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 BABY BLUES

SOPHIA SNOWE

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Copyright © 2023 by Sophia Snowe
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 CONTENTS

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

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 CHAPTER
1

C athy

"S elfie ?"

a young girl asked, approaching me as I sat with an author and a
number of readers in a conference room of the Miami Art Hotel. With all
the activity going on, I tried not to focus too much on my bodyguard who
was watching me like a hawk from a distance.
"Sure," I said, smiling. She looked really excited and that always melted
my heart. She pulled her phone out and quickly took the picture. I was so
tired and had to stop myself from yawning.
I was asked to attend this multi-author signing a while ago and after
canceling so many events in the past few months, I felt obliged to accept. I
didn’t regret attending though, and when I got here I realized how much I’d
missed being around my book people. My tribe. All my favourite authors
were in attendance and since Lennox was going to following me like a
shadow to keep me safe, I agreed.
After all, it wasn’t like he’d let me come on my own. My stalker was
still at large and after he’d shot Lennox not long ago, I couldn’t
underestimate the asshole.
"Thank you so much! You look amazing," the girl beamed as she
studied the photo. “Practically glowing.”
"Thank you," I replied with a loud sigh, and wondering why the hell I
was so exhausted. True, I’d had some trying times lately and I was
in the
first trimester of pregnancy. My body was cooking up a little human—no
small feat.
"What's wrong with you? Why are you yawning all the time? I suppose
if I had Lennox for a bodyguard I would never get any sleep, either," Jess
asked, staring at me with narrowed eyes.
Shit, I’d forgotten she was here. I’d been avoiding her so much lately,
but she and I had a passion for books so of course she’d show up.
I gave her one of my infamous Cathy looks and she burst out laughing.
She was right—Lennox had amazing stamina and sometimes, I couldn't
keep up with him. I snuck a peek at him as he unsuccessfully tried to blend
in the background, looking so serious as he carefully scanned the room.
At last, he must have sensed my gaze on him and our eyes met. My
belly fluttered as I smiled at him. His expression was predictably
unreadable, but I could tell he was not happy about something. Maybe it
was the fact I’d spent a bit too much time talking to several male cover
models. Lennox was never going to tell me that he was jealous but he
would show it in one way or another later on, when we were alone.
"There’s nothing wrong with me. I just don't sleep very well these days
and it's not what you think," I replied, remembering that tomorrow I’d have
my first ultrasound. I was so freaking nervous.
"Whatever. You can say what you want, but I know he's probably giving
you the ride of your life every night," Jessica giggled, nudging me on the
side as though she’d said something clever.
She was indeed preceptive, but I wasn't going to admit to the fact I was
having sex—and more—with my bodyguard. Least of all that I got pregnant
by him.
Oh, hell.
"How many times do I have to tell you there’s nothing going on
between Lennox and me," I hissed, lying through my teeth.
"Yeah right, and I'm the Vice-President of the United States, Cathy," she
said, winking. She finally got up and walking way, probably in search of
another hot cover model.
I felt a tad guilty for keeping this from her but it wasn't the right time to
tell her. Jess wasn’t known for keeping secrets and if I let her in on this, the
whole world would know. She meant well but I knew her too well to risk it.
Plus, I was still made at the stunt she’d pulled to help Max, my ex,
corner me at a coffee shop a while back. I found it difficult to trust her now,
and I didn’t feel she’d been a good friend to me. Maybe one day I’d get
over it, but for now I was happy to avoid her wherever possible.
At this point, I had enough to deal with. This unplanned pregnancy was
going to be a huge shock to Lennox. Would he take it badly enough to leave
me? I liked to think not, but I couldn’t be sure. The very thought made me
ill.
Speaking of, I let out another yawn. Lennox’s gaze burned through me.
I knew he could tell something was off. He’d already started asking
questions, like that perhaps I should see a doctor about a vitamin deficiency.
In fact, that’s what he thought I was going to do tomorrow—a blood test
and a routine gynecological exam.
I had already been to the clinic once before, to confirm the pregnancy.
Again, Lennox believed he’d taken me to a routine visit. That day, the
doctor had penciled me in for the ultrasound.
There was another problem. My father. We had to be careful not only
about fooling around when he was home, but now I had to worry about
divulging this bit of news. “Dad, I’m going to have a baby and Lennox is
the father,” wasn’t something I saw myself admitting, yet, time was ticking.
My father hadn’t been home often and Lennox was all over me when
we were alone. He had me in every room, in every position imaginable …
and I’d become addicted to his touch. Too fast, too soon, I was hopelessly
falling for him.
Luckily for me, I didn't have to contend with morning sickness. That
would surely have let the cat out of the bag fast. But Margie was hard to
fool. She was making comments about me coming down with something
and sometimes I caught her throwing me these odd stares. I had no idea if
she suspected Lennox and I had been fucking like bunnies. Either way, I
wasn't too concerned about her because she always had my back. She had
been working for our family for a long time and had pretty much raised me
after my mother died. I could trust her, knowing she wouldn't say anything
to my father, at least not before I talked to him first.
I didn't know how I could possibly go to my doctor’s appointment
without Lennox. Even though he thought it routine, I felt uncomfortable and
guilty. I should tell him the truth, but I just wasn’t ready to confess.
A big reason why was the fact we weren't in a real relationship. This
whole thing was supposed to be casual and fun, but things had spiraled out
of control. I had nobody to talk to about my situation, especially since Jess
was now out. I didn’t think I could trust her again.
To add insult to injury, my father wouldn’t approve and I hated the
thought of him being disappointed in me. At the same time, this was my
life. I had to figure this out sooner rather than later, hoping that once I
moved into the second trimester, I’d have more energy.
My stalker, Richard, was still out there, yet it seemed like he’d vanished
from the face of the earth. This was concerning and I knew Lennox was on
edge about the whole thing. I didn't know what would happen once he
found out about the baby because he was already ultra-possessive over me.
It was late afternoon and I had been on my feet most of the day. I
dreamed about being in my bed, cuddling with Lennox, and hoping that he
wouldn't want to have sex again tonight. It was the weekend and my father
was away, which meant we had the whole house to ourselves. But I was
plumb tuckered out. My mind and heart wanted him more than anything,
but my body couldn’t step up.
Besides, he still hadn’t punished me for that time I’d run away to meet
Jess and came face to face with my ex. Lennox must have forgotten about it
too, especially after he’d stumbled upon a spicy note I’d written and hidden
in one of his favorite books. Would he remember one day and demand I pay
up in sensual currency? At this moment, I could barely manage regular sex,
let alone slake his thirst for kink. The doctor did say sex during pregnancy
was fine and I was in good health, but that wasn’t the point.
An hour later, we were finally heading home. Lennox drove in silence,
probably still irate about the fact I let another man into my space—
correction, that I let a very handsome, hot man hug me at the signing. The
tension was palpable. I had to tell him soon about this baby but there never
seemed a good time. Clearly, I was a chicken.
"You know that we have the house to ourselves tonight," I said in a
teasing tone to coax him out of his dark mood, but he kept looking straight
at the road, ignoring me. Definitely pissed.
Lennox was a man of a few words, but I could always tell when he was
tense or uncomfortable. Physically, he was so handsome and total book
boyfriend material. He was also caring and considerate, despite his
gruffness. Every reader at the signing was asking about him, practically
drooling. I wanted to kill them all, wipe the silly giggles off their faces, but
I had to stay low key. Luckily, no one had a clue he was there to protect me.
 What a mess I was in. I’d been having my own Wattpad moment and I
had to go and screw everything up. If the truth came out, the whole
Booktok community would lose their minds. Maybe it would be a good
thing careerwise, come to think of it.
"And I want to play with you tonight," I continued. Words that left me
no doubt I’d lost my ever-loving mind. Well, sure I was tired, but also
horny. Horny won this round.
He inhaled, keeping his eyes fixed on the road. But then his lips curved
just a tad and pure relief spread through me. My heart danced in my chest.
Did I love him? Maybe. With each day that passed, it seemed more than
plausible. Yet, although I wasn't entirely sure about my own feelings,
without a doubt I wanted him.
"I think you had enough company for the day, flower," he muttered.
Damn it, he wasn’t just annoyed, but fucking jealous.
"But I want your
company right now. The whole event was very tiring
and we both know I had to talk to everyone, be gracious and polite. This is
part of my deal with several publishers," I explained. His new aftershave
was driving me crazy, as well as his crazy, sexy possessiveness. I wanted to
jump him right there and then.
He turned his head towards me when we stopped at the traffic lights.
"That over-inflated blond guy wanted what's mine and you know well
enough that I couldn't just go to him and smash his face against the wall
even if I really, really wanted to," he growled like a wolf.
I couldn't help but chuckle. I’d never gotten this kind of reaction from
my ex, Matt, before. The man had claimed he wanted to get back together
with me and had a huge problem with Lennox, divulging some pretty
damning info about the fact that my bodyguard had apparently been
involved in the mafia world back in Chicago in the past. This didn’t faze me
—definitely not the reaction Matt had expected. To be honest, this sounded
pretty exciting for a dreamer like me. Danger, intrigue, mystery. The
ultimate Wattpad moment.
I reached out and placed my hand on his muscled thigh. He stiffened
under my touch. My mouth watered when I thought about his hard cock
ramming into me. I had to forget about the secret, the baby, and all the other
issues in my head at least for tonight. I would tell him tomorrow.
"That cover model was doing his job. But I want to play with you
. Why
are you even jealous?"
 He inhaled sharply and opened his mouth as if to say something, but in
the end, he remained silent. Didn’t even contest the word ‘jealous’, perhaps
because at that moment, we arrived at my house.
I started to open the door but Lennox locked it. I glanced at him and
found him smirking.
"I didn't give you my permission to get out of the car, flower," he said.
I arched an eyebrow.
"So now I need your permission to get inside the house?" I asked,
laughing.
"If you want to play this game, then you do need my permission," he
added, his tone sending shivers down my spine. His eyes were filled with
liquid heat. Our chemistry was off the charts, as it always was between us,
since day one.
"All right then. What should I do next, master?" I asked coyly. Gone
was my hesitation, and my exhaustion took the back seat as I was hit with a
second wind born of excitement.
"Go inside and wait for me in the living room," he instructed.
"Are you going to punish me, Daddy?" I purred, already imagining him
spanking me.
Playing this way was not going to hurt me or the baby at this stage. I
was just being paranoid. After all, I’d been reading up about it and the
doctor had confirmed it.
Women had sex while pregnant all the time. And my amped up sex
drive was messing with my head.
I had been yearning for him all week, but with my father being there, it
was too risky for him to come to my room. We spent time together every
chance we got, but lately we hadn’t had much of that and Lennox had been
obsessed with catching this stalker. Meanwhile, I wanted to be his captive,
to be tied up and left at his mercy. To give him complete control and let him
have his way with me.
As these carnal thoughts whirled in my head, he wrapped his hand
around my throat and squeezed hard.
"Maybe, but first we will see how obedient you really are," he breathed
out as he tightened his grip of a mere second. "Go wait for me in the living
room, on your knees.” He let go of me then, exited the car, and walked
around to let me out. “Now.”
 I stood, barely reaching the top of his chest in height. His take-charge
and rough attitude had me lick my lips while I caressed the skin around my
neck, where the heat from his touch lingered.
I hightailed it to the house, then took off my jacket. By the time I was
kneeling in the living room, I was out of breath and my heart was pounding
in my chest. On top of that, my mind was already imagining all the naughty
things he was going to do to me. Pregnant or not, my hormones were raging
and thirsting for Lennox.
Moments later, I heard him approach. He entered and came into view,
tall and imposing in the black suit he’d worn for the signing. Then, he sat
on the armchair right in front of me. I licked my lips again.
"Eyes on the floor. You can only look at me when I tell you to, flower,"
he ordered, crossing his legs and getting comfortable. I did as he asked, but
I was already getting uncomfortable in this position and I hoped he
wouldn’t have me like this for long.
"You're such a good girl, Cathy, but all good girls need harsh lessons of
obedience sometimes. And since you wanted to play, we are going to do
exactly that.” He pointed at the shelves to my right. “Now put that piece of
paper over there between your teeth and crawl to me."
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 CHAPTER
2

