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Thorne nods towards Gemma. “Lucky man. You've got yourself a catch.” I smile. “Don't I know it.”
“When are you going to put a ring on it?”
Marriage is on my mind, but I won't rush Gemma. What we have now is strong. I chuckle softly.
“All in due time.”
Gemma lightly taps her champagne glass, creating a crisp sound that rings out over the crowd. “If I could have everyone's attention, please.”
I stand next to Gemma, my arm around her waist, amid the cheerful chatter of the party guests in the penthouse. Gemma looks up at me, her blue eyes dancing with joy.
“We've been diligently growing the eco-resort over the past few years. It's been a labor of love. Now, our family is expanding.” Murmurs ripple through the room as Gemma places a hand on her belly. “We're expecting our first child in the fall!”
A shocked silence falls over the crowd, followed by cheers and applause. Guests move forward to offer congratulations and best wishes.
“A toast to the soon-to-be parents!” Anthony raises his glass.
“Looks like we surprised them.” Gemma laughs.
“You surprised me when you told me yesterday morning,” I recall with a smile.
The image of Gemma whispering the news while we lay in bed, her expression tender yet tentative, is still vivid in my mind. My excitement prompted complaints from the neighbors downstairs.
Gemma leans contentedly against my shoulder. As we answer questions and accept congratulations, my thoughts drift to the future.
Soon we'll hear the steady heartbeat and see tiny fingers and toes on the ultrasound. Then, we'll hold our child for the first time, small and perfect.
I caress Gemma's cheek, then place a hand on her belly. “I promise I'll always protect our family,” I vow.
She covers my hand with hers. “I know you will. And we'll protect each other, like we always have.”
Reassured as ever by her strength, I pull Gemma close again. Gemma's sultry whisper tickles my ear, her breath hot and seductive promising so much. A passionate woman, the fire in her eyes is unmistakable.
She pulls away slightly, her eyes ravishing mine. “Do you like my dress?”
I watch Gemma turn, her dress hugging her curves, flowing like liquid silver. I trace a fingertip along the lace hem. She shivers under my touch, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“It looks familiar,” I murmur. “Mrs. Ainsley's boutique.”
“I thought you might recognize it,” she teases.
I inspect the plunging neckline up close. Her skin flutters beneath my fingertips, electricity bouncing between us. “It looks great on you.”
“It looks great on you.” My eyes roam over her body hungrily. “But it will look even better pooled in a bundle on the floor beside the bed.”
A low growl escapes my throat, a primal sound leaving no doubt about my intentions. Gemma's eyes widen. She steps closer, her hips brushing against mine. The fabric of their clothes is all that separates them, but it might as well be nothing at all.
Her breath hitches as she tilts her chin upwards, inviting me to claim her mouth. I don't hesitate to accept the silent invitation. Our lips crash together with a hunger that's been simmering all night.
My hands glide up her back, fisting in the delicate fabric of her dress as I pull my woman impossibly closer.
It's time for the guests to go home now. We're celebrating, and I don't need an audience for what I'm about to do to her.
