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A lot of that has to do with me getting her pregnant all those years ago.She graduated high school with the most beautiful baby bump I’d ever seen, and when the rumors began to spread around Atalanta Prep, she didn’t hesitate to release the lioness that had always hidden behind her innocent façade.
And now, I watch, leaning against the back wall, as she finishes her first day of teaching first grade.After college, she took a year off because I knocked her up a third time.When she landed this job, I couldn’t have been prouder of her.She almost didn’t get it because of me, because she’s married to me, and the whole city knows how protective I am of her.But once again, the lioness bared her claws, and now, she’s doing what she loves.
“Now, Daddy?”Our oldest son, Finnigan—or Finn as he prefers, is dying to race into his mother’s arms.Having her gone for eight hours a day has been challenging for all our boys, but Finn is the one having the hardest time.
“When the bell rings,” I tell him.Next year, he’ll be attending preschool here, and it’s the only reason he has any patience today.
Odette looks up just as the bell sounds, and our son is out of my grip before I can release him and in her arms within seconds.“Hi, baby boy.”The smile she gives him makes me envious and jealous all at once—which is fucking ridiculous.Being jealous of my son.“How was your day with Daddy?”Her eyes flick up to meet mine as I remain where I am, our other two sons sleeping in the stroller they’re strapped into.
Odette sits Finn on her desk as she listens to him talk about the things we did today: lunch at Billy Boy—his favorite burger joint, then shopping for clothes for the boys.As the last of the students leaves the class, following the educational assistant out into the hallway where they greet their parents or get on their buses, she hangs onto his every word.
“Sounds like a busy day.”She kisses his cheek as she pulls something out of her desk drawer and sits in front of him.
“You got one!”Finn raises his arms in cheer as Odette opens a container with a snack they’ve been sharing every afternoon since Finn discovered his love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
“Of course.Can’t forget our daily ritual.”She hands him a quarter, and they touch their triangles together before taking a bite, totally ignoring me.
Once they finish and clean up, I finally get my rabbit’s attention as she locks up her classroom and saunters towards me.“I missed you too, Malice.”Leaning in, she gives me a chaste kiss that will have to tide me over until we get home.“Thank you for giving this to me.”I know she’s talking about bringing the boys, ensuring that she and Finn still have their few minutes together, and not working today but spending it with them.
“I’d give you anything, little rabbit.”Pulling her in close, I slink down to kiss the sensitive spot on her neck that drives her wild.It’s a simple day in our lives, but one I’ll always cherish.
Epilogue Two
ODETTE
Fifteen Years Later.
“Idon’t like this,” Finn complains as he paces back and forth in front of the door.Malice and Carrigan are sitting on the roof, perched with rifles, ready to take on any threat.“She’s late,” he scowls.
Lifting my wrist to check my watch, I smile at his impatience.“Fiona has ten more minutes,” I correct him, as our youngest son, Cian, sits on the stairs, a baseball bat in his hand.
Malice has ensured our three boys protect our daughter at all costs.Even if it drives her crazy.I remember wanting that kind of protection as a young girl.Holy and Malice were secretive about it, but I had it for a long time, as well.
“There she is,” I say when I see headlights brighten the front room.“Relax you two.I’m sure she’s fine.Anson is a nice young man.”They snort their disagreement.No one will be good enough for their sister, and I find it sweet that they care so much for her.
It takes a few minutes before the door opens, and when I see Fiona, she has stars in her eyes…until she spots her brothers.Hands on her hips, she glares at them both.“Daddy and Carrigan are on the roof, aren’t they?”I nod as I laugh when I hear them climbing down.“Whatever.”Her fourteen-year-old sass shines bright tonight.
“How was it?”I ask.They went for dinner and a movie, and she’s been looking forward to it all week—especially with Anson being two years older.Which happens to be why my guys are all so on guard.
“Perfect!”She spins in a circle before plopping down on the couch next to me just as Malice enters the front door with a scowl on his handsome face.The touch of grey in his hair only adds to his appeal for me.
“He fucking kissed her,” he growls.
“On the cheek, Daddy!”Fiona bites back.She definitely has her father’s fearless attitude.
“How was it, princess?Did he keep his hands to himself?”Carmine asks as he and Jermaine enter the room.We never were able to move off my father’s estate, but it’s only made our family closer.
“Fucking kissed her,” Malice repeats as he drops down next to me and pulls me into his lap, laying ticklish kisses on the side of my neck.
“Ew, Dad, come on,” Cian grumbles before heading back upstairs to his room.
“Yeah, guys, get a room,” Carrigan yacks back.
“Fine.”Malice picks me up over his shoulder, and just like that, our daughter’s first date is forgotten, and he spends the night reminding us both that just because our kids are mostly grown, doesn’t mean we aren’t still madly in love and attracted to each other.
“Thank you for this life, little rabbit,” he whispers in my ear like he does every night.
Strangely, I find myself grateful to those bullies, all those years ago, who forced his hand into finally claiming me.
The End!