L ennox

S he looked shocked
at first but then she grabbed the paper I’d indicated
off the shelf, folded it, and put it between her lips. I shifted on armchair, so
turned on by the idea of her serving me right here, in her home. Margie
wasn't here this evening and her father had left, so we were all alone.
I couldn’t deny that seeing her cozying up to all those models and
catching them staring at her butt and tits had triggered a wild reaction. They
were lucky we were out in public or I’d have rearranged their fucking face
and cut off their balls.
But now all I could think of was burying my cock deep inside her and
staying there forever. Where it was warm and tight…
Something was weighing on her mind—had been for weeks or more, I
could tell. She became quiet and withdrawn at times. I knew she was
worried about her dad finding out she was involved with her bodyguard, but
this was something else. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Today would be the day when she’d finally tell me what was going on
with her.
Of course she knew I’d be jealous at the signing and was now trying to
justify what happened. Back at the hotel, I was ready to toss her over my
shoulder like a caveman and walk out of there, but this was her livelihood.
Her reputation was on the line and I couldn’t do that to her. Besides, it
would have been stupid. I couldn’t lose this job or I wouldn’t be able to
protect her anymore.
Then she started teasing me in the car, to the point I almost parked on
the side of the road and fucked her senseless. Now here she was, on her
knees, for me—at last.
The sex wasn't an issue. I couldn't get enough of her and doubted I ever
would. I was obsessed with her perfect body and couldn't imagine us not
being together.
And there lay the rub. This wasn't on the cards for me—but Cathy had
fast become my dopamine. Ending our relationship—whatever it was—
would crush me. Even though I’d never admit this to her. I’d been there,
done that, had the emotional wounds to show for it.
But Cathy…
I was sure her father had certain expectations of her. I couldn't give her
the lavish lifestyle she was accustomed to although I did well for myself,
yet I wanted what was best for her. To protect her. For now, this whole
arrangement was convenient for both of us while we searched for her
stalker and removed the danger from her life. Nothing could ever be as
important as Cathy’s safety.
I took her in as she crawled towards me on all fours. So fucking sexy. I
shifted in my seat, my cock aching in the worst way. Her eyes locked with
mine and blood rushed to my groin, increasing the rhythm of my heart.
Tonight she would irrevocably understand that she was mine and
nobody else could touch her. No other man on this planet and the entire
universe was allowed to get in her space. Maybe I was in way over my head
with this but it was too late. If I had to be honest with myself, we’d been
committed to each other ever since I found that spicy note written in her
hand and tucked away in one of my favourite books. Maybe earlier than
that—since the very first time we looked into each other’s eyes.
Something about her raw confession of desire for me had unraveled me
in ways I hadn’t experienced in far too long, if ever.
I was fucking ready for the world to know. Including her father. Cathy
filled my dreams and thoughts, and I’d willingly let her in. Still, the fact I
was sleeping with a client continued to bother me.
In the end, I hoped Rogers would understand that his daughter meant
the world to me. We were together because we had an amazing connection.
She could call us "casual" as she much as she wanted, but deep down she
must realize what we had was more than this.
Cathy made it close enough for me to touch her. My suit was
uncomfortable, my cock straining against my suit pants. I’d been in this
getup for hours, going through the motions and answering or fielding
questions a bunch of the women were throwing my way. I had to stay
professional and keep communication to a minimum. After all, Cathy had
instructed me to ‘blend in’ and not say a word about ‘my role’ in her life. I
wondered if she was referring to me being a bodyguard or us as an item.
I was frustrated, angry, annoyed most of the time I was there.
Constantly on alert lest that bastard show up and try to hurt Cathy.
Now was her time to pay the piper.
This evening, I didn't want her to experience any pleasure because she
needed to earn it first.
"Spit the paper out," I said, and she instantly obeyed. I leaned down to
lightly grasp her chin, then trailed my hand gently down her neck,
wondering what she was thinking about. "Now tell me, flower. Did you like
it when that guy at the signing had his arms around you?"
Fuck yeah, I was jealous and way too possessive, but that was my
nature. Even now, hours later and knowing how irrational my feelings were,
I wanted to fucking kill that motherfucker.
She’d said it herself, but I wasn’t about to admit this to her, either, even
though my behavior betrayed me.
My ex fiancée hated my possessive trait and that was probably the main
reason why she broke the engagement. She might have hidden behind other
motivations, but I wasn’t fooled. I had been too much for her.
Was I making the same mistake twice? I wouldn’t dwell on this right
now or I’d go insane.
Cathy hesitated before she said, "I only want you, Lennox. You know I
have to interact with everyone on these signings," she said. "Tell me, how I
can make it up to you?"
Liquid heat rushed through my groin and I cursed silently. I stared at
her, knowing exactly what she was talking about.
She cared about my needs, but I couldn't help acting like an asshole.
This here was all about me. I was in control.
I still hadn't forgotten the day she sneaked out of the house when I was
trying my hardest to protect her. Her ex was lucky I didn't make him face
the consequences of his actions because as far as I was concerned, he was a
scumbag for treating Cathy as though she were a shell without intelligence
or feelings. And a fool for thinking she’d consider going back to him, even
for a second.
"You're going to suck my cock like a good girl. This is about me and my
needs," I instructed, anticipation filling me as I pictured her gagging on my
length. I wasn't small by any means and although she wasn’t inexperienced
with me, it always presented a challenge.
She nodded without hesitation.
"Of course, Daddy. I aim to please," she said.
I smiled when she crawled closer and started unbuckling my belt.
She needed to be punished for her smart mouth and I was ready to
smash my cock into her tight, wet pussy, but I had to pace myself. Draw
this game out as much as possible and make her earn it. This was our first
real opportunity to have sex in quite a while and I’d been slowly going out
of my mind with every day that passed when I couldn’t touch her.
Rogers wasn't a complete idiot, so we had to be extra careful. He was
always on the go, busy with some project, so this might make him more
distracted, but we couldn’t push our luck. He should have noticed his
daughter was acting a little different—unless I was picking up the wrong
signals.
But I was positive Margie knew we had something going on. She also
was no fool, and she spent a lot of time around us. She treated Cathy like
her own daughter. For this reason, she’d likely keep things to herself. Her
loyalty to Cathy was great, but her father … not sure he’d be so
understanding.
I released my hard cock and Cathy's eyes widened at the sight of it. Ever
since we met I was always focused on her but tonight she was here to serve
me.
"Don't worry, flower. You know you can take it," I assured her with a
wink.
She wrapped her pretty hands around my cock, kissed the tip, then
started sucking on it with relish. The more she sucked, the more of it she
took in her mouth, devouring me with the most enthusiasm I’d ever seen,
making me lose my mind in seconds.
What the fuck happened to my sexy, sometimes coy book nerd? And
who the fuck was the woman who handled my cock like a pro? Yeah, she’d
done it before but not like this—as though she’d been starved of it and
yearned to consume every inch of me. Her mouth felt so good. I arched my
head back and shut my eyes, enjoying the sensations she put me through.
Soon after, she started massaging my balls with her other hand, while
