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“She won’t sit still. She’s so far in my ribs, I think her head is touching my fucking heart,” She groans, her small hand rubbing her bump.

Anna rounds the counter, a plate full of food in her hands, and Melody is on her heels with two different drinks and a small medicine cup of pills. Anna places the food in Penelope’s hands, while Melody walks out to the dining room table, setting the drinks and medicine down at the head.

I wheel her out as Melody moves the chair to the side of the table, making room for her wheelchair, and I stop her in front of the table.

I place a kiss on the top of her head before bending down to her ear, whispering in it, “I’ll be in my office, Moss. Have someone get me when you’re ready to go back to our room.” She nods and digs into her food as I walk away. The only difference this time is that I’ll be back.

I’ve been in my office for a couple of hours, tying up loose ends after everything that just happened. I’m destroying the Mexican cartel from the inside out. My people from all over the US are being sent to Mexico to kill anyone they find heavily related to the cartel.

I’ve also been having lawyers draw up contracts and any papers needed to make Viktor the leader. I’m serious when I say, I’m done. I need to do what’s best for my baby and Penelope. They are both the most important people in my life, and I’ll move mountains, galaxies, and anything in the world to make sure they are safe and have what they need.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts, and the door opens a second later. Viktor walks in, his helmet under his arm. “What do you need?” He takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of my desk, leaning back and setting his helmet on the edge of my desk.

“Do you want this?” He shoots me a questioning look, not knowing what I’m talking about. “This,” I motion my arms around me to my office, “This life, this leadership, the power.”

“You want to get out?” He asks, eyes hardening on mine. I nod my head slowly, making my answer clear.

“Yes. I can not protect Penelope and my daughter while sitting on this throne. I want to step down and settle down somewhere with her.” He takes a moment to process my words, soaking in the fact that I’m asking him to be the next leader of the Russian Mafia. “Also, it needs to look like you took down the leader of the Mexican Cartel, so I don’t get a hit on my head.”

“So you want me to have a hit on my head?” He bites. I understand why he’d be pissed at that, but in the chance he does get a hit, he’ll be protected here, being the leader. He’s smarter than me, stronger than me, faster than me. He’ll make a great leader, and I do not doubt that. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“Yes,” I answer with no hesitation. “Penelope is bringing my daughter into this world, growing her in her womb as we speak. I want to be there for every step, and make up for the ones I’ve missed. I can’t let her down anymore.”

“I’ll do it. I’ll step up and do the job you never could,” He smirks, taunting me. I pick up the nearest pen and chuck it at him, chuckling when he bounces off his forehead.

“Ow, you fucking moron.”

“Well, keep your fucking mouth shut.” And he does.

From this day forward, I vow not to let her down, not make her doubt me. She deserves happiness. I don’t know if I’m the one who should be providing it, but I can’t stomach the thought of anyone else giving it to her.

She deserves someone strong, and I’ll be that for her. I’ll be anything or anyone she needs me to be. I’ll be there for her, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.

“I have the paperwork being drafted. I want this done as fast as possible, so as of right now, you’re in non-legal control.” He nods at my statement.

“So since I’m your boss now, get out of my chair.” He stands up, rounding the desk and motioning for me to get up. I laugh, getting up and heading to the door before his words stop me.

“Hurt her, and I’ll kill you, Dmitri. She doesn’t deserve to hurt anymore.”

“I’ll kill myself before I hurt her ever again,” I say before walking out, certainty in my words. Something crosses my mind, and I turn around to face my brother. “Actually, one more thing.”

I smile, telling him my plan, and happiness fills his face. The space of this office, once tense, is now filled with happiness and family.

I walk into the living room to see her and her group of friends lounging on the couches, all lost in their conversation. I walk over to her, sitting on the couch, resting on the side of it. Kneeling, I press a kiss to her temple. She looks up at me and smiles softly. “Hi, Moss,” I whisper, smiling back.

“Hi,” She whispers back.

“I’m going to the city. Do you want to come with me?” Her eyes light up.

“Can I? Please.” I smile at her asking to go, even after I just asked her to go with me.

I nod my head, and she smiles, a small squeal coming from her lips. I look over to her friends to see them all already staring at us. “Sorry guys, I will be stealing her from you.” I don’t wait for an answer before I pick her up, not bothering with her wheelchair before carrying her to my car.

I settle her in the passenger seat, grabbing her seat belt and reaching over her to buckle it. When I’m about to lean back, I pause at her neck and stick my face in it, inhaling deeply before placing a long kiss on the junction where her shoulder and neck meet. She whimpers when I pull away, and I smirk at the effect I have on her.

I get into the driver’s seat, start the car, and make my way out of the Manor. Once we’re on the interstate and I know I won’t have to shift for a minute, I reach over the center console and place my hand on her belly. “She’s going to kick you,” Penelope giggles.

“She shouldn’t, I’m her father. But I love that she’s protective of her mama.” I look over at her to see a blush crawl up her neck before settling on her face. I smirk again.