pants, moaning as he chases his own release.

We’re wild and primal, desperate for what’s just within our reach. My knees collapse, and I shudder through the waves of intense pleasure as I come.

Covering his hand, I move the vibrator away from my sensitive clit, and he drops it. He places both hands on my hips, thrusting over and over until he holds.

His body tenses, and he groans as his dick pulses, filling me. Strong arms circle my body, and his mouth is on my neck again, kissing and biting, moving to my jaw as I turn my face to meet his.

Our mouths seal, lips parting, and our tongues curl together. I reach back to thread my fingers in the side of his hair, pulling him closer. His hand braces the shelf in front of my chest, and we make out like insatiable teenagers, biting and gasping.

He pulses once more, groaning into my mouth before moving down to kiss my chin. “Fuck, you make me crazy, Pink.”

We’re both breathing fast, and I press my head against his neck, smiling. “No complaints here.” He always takes good care of me.

“I’ve wanted to do this ever since you pulled me in here and kissed my face off.” He takes a step back, pulling out, but he places his hand on my lower back. “Wait.”

I look down at my leggings around my ankles, our come on my thighs. He steps into the narrow room again, holding a damp cloth. “This will help.”

“Thanks.” I use it to clean up when the alarm on the stove buzzes. “The biscuits!”

Pushing the towel into his hand, I reach down and jerk my leggings up before dashing across to take the pan out of the oven. They’re golden brown and crisp, and I smile, setting it on top of the range to cool.

“They look delicious.” Hendrix walks up behind me, wrapping me in his arms again and kissing my cheek. “When can we eat them?”

“Make some coffee, and I’ll get the butter and honey.” I walk over to the kitchen entrance to check on Haddy, who is now standing in her little playpen looking at me. “And the baby.”

Two cups of coffee, buttered biscuits with honey, Haddy is on my lap, and my gorgeous husband sits across from me, raving about how good they are, and how he’s going to eat the entire pan all by himself, which means I have to make more if I want some.

Smiling, I shake my head. I hold my little girl’s hand, and I think about being alone, doing my best to make ends meet, wondering if I could still have my dream and my baby.

I remember thinking of Hendrix and our brief encounter. I remember all the things we said to each other, and I remember making the decision to ask him for help.

I convinced myself coming here, doing this would be like facing down a hurricane. If I sensed things were getting out of control, if it seemed like my feelings were growing too strong for me to handle or that they might spiral into something overwhelming, I’d have plenty of time to move to safety.

I could protect what I didn’t want to lose, namely my heart. I’d pick up the pieces when it was over, and I’d be okay.

Now I realize how foolish I was. Hendrix Bradford isn’t a hurricane, he’s a tornado. He blasted in without warning and took everything. I thought I was safe. I thought I was in control, but he tore through my little trailer park, ripping out trees by the roots and throwing everything into the air.

He didn’t just steal my heart, he transformed the landscape. My life will never be the same, and even if I rebuild, I’ll always carry his mark.