my cock went in and out of her mouth. Licking the tip, she let out a sigh
and kept working on my shaft, doing wonderful things to it while I panted
for air.
I let go of a moan as I got closer to the edge…
“Shit,” I growled, gathering her hair in my fist and pushing her filthy
mouth deeper into my cock. I wanted to prolong this for as long as possible
but it was getting harder and harder. “This feels … unbelievable.”
My balls were about to explode and my heart beat at a rhythm I couldn’t
keep up with. I was supposed to be in control, to manhandle her and set the
pace as I damn well saw fit, but I found myself holding back. If I let go too
much, I’d be completely helpless.
But I couldn’t resist…
I pushed her head again so my cock hit the back of her throat. She
struggled, gagging, but I couldn’t release her. It felt like heaven.
"Fuck … almost there … I want you to take every drop of my cum,” I
rasped, putting even more pressure on her head.
I could tell she wasn’t enjoying this so much for she kept trying to pull
back to take the occasional breath. My cock wasn’t for the faint of heart.
Yet she kept going, persevering as tears fell down her cheeks, and I loved
how she didn’t give up.
I bet her pussy was dripping wet for me, ready for hard fucking. Tears
were streaming down her face and I was enjoying this more than ever.
Finally, after a long moment, I let her take a breath.
"Now focus on my balls for a moment before I lose my mind and fuck
you so hard, the neighbors will think you're being murdered," I ordered.
Her eyes shone like diamonds as she nodded.
"Yes, Daddy," she answered, then took my balls into her mouth, sucking
and licking every sensitive inch. I was so close, so damn close to
ejaculating all over her face, but I needed to come inside her mouth so she
could swallow every last drop as I craved.
She cupped my ball sack, caressing it gently and stroking my cock at
the same time with her other hand. Then, she moved her mouth over my
shaft once again, taking it deep and rough. I growled out her name as my
thighs started to fucking shake with the rawness of her touch. My body
went rigid and I felt my balls swelling.
She must have sensed I was coming because her movements became
more urgent. In seconds, I was ejaculating in her mouth, groaning with
pleasure and coming like I’d never come before.
She drank all of me, every last drop, staring directly in my eyes. When I
was done, it took me a while to catch my breath. Damn it, this woman was
something else. Words escaped me. I should have known she’d do exactly
as I asked because this was Cathy and pleasing me gave her so much
satisfaction. Even when it was difficult for her to go on, she kept pleasuring
me, giving it her all.
Giving me
her all. I was so proud of my little flower.
I touched her face and smiled.
"Amazing. You're such a good girl, Cathy. And hot … so hot.” I played
with a strand of her gorgeous red mane. “Mine.” My chest felt tight with
emotion, but I ignored that feeling I wasn’t ready to acknowledge. Her face
lit up, but then I added, “But I haven’t forgotten about your punishment,”
and a shadow crossed her expression. “Can you tell me what the
punishment is for?”
She shook her head, pretending she had no idea what I was talking
about. But I wasn’t buying that—because there was no way she’d forgotten.
"I haven't done anything wrong," she said.
Well, maybe that was true, but I saw things differently. That mess with
her ex was bad enough with him tricking her in sneaking out of the house.
Seeing another man go near her and touch her—hell, no. That wasn’t an
option.
On top of that, the stalker bastard was still roaming free, an old
motherfucker who liked to prey on young girls and women. In my opinion,
the police weren’t doing enough to catch him—they were waiting on him to
strike again before taking action. What if that meant my Cathy would be
hurt? My team were trying to track him but it was as though he’d vanished
in thin air.
Perhaps I was in too deep and couldn’t think clearly. Cathy had turned
my whole life upside down—but I would never let anything happen to her.
I stared at her flustered face, knowing that she was probably gagging for
my cock, but she needed to earn her pleasure.
 “You know I haven’t done anything wrong,” she repeated when I didn’t
respond.
"That's true but still, you’re not off the hook. Now take all your clothes
off. I want that bare pussy in my face," I ordered, full of anticipation.
She quickly undressed as if she, too, couldn’t wait. First her skirt, then
the black lace panties she’d probably put on especially for me this morning.
I watched her, amused that she was taking all my orders so well. My mind
was filled with images of me fucking Cathy on the desk, against the
bookcase, or on the luxury Persian rug in the living room.
I cursed under my breath when her perfect pussy came into view,
demanding my attention.
Her hips were trembling a little, her the scent of her arousal drifted to
my nostrils. I was ready to tease her until she admitted she was mine
forever. Until she fully submitted to me.
"Tell me, how much do you want to touch yourself right now? I bet
you're soaking wet for me?" I asked, my breaths shallow and hard. This
woman was going to be the death of me. I had to slow down, but I couldn't.
"I'm so very wet for you, Daddy," she replied, totally acting the part.
Her lips were swollen from my cock, but her eyes were full of light. So very
alive.
I laughed as I admired her beauty and zest for adventure. Of course she
was wet for me. I wanted nothing more than to bury my cock deep inside
her all night long, but I had to take things slow.
"Beautiful and all mine… Now come here. "
She approached, positioning herself in front of me, and turned so her ass
was right where it needed to be—up close and personal. I ran my hand over
her perfect globes, caressing the sensitive skin, and she whimpered slightly
when I rubbed around her puckered hole with my fingers.
The original plan was to take my pleasure and leave her wanting, but I
that wouldn’t do right now. I had to see her come for me, so I would allow
this as long as I administered my small punishment first.
"Lennox…" She gasped when I trailed my fingers between her thighs,
slowly caressing her dripping pussy. I was right. She was wet, slick, and
ready for me.
"Full of mischief, flower. You’re wet and hot and all I want to do right
now is to lick you," I murmured. "Count for me. This is going to be nice
and quick."
 I caressed her ass, rubbing her sex a little, teasing it until she was
gasping for more and panting for air. A moment later, I slapped her the first
time. She cried out in a mixture of surprise and pain. My palm was burning
and my dick throbbed for more.
"One," she counted, her voice breaking a tad.
I took my time, gently rubbing the sensitive area to release the tension,
then eased two fingers inside her pussy. Damn, her juices were all over my
fingers and her pussy was pulsating with need. It wasn't going to be long
before she came apart for me.
"Good girl. Are you ready for more?" I asked.
"Yes, Daddy!" she replied.
As I kept fucking her with my fingers, she moaned out loud, her body
trembling from head to toe.
Then I slapped her two more times after that, in rapid succession and
with a rougher hand. She cried out in pain—but the discomfort was short-
lived for at that very moment, I thrust two fingers inside her once again and
started fucking her.
“Don’t stop! Please don’t stop…”
It could have been the aftershock and her throbbing pussy, or my rapid
pace at dispensing pleasure, but I could feel her coming like a freight train.
Her cum spilled all over my pants and I had to hold her up for she was
about to drop in a heap on the floor.
She whimpered and moaned, screamed out her pleasure in complete
abandon.
I inhaled sharply, craving her pussy in my face and me feasting on it.
She loved it when I did that.
"Lennox … shit!" she cried and then she came again hard, her whole
body a bundle of nerves as I did not relent in teasing her clit and fucking
her with my fingers. She then fell on top of me, utterly spent.
I was going to be a fool to let her go to sleep afterwards. The night was
still young and Cathy needed to be fucked like she had never been fucked
before, so she would think twice about ever cozying up to another cover
model.
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
3

