Raven cut him off. “She’s right, Bran. It’s only fair. You are basically bankrolling us into a position we didn’t see coming to fruition for years. Iknowyou know we’re good at our job. But given the time to source special pieces for clients and the freedom for endless creativity without the headache of managing the day-to-day— we’d kill it. Consider this just another business investment instead of gifting your new family.”
Bran saw the resolve on each face. “I agree, then. I’ll have our attorney draft the appropriate papers once we know what Domagrees to. How about I roll the initial offer out to Dom? If he’s interested, we set up a meeting at Triskelion.”
32
This had to be the longest but most productively satisfying day of Raven’s life. She had Bran back. He was thrilled to be a father. A home was in the works. They might get Dom to work for them. Her sisters had agreed before they left tonight that they would let Saoirse find them an apartment until the building next door was completed, and most importantly, she was alone with her man for the first time in four months.
But as soon as the door shut to their suite, Raven tensed. He was going to see the new her as soon as he got her clothes off, and if the looks he kept throwing her way were anything to go by, he would have them both naked soon.
“I’m going to take a quick shower and get out of this dress if you don’t mind.” She held up her overnight bag unnecessarily.
“Actually, Raven, I do mind. Don’t think I didn’t notice you getting partially undressed at the doctor’s— under the sheet.”
Raven instantly felt her cheeks blush. Damn, she thought that had gone over a lot smoother than it must have. Her first instinct was to deny it, but they’d agreed to communicate their feelings, to be honest.
“I’m sorry. I... did do that. I wanted your first look at my belly to be while I was lying down. It isn’t as shocking.” She tried to laugh but ended up clearing her throat nervously.
“You need to understand that I will love you and find you attractive no matter what you look like, but babe, you thinking you don’t look sexy as fuck is a crime.”
Taking her bag from her hand, he dropped it on the floor before pulling her into his arms, running his hands down her back. He cupped her ass, pulling her close, kneading her cheeks as he slowly started working her dress up her legs.
“Tell me you want this, Raven. If you aren’t ready for this part of our relationship, I’d understand.”
Not ready? His heated words, so close to her mouth, had her aching. She could feel Bran’s hard length between their bodies. Her own sex pulsing in anticipation.
“I’m ready. So. Ready.”
Bran hoped Ravendidn’t notice his hands were shaking as he finished slipping her dress over her head. She was perfection, even lovelier with her swelling belly. She only had on a sheer, nude bra and matching panties. His whole body was shaking now.
“Jesus, Raven. Take off the rest. I want to watch.” He had planned on showering together, but that would have to come after— his body felt swollen, hot, and feverish. His skin was a chrysalis. Touching Raven again would tear him in two but also remake him.
Bran had slowly moved them toward the bedroom as he’d stripped off her first layer. He now had the bed in sight. He torehis shirt off, eyes never leaving those hard nipples he was dying to see again, taste.
“Oh God, babe,” He whispered as her hands reached behind her back to work the bra’s clasp. His arousal was painfully hard against his zipper. She stripped the bra off, her breasts finally free. His mouth watered. “The rest, Rave. Now. Before I explode.”
She must have realized how close he was to losing it and took her time hooking her thumbs into the thin waistband of her nonexistent panties. “Raven,” he warned.
There she was. Bare to him, glistening already with her own need. She stood tall, finally proud of her body and showing it all to him. She started to walk closer. He stopped her. He shucked off his short boots and socks. He met her eyes and started unbuttoning his jeans, daring her not to watch what he would reveal.
Popping one fucking button felt impossible, he was so painfully rigid. Raven didn’t want to wait another moment— before he could fiddle any further with his fly, she was there, knocking his inept hands aside and freeing his sex from its denim prison.
The moment her tiny hand gripped his solid length, he almost came. Surprising him further, Raven told him to strip now and then backed him the rest of the way to the bed.
“Lay down, Bran, now. Please.”
He had some satisfaction knowing she was as out of control as he was. He lay on his back and watched as Raven brushed over her sensitive nipples, rubbing her thighs together to ease the ache. Like a siren from fantasy, she climbed up the bed over Bran’s legs and straddled him with her legs.
“Baby, this is going to be fast,” he said. “I’m sorry, but I need to be inside you.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. Raven lifted her hips, stroking the length of his hardness with her slick folds, guiding him into her. Her head was thrown back, crying out as she seated herself fully.
Fierce closeness, deep yearning, soul-stealing— touching her lips with the tips of his fingers before slipping down to grasp her neck. He could feel her heart’s heavy beat against his palm, her slightly constricted breath harsh in the stillness of the room.
“Look at me, Raven.” When she complied, he let his roughened hand slide further south, using both hands to cup her breasts, pinching her nipples until he could feel her response. Her body clasped his tighter. “There is only you for me.”
A single tear made a lazy path down her beautiful cheek. “Only you for me, Bran,” she echoed.
Bran squeezed her ass. Raven’s movements became furious, forceful, purposeful.