C athy

I was coming
down to earth from the most incredible orgasm, although my
backside burned like hell. Lennox was such a great teacher and lover. I had
sensed that anger simmering below the surface but dealing with it so closely
… it was so much more intense. I could have kept explaining and justifying
till the cows came home, but there was no reasoning with him.
He was so possessive. I should hate that—I certainly did when my ex
schemed to get me to see him and hook back up with him, acting so
besotted and controlling—but somehow, I secretly relished it when it came
from Lennox.
He came in my mouth and that was so damn hot. After the orgasm tore
through me, Lennox settled me on his lap and wrapped his arms tight
around me, cuddling me. For a moment we just sat there, enjoying the
closeness while I tried to steady my erratic breathing. The beat of his heart
calmed me and I wished we’d be like this forever. Granted, his overbearing
nature wasn’t always welcome, but he was protective and obviously cared
for my wellbeing.
I had fallen so fast for this giant, brooding ogre. But what was I to do? I
reminded myself I would be tied to him forever because I was going to have
his baby. All of a sudden, worries and doubts set up residence in my head.
Lennox was a good guy. I knew he wouldn't just abandon me and the baby,
but the truth was, I didn't really know much about him other than the fact he
was engaged before and he’d been in the army.
"Come on, flower. Let's take you to bed. I'm looking forward to sleeping
with you tonight," he said, relaxing his grip of me and playing with my hair.
I gingerly stood and started searching for my clothes. My heart was
pounding in my chest because my subconscious mind kept telling me that
this was the perfect moment to tell him about the pregnancy. He was happy,
sated, and comfortable. Maybe he’d take it well?
My belly did a somersault as I smiled and kissed him gently in the lips.
My self-confidence was taking a hit and I found myself unable to say a
word. This wasn't easy, especially when I felt so vulnerable. I needed to be
sure that everything was all right with me—with us—before I told him I
was carrying his child.
Maybe I was expecting too much.
"Yes, big man," I said, sighing loudly.
"What's wrong, flower?" he asked then, arching his left eyebrow.
Damn it, Lennox was clever and he could always sense that something
was wrong with me. Not that I made it hard to figure out at that moment.
"Nothing, I'm fine. Let's go upstairs and cuddle. I'm so tired," I said and
pulled him up to a standing position.
Soon enough, we were in our bedroom, resting my head on his chest
and my body flush with his as we watched the latest adaptation of Pride and
Prejudice on my TV’s streaming service. All our worries were forgotten—
for the time being.
I wished I had the energy to play more with him, all night long even, but
this baby was sapping all my energy and I was now more exhausted than
ever. Overall, I felt grateful and lucky that everything was the way it should
be and we could enjoy times like this, together.
Like the calm before the storm.
The biggest, baddest storm in existence.

"W hy do
you need to go to the doctor? What's wrong with you?” Lennox
questioned in the car when he was driving me to the clinic. I hated lying to
him, but I couldn’t bring myself to disclose the truth just yet. Yeah, I was
definitely a chicken—no doubt about that.
"It's just a routine checkup. You know … woman stuff. I told you
already.” I stared out the window, hoping he wouldn’t see my flushed face.
You're going to Hell, girl. Hell, I tell you!
My inner voice was screaming at me, but I pushed it to the side as
because stress wasn't good for the baby. I would tell him sooner or later
even though there likely wouldn’t be such a thing as an ideal moment to do
this. The whole thing was overwhelming and I myself still had to fully
come to grips with it.
Once the doctor confirmed that I was fine and everything was as it
should be, I’d make plans to tell Lennox later.
I wasn’t sure if I myself was ready for this, to be honest. My life was
about to be turned upside down. I just couldn't imagine changing diapers or
pushing a stroller in between book signings and live streams. To say I was
scared would be an understatement.
Lennox kept sneaking glances at me during the ride, which seemed to
take forever. I wished I could have made the trip on my own, but that
wasn’t an option. Since the incident when Richard Langtry, my stalker,
broke into Lennox’s hotel room on the night of the Halloween ball and shot
him, then got arrested and escaped, there was no way my bodyguard would
let me out of his sight.
Luckily, he wouldn’t be allowed in the examination room with me—
well, I wouldn’t let him join me—and he’d have to wait for me in the
reception area. Lennox wasn't too happy when I told the nurse I wanted to
go in on my own, but the patient’s wishes couldn’t be questioned. The clinic
was small and intimate and I’d be taken care of. Lennox was able to see me
go through a door, which had no other exits or even windows. I wasn’t in
any danger, except the risk of him blowing his top off when I shared my
secret with him.
During the ultrasound, I lay there thinking about Lennox and feeling
uneasy with the fact that he wasn't going to witness any of it. I couldn’t
remember ever being this terrified about someone’s reaction before. Why
was I such a chicken? Tears pricked my eyes when the nurse put the gel on
my bare stomach and started scanning the little seed inside me.
I tried to keep my breathing even but emotion was getting the better of
me. Would Lennox want to be a father in the end? Likely not. After his bad
breakup with his fiancée, I didn’t think he’d want to be tied down like this.
He wasn’t ready for a relationship—he’d said as much—and I didn’t want
to be the one to force him into a situation he didn’t want to be in.
Yet, here I was. I wasn’t ready, either, but one thing was true: I already
loved the little seed growing inside me. It wasn’t even a fully formed
human yet, but I’d protect it with my life. It made no sense because this was
so far from the plans I’d made—but life is indeed what happens when
you’re busy making other plans. My instincts were kicking in, my emotions
were out of whack, and I couldn’t ignore any of it.
I was having this baby. My baby.
Lennox’s baby.
I sighed, so torn. Would Lennox feel protective of it as he was of me? I
had a million questions, yet no solid answers. Only my gut feeling. I did
know he was an honorable man and not one to skirt responsibility. He also
gave a damn. I believed he’d make a great father.
What a pickle I’d put myself in.
My doctor came into the examination room and observed the screen.
"Well, everything looks great, Cathy. The baby looks like it's developing
well. The heartbeat is pretty strong and that's always a good sign. I’ll put
you in for your next appointment so we can keep monitoring. Meanwhile,
eat well and avoid fast foods. Your bloods are fine, so there are no issues.
Take your pregnancy vitamins. Avoid stress,” he said.
That last one would be hard to do, I wanted to say.
For a moment I just stared at the little dot on the screen that would one
day become a full-size baby. Anxiety took hold, mingled with a growing
sense of joy. Then, fear again. My father was going to be so disappointed to
say the least. There was another obstacle to overcome. I hoped he wouldn’t
be so angry he’d fire Lennox on the spot. Maybe he’d be that upset at first,
but I’d have to be prepared to make him see reason.
What Lennox and I did was insanity. Well, our attraction wasn’t a bad
thing, but we should have handled it better. Been more careful and not let
hormones rule.
"So this is it? I’m really pregnant…" I said in barely a whisper as the
nurse cleaned everything up and left. Of course I knew that, but seeing it in
front of me like that left no room for questions or speculation. I was going
to be a mother.
 The doctor smiled. He was a bit older than my father and he’d been
doing this for decades.
"I guess congratulations are in order,” he said.
I swallowed past a lump in my throat. I wanted to be thrilled, and
mostly, to have planned this outcome. But I had to stop crying over things I
couldn’t change. This was it and I was keeping the baby. End of story. Now,
to handle what was about to come…
“Thank you,” I croaked out, my mouth suddenly dry.
We moved on to discussing my diet and the next ultrasound. Doctor
Waverly told me that although this was still early days, I should start
thinking about the birthing plan. He was being helpful but with every word
that came out of his mouth, I got more and more anxious.
I left his office with the results of the ultrasound safety tucked in one of
the books in my bag, then walked over to the reception area where Lennox
was waiting. My protector. The person that had my back—even took a
bullet to keep me safe.
It hit me that Richard Langtry was still out there, biding his time and
waiting to strike. Maybe watching my every move. A cold shiver ran down
my spine. Now I needed to look out for not just me, but the teeny nugget
inside me. My hand went instinctively to my stomach. How could Lennox
do his job properly if he didn’t know the truth? He had a right to know.
"Are you okay? You look worried?" Lennox asked when we made it
back to the car.
"I'm fine, everything is fine. I just feel emotional for some reason," I
said, hoping he would drop the subject. At the end of the day, we both knew
that Lennox hated discussing feelings. He was always a man of a few
words.
He asked me a few more questions after that and by the time we arrived,
I told him I was exhausted and needed a nap. This was the truth, because I
needed all the rest I could get before I had this huge discussion with him.
All the heavy thinking and trying to figure out how best to do it made me a
wreck.
Dad and Margie were home, thankfully both busy with their duties, so I
headed upstairs and fell on the bed, clothes and all. I drifted off pretty
quickly. Two hours later, I could barely get up, but I forced myself to do it.
I pulled out the book in which I’d hidden the report from my bag and
stared at it for a while, feeling warm in all the places. This was my and
Lennox’s baby, and it wasn’t just fear that gripped me but a deep-rooted
happiness the kind of which I’d never felt before.
This came with the clarity of a woman who might not have had all the
sleep she needed, but enough to clear the cobwebs from her brain.
Yes. I was more than content, safe in the newfound certainty that this
was supposed to happen just as it was. After Matt, I didn’t think I could fall
in so deep with anyone until Lennox showed up. I’d fought it, resented how
my father forced this ‘babysitter’ on me, but life had other plans.
Speaking of my father … he might lose his cool at first but in the end,
he’d come to accept it, too. Especially when he got to meet his new
grandchild.
As for me, I never shied away from a challenge. I’d make it work.
I looked out the window. The weather outside was great, with the winter
sun shining, and I decided it wouldn’t do to sit and wallow in my room any
longer. So I went downstairs where I found Margie dusting the living area.
She told me Lennox had hopped out for a short while to take care of an
errand and he didn’t want to wake me up. He’d left Margie in charge and
had one of his men watch the house from his car parked outside.
I shook my head, smiling. Lennox. He never took any chances—except
this time with me. I rubbed on my stomach and sighed.
I went to look through the window that gave a view of the driveway and
sure enough, a black Hummer was parked there. The windows were tinted
so I couldn’t see inside.
"Are you all right Cathy?" Margie asked when I picked up a few
packages that were waiting for me on the hallway table, thinking I’d head
out with them to the backyard to catch some rays. Among other things, I
knew I had just received one of the most anticipated reads of the year, so I
wanted to start on it as soon as possible, ideally outside while waiting for
Lennox to come back. He never really bothered me when I was reading—
one of the many things I appreciated about the man, when he wasn’t being
annoying.
I stopped in my tracks and caught her studying me. “I’m good. How are
you?”
Margie’s expression had ‘I see through your bullshit’ written all over it.
Hand on hip, she put the duster in its place, washed her hands, and took out
some meat from the refrigerator to prep for dinner.
Bracing myself, I set the boxes down on the counter and bit my lip.
 "How was your visit at the ob-gyn? Anything you would like to share
with me?" she asked calmly, but I wasn’t fooled by her nonchalant
demeanor.
"I’m fine," I quickly replied. "It was just a checkup."
"You don't have to worry,” she said after a long pause. “I won't say
anything to Lennox or your father. We both know you can trust me," she
said softly then, offering an understanding gaze and dropping all pretense.
Emotions reared their head again and tears brimmed in my eyes, hot and
burning. Feeling like I’d lost my anchor for a moment, I jumped into her
arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Margie hugged me back, offering comfort.
She’d always come through for me and there was nothing I could do for her
to give up on me. How did I expect to face all this alone?
Above all, with her maternal sixth sense, she always knew what was
going on with me. She must have noticed how tired I was and that I’d
stopped drinking. She was like a mother to me. If I couldn’t trust her, who
could I trust?
She let me go and went back to her prepping.
“So you know…” I breathed out.
She nodded, her eyes softening even more. “Course I do. I was just
waiting for you to tell me.”
With a deep sigh, I rested my elbows on the counter and buried my head
in my hands. "I don’t know what to do. This pregnancy is totally
unexpected and I have no idea how Lennox is going to react when I tell
him," I mumbled.
“Oh, child…” She came around the counter again, gently grabbed my
arm and turned me so she could take me in her arms. In her quiet embrace,
while she moved her palm soothingly over my back, my feelings were safe.
"Cathy, he's going to be very happy about it, I can sense these things.
You must tell him now. The man can be a lout but I can tell he cares for
you.” She pulled back and took my face in her hands. “He is crazy about
you. I’m never wrong about such matters. Your father will be fine, too. So
stop worrying, darling. You must focus on your well-being and keep stress
at bay.”
She smiled. “I’ll cook you some good meals. Nutritious—for you and
the baby.”
I hugged her again then, resting my head against her shoulder. “Oh,
Margie, sorry for not telling you sooner. Thank you so much for being here
for me.”
“Always.”
We stood in silence for a while, locked in an embrace.
"I keep having these doubts. feel so bad lying to Lennox, I feel I’m
making it worse with every day that passes. Dad, too—he’ll be mad. I
mean, Lennox is my bodyguard, for God’s sake.” I sniffed, tears stinging
my eyes again.
“Shhhhh,” Margie soothed. “I said stop worrying, Cathy. Stop
overthinking. Just take one day at a time … but know you can’t keep hiding
this forever. You need to pluck up some courage, sweetie. Trust me, you’ll
feel like a great weight is being lifted off your shoulders.”
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
4

L ennox

I drove
to Cathy's home after meeting with the inspector in charge of the
Langtry case. They had interviewed a suspect, a relative they believed was
working with the man but got nothing from that lead. I was fed up with the
lack of progress.
That motherfucker was planning something because he couldn’t have
simply disappeared indefinitely. On top of all this, Cathy was hiding
something from me. What was wrong with her? Was she unwell? I was sick
with worry and wondering what the hell was going on. These dark thoughts
were keeping me awake at night, which could jeopardize my job and
prevent me from protecting Cathy.
I arrived outside her home twenty minutes later, around three in the
afternoon, and motioned for my man in the Hummer to leave. Margie and
Rogers were home, so Cathy wasn’t alone. Even so, I couldn’t fully relax
until I was back in the same room with her.
As I entered the house, I thought about last night. It was intense, but
she’d seemed exhausted and I had to go easy on her. Not that I minded. It
felt good to hold her in my arms all night long. Safe, where she was meant
to be. I even loved her little snores.
I figured Rogers would be in his office and Margie was somewhere in
the house, cleaning, so after checking the main living area and kitchen, I
headed upstairs to Cathy's room. I knocked but there was no answer, so I
entered. Cathy wasn't there and panic immediately set in.
But I didn't want to raise the alarm just yet. My girl was probably
somewhere in the house as her scent was lingered in the air and her phone
was on the desk. She often told me that she would never leave the house
without it. I walked to her shelves and looked outside the window, spotting
her in the backyard. She was sitting on a bench, reading.
She looked so peaceful there and as I watched her, my heart swelled. I
wondered if I had enough courage in me to talk to her father about our
relationship. The more I stared at her the more I knew: the answer was yes.
I was more than ready, but I couldn't do anything behind her back. If we
were going to break such important news to him, we had to show a united
front and do it together.
I let out a ragged breath then rubbed my sweaty palms over my jeans. I
was just about to exit her room when I noticed a book on her bed—Delta of
Venus by Anaïs Nin. Cathy read anything, mostly romance, but she also
loved the classics in various genres. She had the habit of carrying a random
selection around with her everywhere she went.
I picked it up and carefully turned the pages, admiring the prose, until I
came across a folded sheet of paper in the middle of the book. I knew I
shouldn’t pry as it wasn’t my property but I couldn’t help unfolding it to see
what it was.
I frowned at the image. An ultrasound? My heart skipped a beat, then
started racing triple time as I lifted the paper to take a better look at it. I
studied the small black dot that was clearly visible in the center of it.
My throat went dry when I finally realized what I was looking at, in
complete and utter shock.
"Jesus Christ," I whispered to myself, moving my eyes over the words
that formed Cathy's name with today's date. Everything made sense now.
Her moodiness lately. The lack of energy. The fact she acted like she was
hiding something. Her visit to the doctor in the morning…
This wasn't just some random ultrasound. This was Cathy's, which
meant only one thing.
She was pregnant.
I cursed under my breath as I stared and stared and at the image of my
child in the making. Deep down, I knew it was mine for Cathy wasn’t
sleeping with anyone else.
 Her ex-boyfriend was out of the picture and … fuck … there were times
we should have been more careful. We had plenty of opportunities to play
in the past months when we had the house to ourselves, and we took risks
we shouldn’t have.
I sat on the edge of the bed, stunned beyond belief. I didn’t know where
to start making sense of this. Then, other emotions crept in, led by immense
relief that Cathy wasn’t sick or suffering through something. I closed my
eyes and let relief course through me.
Goddammit, why the hell hadn’t she told me? Hadn’t we established
trust between us?
It wouldn’t do to face her while full of anger, so I had to calm down
before confronting her with this. I wanted to smash something against the
wall and I didn’t care if anyone heard me. But that would be foolish. I
closed the book and held it in a tight vise as I braced myself to go talk to
her. I hoped she’d help me understand why she’d kept silent about this
whopper of a revelation.
Fuck, I was supposed to be a tough motherfucker but this discovery had
me feeling some kind of way. Cathy was pregnant with my child. My
child.
I went back to the window to observe my woman sitting down there,
completely immersed in a fictional world.
This changed everything. I wasn’t planning to be in a relationship ever
again after my ex, but then I met Cathy, and now Cathy was expecting. The
old me would have resented her for keeping secrets from me but that was
not what I felt by a long shot. This woman was now a part of me, and I was
tasked with protecting her from a stalker. I had to be less reckless, maybe
even wear bulletproof vests just in case. After what happened in that hotel
bathroom, I wasn't taking any more chances.
She thought I was overbearing before. Now it was a whole new
ballgame.
After a while, I decided it was time to head down to Cathy. I stepped
outside, ultrasound in hand. The sight of her bowled me over, making me
feel
so many things I couldn’t describe. I mulled what I should say, but
nothing came to me easily.
Again I asked myself, how could I protect her better? A tracker … yeah,
she already had one of those in her phone. I needed to know where she was
all the time. Every single fucking minute. So I should double up on that.
 "Hello, big man,” she greeted with a bright smile when she saw me. The
sun shone on her red hair and face, making her look like a Greek goddess.
“Thought I’d come to read here and get some vitamin D at the same time.
Hope you didn’t look for me too long.”
My anger had dissipated, but disappointment lingered when I thought
about her keeping such big news from me. She must have had her reasons,
but it still smarted.
"I kind of was. I went straight upstairs to your room and then I saw you
from the window," I said, pausing for a moment before adding, "And then I
picked up this book from your bed and discovered this inside." Might as
well rip off the Band-Aid. No point in keeping on pretending at this point.
A small gasp escaped her and she raised a hand to her lips. Then, she
went stiff and stared at my hand holding the damning sheet of paper, proof
that she was carrying my seed. For a long stretch, the silence between us
grew, morphed into a soul-sucking monster. I frowned, questioning in those
moments whether she was sleeping enough, ate enough, rested her mind
enough. Did Margie know? Clearly not her father, or I’d probably be
mincemeat.
Meanwhile, I’d thrown the ax and waited for it to fall.
At last, she grabbed the ultrasound from me and rose from the bench,
dropping her book.
"Did you snoop around in my room?" she demanded to know in a tone
filled with indignation. The nerve.
"Fuck, no, of course not. I thought you were there and I saw this book
on the bed. You know I like classics so I was curious and picked it up and
flipped through it. I wasn't looking for anything specifically," I said, mad
that she was accusing me of something like that. If she would have told me
the truth weeks ago, then this whole thing wouldn't come crushing down on
her. “How could I have known you’d have hidden something like this in
there, huh?”
I bit my tongue, stopping myself from unleashing a rant on her. At least,
she had the decency to look ashamed.
"Lennox, I … I am sorry.” She shook her head, nervously wringing her
hands. “I was going to tell you, promise, but I was so scared," she rambled
on, looking down at her feet before she continued. "I didn't know how this
happened. I just came out of the birth control pills right before I met you …
then there was that time… What are we going to do?"
 She plopped back down on the bench, her expression desperate, eyes
seeking mine now. I had so many questions, but this was a new reality we
both had to get used to. I kneeled in front of her and took her hands. I hoped
no one could see us from here. The fact that Cathy's Dad didn't know about
us was stressful but a good thing for now—until we figured out how to
handle the situation.
"Yes, there was that time… We weren’t always on the money with
protection. For the most part, yes, but we did take a few risks. Also
condoms can break and once is all it takes,” I said.
The terror and uncertainty in her eyes made me feel like shit. It had
been my responsibility to take care of her and control myself around her.
Yet, in some instances I’d been reckless.
She nodded and tears brimmed in her eyes. “I … I want this baby.” Her
voice was so low, but I heard every word. I squeezed her fingers.
“So do I.”
That was when she started to sob. I wiped the tears off her face, waiting
for her to quiet down.
After delivering a quick kiss on her cheek, I said, “Cathy this changes
everything. I'm going to take care of you. Do you understand me? I won't
let anything happen to you. I can't believe this but it’s happening, and I
won’t bail on you," I said, kissing her knuckles, feeling so fucking
emotional all of a sudden.
"Lennox … I don't know what to say. I'm sorry about all the lies, but my
father doesn't know. This wasn't planned obviously but I know you're a
good man," she admitted. " What are we going to do now?" she asked
again. “How do we handle it?”
That was a good question.
"I think we need to speak to your father about this. We have to tell him
about us and the pregnancy," I said, not believing that I was actually saying
these words. Rogers wasn't going to be happy with the fact that I knocked
up his only precious daughter and that I had been having sex with her
behind his back, but this new development required that we be honest with
him.
She shook her head and her hair fell over her face. From my angle, it
looked like her whole head was on fire.
A goddess. My
goddess.
 "Yes, I mean no, we can't tell him just yet. I'm not ready. But I believe
you, Lennox. I know you’ll step up where it matters, but this doesn’t have
to change anything. I don’t want to trap you into a relationship you don’t
want.”
I rose to sit next to her on the bench, not liking her comment one bit.
She had another think coming if she thought we were going to continue to
keep fooling around without commitment. She was my woman now and
sure, we weren't going to get married just yet but I had a responsibility I
would not ignore. We could take it one step at a time.
"No, of course not, but no more kinky punishments in the bedroom.
Now I feel guilty that I slapped you yesterday. Rough sex is too fucking
dangerous right now, flower," I growled, dragging my hand through my hair
and mussing it up a little.
"What about if I like it, huh? I came so hard all over your hands,
remember? … Oh, I do," she cooed, making me instantly fucking hard.
Damn it, she wasn't helping this situation and this wasn’t the place. We
were too exposed out here.
"Cathy, you're pregnant and you have to be careful, so no more staying
up late and reading books. You have to eat nutritious and balanced meals
three times a day, healthy snacks, then there are also the special exercises
—"
"Oh, come on! I'm only in my first trimester. Don't you think you're
exaggerating a little, Lennox? Besides, I've already started reading one of
those popular pregnancy books so I can take care of myself, thank you very
much."
"You’re determined to drive me crazy, aren’t you?" I snapped, but then
she looked around to make sure we were alone and gave me a quick kiss.
She tasted like summer rain and oranges, so sweet and tangy at the same
time.
Not satisfied with the fleeting touch, I pulled her back to me and
devoured her mouth, forgetting myself for a moment. We kissed urgently,
deeply, and by the time I forced myself to stop, I was out of breath. I missed
her already but I couldn’t risk anyone catching us right now.
"I need to use the bathroom,” she said, standing up and smoothing her
dress. “Oh, and you don’t need to walk on eggshells around Margie. She
knows about the baby."
 "Of course she does," I muttered. “You told her before me.” I couldn’t
help the brooding tone.
“No! It’s not that. She just sensed there was something wrong and sort
of cornered me with it. I swear she’s psychic.”
I nodded, not surprised at all. The woman was sharp and perceptive. She
knew everything that was going on in this house and more.
Cathy started heading inside the house. I followed her all the way
upstairs, wondering why she wasn't using the downstairs bathroom. She
only just noticed me standing beside her when she entered her bedroom and
was about to open the door to her ensuite.
"What are you doing Lennox?" she asked, turning to face me.
"I'm escorting you to the bathroom, flower. What do you think I am
doing?" I asked, standing right by the door.
She broke into a laugh then but I didn't find this situation the least bit
amusing. When she composed herself, she lost her smile and placed her
hands on her hips.
"Are you serious? You are going to stare at me while I am peeing?" she
asked, frowning.
"Well, no. I wasn't actually planning to inside with you," I said in
annoyance.
"Trust me. I am perfectly capable of doing this on my own. You don't
have to follow me," she said, sounding angry all of a sudden.
I rolled my eyes, unable to help myself. "Are you sure about that?"
"Of course! Seriously, I don't want you to follow me all the way to the
bathroom, Lennox. I mean it," she insisted.
"As bright as the sun," I said, smiling.
She glared at me before she practically slammed the door behind her.
I stared at the door, thinking that this was going to be more complicated
than I realized. Cathy was stubborn but she was out of her mind if she
thought I’d just let her walk to the bathroom alone now, even in her own
house.
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
5

C athy

T his man was unbelievable .

I shut the door in his face and did my
business. He was serious about walking in with me here. I should have
known he’d go over-the-top with this. At least he’d taken the news better
than I expected. I spent several moments working to calm myself enough
before going back downstairs.
Luckily, my father was still in his office so he couldn't see or hear
anything. I needed these five minutes on my own to process what happened
because this wasn't what I’d expected at all.
We’d made a tangle of things and in hindsight, I should never have
stopped taking birth control. Yet, I couldn’t think of a time in the last few
months when I’d seen Lennox this content. Everything was happening way
too fast. My mind was spinning.
Maybe I had read too many romances about possessive book
boyfriends, but I was certain Lennox was going to be a handful.
Hours passed with me in the living room reading and Lennox on his
computer, eyeing me every ten seconds. When I was thinking about finding
refuge in my room—alone—Margie walked in and started preparing dinner.
I went upstairs to freshen up, throwing a withering glance at Lennox
when he attempted to follow me. He pursed his lips and stayed put—what a
relief. Soon after, when we finally sat down to eat, I learned Dad was out of
the house as he had a dinner engagement related to the hotel he was
renovating in Georgia, dedicated to me. Lennox and I had gone to see the
first phase of the works this Christmas, and I had to admit, it was gorgeous
with its literary theme and cute rooms.
The meal was uneventful, were it not for Lennox’s bossiness that was
driving me up the wall. I ate as fast as I could while he threw me glares.
“Don’t eat that fast. It’s not good for you or the baby.”
I noticed we had a ton of vegetables on our plates, more than usual.
Lennox kept telling me to ‘eat my veggies’ and I almost blew my top off. I
held back on several retorts but miraculously managed to stay silent.
When dinner was done, he wanted to go take a shower but hesitated. I
convinced him to go, since I wasn’t alone. The sigh of relief came unbidden
when he left. Margie chuckled as she cleared the table. I stood to help her.
“What?” I asked, loading the glasses and plates into the dishwasher.
That was when I found out Lennox had talked to her about my freaking
diet! So that’s why he didn’t insist on coming upstairs with me when I went
to my room a while ago …
so he could conspire with her with his scheming
self!
"He told you what?"
Margie wouldn't stop giggling when she handed me a green smoothie
after I started the dishwashing cycle. “Here’s your drink that he insisted I
make for you. Lots of fruits and veggies.”
“But I must have had a mountain of them already!” I put the glass on
the counter and stared at it in disgust.
“Lennox’s orders,” she said, her voice cracking in amusement. "He told
me I have to be here every day now to prepare three balanced meals for you
and when I can’t, he’ll do it himself. I think he's going email me the recipes.
He's in his room right now working on it. Shower my foot," she said,
laughing uncontrollably now.
I wanted to scream and also shove Lennox’s head into a pile of dog doo.
"Uh. You know I hate green smoothies," I grumbled. Luckily I hadn't
been feeling nauseous as most women did in the first trimester of
pregnancy, but this was going to change soon if I was forced to drink those
disgusting concoctions that made me want to throw up.
"Oh honey, that man will be driving you crazy and he only just found
out." Margie shook her head, still laughing. "Imagine how he is going to act
once you're as big as a whale?"
 "This isn't funny and you know it. I'm going to talk to him right now," I
snapped at her, annoyed that she said I was going to look like a whale.
I swiveled around on my feet and walked straight into my father. He
frowned when he saw the green gulp sitting on the countertop.
"Cathy, please tell me you're not on some crazy diet. Can’t stand all
these so-called health influencers promoting themselves on social media
these days," he blurted out. “I know you hate that stuff. And by the way,
who’s as big as a whale?”
Margie turned her head, her eyes moist with tears as she clearly
suppressed more laughter. Awful woman. I swallowed a snarky comment,
trying not to say anything I might regret later.
Maybe I should have kept this whole secret for a bit longer because
Lennox was going to make me insane.
"Nobody… and I am not on a diet, Dad, but Margie thought it would be
funny to serve this to me anyway," I muttered before grabbing the glass and
emptying the contents into the sink.

"T his is for you ,"

Lennox said a few days later, handing me a box.
I opened it to find a gorgeous, unique silver bracelet with tiny book
charms linked to it. “Oh wow, thank you!”
I smiled big at him, knowing he was doing his best. Maybe this was his
way of apologizing for the past few days, which had been quite trying.
Lennox truly had outdone himself and this was no compliment. The icing
on the cake was when he refused to take me to the bookstore because he
said I didn't need any more books—that would make me too busy or
stressed. I had never been more livid in my life.
Then, when he finally gave in to my onslaught of protests, he eventually
took me to meet up with Jess but kept following me around, even to the
restroom. He truly wasn't grasping the concept of space. We ended up
arguing on the way back, but he said he was only trying to protect me and
he wasn't planning to back off.
I always knew he was possessive but this was something else. He was
taking that bullshit to new heights. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to
take this.
 "You really have to take care of yourself better, flower. Green smoothies
aren’t that bad. I drink one every day before my training," he told me as we
exited the car.
I rolled my eyes at him when we walked into the house.
At this point all I could think of was my bed, and it wasn't even midday
yet. I had been sleeping way too much, but apparently this was what my
body needed. I had to do an interview tonight at nine with a famous
Booktoker based in Europe, so I hoped the rest would do me good.
"You should be thanking the universe that I’m not suffering from
morning sickness, but if Margie gets that green puke anywhere near me
again, I might just start throwing up," I said.
Dad was on a conference call and tonight he was going back to Georgia
to check on the hotel project. I wondered if work was all he did, or whether
he was seeing someone. I didn't want to ask, but I knew that sooner or later
my father would spill the beans because he wasn't very good at keeping
secrets.
Lennox kept rambling on about safety and other bullshit and I tuned
him out for a second, then pulled him inside my room and shut the door. I
got him where I wanted, against my bookcase, ready to receive my thanks
for that stunning bracelet. So sweet of him to do that.
He was mine. My pesky, irritating hot bodyguard.
"Take off your pants, big guy. I need you in my mouth right now."
His eyes snapped back at me when I spoke. I giggled to myself, my
hormones making me crave him more than ever. All I wanted was to please
him. I no longer cared what people would say about my relationship with
the bodyguard when this whole thing came out in the open. The Booktok
community loved drama, but this was my business. Lennox was all mine,
and I didn’t owe an explanation to anyone.
"Cathy, I don't think this is such a good idea. Your father is in the house
and it’s too risky. Do we want to let him know like this?” he mumbled
between our frantic kisses.
Despite his hesitation, he undid the zipper on his pants anyway. I was
wet for him already and this whole nonsense about a no go with the rough
fucking was ridiculous. I and pulled his pants down, hungry for him.
"Tell me to get on my knees, Daddy," I said, remembering that game
from the other evening so well. Scorching heat rushed through my core—I
was on fire.
 He groaned and shook his head but "Fucking hell, get on your knees,
flower," were the words that tumbled out of his mouth.
I took out his massive cock and started to rub on it with my palm.
Lennox closed his eyes and leaned his back against the shelving, clearly lost
in the moment. Then his cellphone rang. I thought he’d let it go to the
voicemail but he answered it.
"Hello?" he said, staring at me with real pain in his eyes—but it was his
fault. He should have switched off the phone.
Right then I had a flashback of the time when he answered my father’s
phone while we were heavily engaged in … er … pleasurable activities. He
was in fact fucking me from behind in a laundry room in the basement of
the hotel where we had the Halloween ball. Jerk.
Insufferable, infuriating, adorable jerk.
I took him in my mouth, feeling hot and bothered and mildly annoyed.
Lennox craned his neck and regarded me with pure fire in his eyes while he
listened to the person on the other end of the line. With his size, I could
barely wrap my lips around him. I licked the tip and enjoyed being in
control for a change.
He nodded then, his face a stiff mask as he clutched that phone like a
lifeline. Guess I’m doing it right…
"Okay, I’ll be there shortly," he croaked
out.
He hung up the phone. I stopped what I was doing and looked up at
him, eyebrows raised in question because I didn't like what I’d just heard.
"What's going on?" I said, frowning. There was no way he was leaving
now while I was in the middle of this, so turned on and lost in him. He
reached out to caress my face, his large, veined hand so sexy and capable of
making me come in seconds.
"That was Jason. He heard from one of his contacts at the police
department that Richard Langtry has been found so I want to follow up on
that. I'm really sorry, flower, but trust me, we will pick up where we left off
later. I promise I will make it up to you," he said, putting his cock away and
zipping up his trousers.
He took my hand and helped me get back up. A cold shiver crawled up
my spine. Could this whole thing be finally over? I hoped so, but I hated
that Lennox had to leave.
"All right, go. But update me as soon as you can," I told him.
 He kissed me again and then he was out of the room. I watched through
the window when he drove off, an odd sensation in my gut. We hadn't heard
anything about my stalker lately, but Lennox was constantly on the case,
speaking to the police, getting his man to look into things. I just hoped the
bastard had really been apprehended and this time, they’d hold on to him.
Of course, in that case I’d have no choice but to tell my father about
Lennox, the baby, and everything that had been going on in my crazy life
lately.
Needing to keep myself busy, trying to ignore my raging hormones and
the mounting concern, I proceeded to clear up my library and organize the
books better. Half an hour passed when I heard commotion coming from
downstairs and a loud bang ensued.
"Dad? Are you all right?" I shouted after swinging the door open. He
must still be in his office. Margie was out grocery shopping and she’d be
back any minute. When there was no answer, I rushed downstairs to the
office door and pushed it open. For a moment I thought I was seeing things
because someone was in the room, tying my father to his chair.
I let go of a small shriek, bringing my hands to my mouth. The intruder
turned toward me. A black balaclava hid his face.
Finding my reflexes, I raced out of the office to find someplace to hide
and call for help. Whoever this guy was must have gotten inside right after
Lennox left. My heart jackhammered inside my chest as I flew upstairs. The
man was right behind me. The house was big and I could hide in any
number of rooms. I made it down the hall to the last bedroom, locked the
door, and went to hide in the bathroom.
I sat down on the toilet lid, breathing like an asthmatic for I had never
been more scared in my life. I could hear heavy footsteps outside. This
couldn't have been Richard, my stalker. The guy in the black balaclava was
much taller and skinnier, discernable even though the baggy clothes. My
hands were shaking when I pulled out my cell and quickly dialed Lennox’s
number. He picked up on the second ring.
"Someone’s in the house," I whispered into the phone. My heart felt like
it was just about to explode in my chest.
"What the fuck? Where are you?" he said, sounding like he was
running.
"I'm hiding in the ensuite of the last bedroom on the second floor, on the
left past my room. He walked in on him tying Dad up to his chair," I added,
biting on my hand because I was ready to break down and scream with
panic. Tears resurfaced as they so often did these days and I blinked them
away.
"I'm coming. Be there in five. Don't move and lock the door, Cathy," he
instructed.
Just then, a loud noise had me start and it was all I could do to stay
silent. The intruder was breaking down the bedroom door already.
"I did that but he's coming in anyway. He’s in the bedroom. Please
hurry!" I whispered. Who could it possibly be? If not Richard … then who?
"Stay put, flower, and don't try to fight him. I’ll be there shortly."
But then the man barged inside the bathroom and I knew I was done for.
I screamed at the top of my lungs. The last thing I heard before being
grabbed was Lennox shouting into the phone, because then everything went
dark.
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
6

L ennox

"I' m going
to kill you once I get there! Do you hear me, you son of a
bitch?!" I roared into the phone, speeding through the city streets like a
maniac. My blood drummed in my ears and terror like I’d never known
before gripped me.
If he touched a hair on my Cathy’s head, I’d tear him limb from limb…
It seemed the people that called Jason weren’t with the police. Richard
Langtry hadn’t been caught. I’d confirmed with Patrick, my inside man—
something I should have done to verify once I first heard the news—and
was already on the way in. I smelled a rat. Someone had gone through
much effort to get me out of the house. Then Cathy called and my worst
fear came through.
Fuck, I’d been so stupid, thinking she was safe with her father. I cursed
at the traffic, honking my horn and hoping I wouldn’t be stopped by traffic
cops. Minutes felt like hours. Her phone had gone dead and panic clogged
my throat.
She was fine. She had to be fucking fine.
Was that Langtry bastard behind all of this? If I got my hands on him…
I couldn't lose Cathy now, not after everything we’d been through
together in such a short time. We created a life together, so I kept telling
myself it would all work out. But fury and frustration took over. I would
never forgive myself if anything happened to her. squeezed the wheel so
hard, I cut the circulation to my fingers.
Finally, after the slowest quarter hour in history, I got back to the house.
I jumped out of the car, pulled out my gun, and quietly entered the house.
I checked every room on the main floor. coming up empty, I ran upstairs
toward where she said she’d been hiding. I got to the last bedroom and
noticed the door had been kicked in. I checked the room but nobody was
there. In the bathroom, I found her phone on the floor. Whoever it had been
had taken Cathy. I dragged my hand through my hair, pacing back and forth
across the room and suppressing the urge to punch the wall.
Cathy had been taken from me.
I rushed downstairs, straight to Roger's office. Luckily he was slowly
coming around, so I proceeded to untie him.
"Lennox, what the hell is going on?" he asked in a weak voice, wincing.
“Maybe I should ask you that question first.”
“I … have no idea. Someone hit me from behind and … I can’t
remember anything else.” When I freed him, he raised a hand to his nape
and hissed. I looked at the spot. No broken skin but a nasty bruise had
formed.
But Cathy was in danger and couldn’t waste more time. "Sir, your
daughter was kidnapped. Are you sure you can’t remember anything? She
said she walked in on someone restraining you to the chair earlier."
Rogers looked pale and disoriented.
"Whoever it was caught me off guard. I'm not sure how he got into the
house. Do you think it's the same guy who’s been stalking Cathy and shot
you?" he asked, despair creeping in his expression as realization dawned.
I was doing everything in my power not to lose my shit. I hoped she still
had her bracelet on her wrist because otherwise we were up the creek.
Without that or her phone, it would be impossible to get her whereabouts.
"No idea, but a while ago I had a call from one of our associates who
was contacted by who he thought was the police,” I said. “But it was
actually another person claiming they were calling on our guy’s behalf.” I
huffed and shook my head. “Someone wanted to make sure I wasn’t in the
house then they got here. They must have been watching us.”
"Please find her, Lennox,” Rogers beseeched. “You think they’ll call us
asking for a ransom? Or maybe they just want to hurt her. She’s all I
have…”
 The pain in his voice broke my heart. I wished I could express how
much she meant to me, too. Her and my child.
" Mr. Rogers, I promise I’ll get your daughter back. Just give me some
time.”
“I’ll be fine,” he said, reaching for his phone. “You need to go take care
of this. I’ll call Margie to come here as soon as possible.”
I nodded. “She should be back shortly, anyway. Call the police as soon
as you can," I instructed.
“I’m on it.” As I turned to leave, he called out, “Hey, Lennox.” I turned
to him and saw the plea in his gaze. “Please bring her to me safe and
sound.”
“I will, sir,” I said in a clipped tone before exiting the room. I quickly
dialed Jason’s number. As the phone rang, I heard Rogers on the line with
the police. He’d called them before contacting Margie.
I tried to keep my impatience in check as I spoke to Jason.
"It was clearly a distraction," he said in an aggravated tone as I got into
the car, my bulletproof vest on. I’d be prepared for anything. Would have
been great if I’d had one on the time that motherfucker shot me in the hotel
bathroom.
“Now get on that tracker,” I said, “so I can put hands on that son of a
bitch.” Jason could track Cathy pretty fast if she still had on her bookish
bracelet. I noticed she hadn’t taken it off since I gave it to her. "How did I
not see this coming?” I was so stupid. I should have verified the
information Jason had given me.
My chest felt like it would crack open at the slightest movement. I had
to calm down. She couldn’t be that far.
"I can see her,” Jason said. “They’re moving east, pretty fast. Start
driving and I will send a few guys as backup.”
I struggled with my seatbelt but finally managed to put it on.
"All right, just send me the coordinates of the location," I said before
hanging up.
The engine roared to life and I drove off, the wheels squeaking loudly
and my thoughts keeping up with my speed. I followed the directions Jason
sent as though an army of hounds from Hell were following me.
I drove to the suburbs, reaching a quiet area on which stood a complex
of abandoned office buildings. The sun was shining in the sky but inside
me, the storm raged. And it wouldn’t stop until I had Cathy in my arms,
safe and in one piece.
She had turned my life upside down and I had never been more certain
in my life about being with a woman. All my resolve to not get attached
again after my ex bailed on me while I was on tour in Afghanistan went out
the window—along with the belief I’d never love again. I wanted to spend
the rest of my life with Cathy, if she’d have me. This realization had come
to me as naturally as air in my lungs.
If something bad befell her, I couldn’t forgive myself.
"She is not moving yet. The guys should be there in five, so stay put,
Lennox," Jason said, but I had other ideas.
I was too high-strung to wait for backup. I also needed to scope the
place so I’d have some info to give to the team on the way. After assuring
the man I’d wait because I wasn’t in the mood to argue, I hung up the phone
and made sure my gun was loaded.
I left the car and crept closer to one of the buildings, next to which a car
was parked, keeping a close eye on my surroundings. Jason had most likely
already called the police, too, and they’d get here soon. Besides, Rogers had
reported his daughter's kidnapping.
The structures here were going to be transformed into new warehouses
in a few months, according to a sign I passed by. I swallowed hard and
entered the building, silently climbing to the second floor while keeping my
ears trained to hear the slightest noise.
I prayed the bastard was sloppy and slow on his reflexes as I climbed
farther up to the fourth floor, following the dot on my phone screen. That
way I could quickly overpower him. This software Jason was using was the
bomb. It pinpointed the exact location where Cathy would be.
I was lucky today because she still had the bracelet on her wrist with the
tracker and to anyone else, this wouldn't have been obvious. I knew this was
a good idea and thankfully, she never took it off.
I creeped closer to the ajar door, hearing voices inside. I was ready to
barge in there, but I kept reminding myself that I had to be careful. I waited,
staying still.
"Just shut up, bitch. She's going to come. She promised she would," a
voice said—a familiar one.
The old prick.
 "Richard, please. We both know you don't want to do this. Please untie
me so we can forget about it," Cathy said, her voice trembling but the sound
had me pause in gratitude. She was alive. It took all the strength I had in me
to take it easy and pace myself. What I really wanted? To rush in there and
tear him limb from limb.
"I can't because she's going to make me suffer if I don’t obey. She has
already made me do all these bad things," he continued to mumble.
What the fuck was that all about?
"Who are you talking about, Richard? Come on, you can tell me," Cathy
coaxed.
She was brave but risking her hide prodding him like that. That guy had
more than a few screws loose and God knew what he was planning to do
with her. He didn’t make any sense right now.
"No one … she's no one, but she has told me all about you Cathy, my
favourite Booktoker!" Langtry roared. "She promised me you're going to
visit me in prison once they take me away. She promised me that."
That was it. My patience had run out.
"Over my dead body, pal," I said through gritted teeth as I burst into the
room.
"Lennox!" Cathy shouted when she saw me.
I aimed the gun at the motherfucker, whose face turned a sickly shade of
pale. He quickly raised his hands and I was pleased to see he held no
weapons. I glanced at Cathy to make sure she was hale and whole. Her
hands were tied up behind her back and she was staring at me with her
mouth wide open. Shaken to the core.
I turned my attention back to the bastard who’d dared lay a finger on
my woman.
"Stop, Lennox—please don't shoot. I don't want the father of my child
to end up in prison!"
I itched to turn him into target practice. The bastard trembled like a leaf
as I kept the gun pointed at him. So pathetic. He seemed somehow older
since I’d seen him last a few months ago, and he was mumbling something
under his breath like a real lunatic.
"Are you all right? Did he touch you?" I growled, giving her another
once over. She was driving me crazy with her conscientious attitude. That
fucker deserved a bullet between his eyes. Wouldn’t that be self-defense?
 Yet, a tiny voice in my head kept reminding me that now, I had a family
to think about.
"No, of course not, but he was talking to someone on speakerphone. I
heard her voice but never saw her. I couldn’t catch everything but I think
promised him she’d come here. That’s what he said at least," she explained,
her voice trembling.
"Who the fuck do you work for? Tell me now or I swear to God I’ll fire
this gun and blow your tiny dick off,” I snapped at Langtry.
The man had dark circles under his eyes so I wondered if he got any
sleep at all. He lobbed his beady eyes from me to Cathy.
"Shit … so it's true then. I see it now. You're sleeping with this guy? I
can't believe this, Cathy. I can't believe you would betray me like this. You
belong to me!" he shouted, pulling his hair and pacing back and forth.
I lowered my gun but stayed alert. As much as he pissed me off, I
realized this guy wasn't stable—mentally and probably physically, too—and
he was unarmed. Someone else was behind this whole thing and I needed to
get to the bottom of it.
I went to Cathy and started tearing the tape off her to free her. Her
wrists were red and I was planning to kiss it all better later on.
"Just ask him the question. Maybe he will tell you," I whispered to
Cathy. I’d rather she didn’t talk to him but we had no other choice. This
man had an obsession with her.
Before she had a chance to speak, we heard voices in the corridor and
Jason’s team swarmed in. Chaos ensued and Langtry started yelling when
they knocked him to the floor and held him there. I freed Cathy and
gathered her in my arms.
Several long moments later, the police arrived, too. They arrested the
kidnapper on the spot while he kept mumbling incoherently and declared
his undying love for Cathy.
I was a wreck by the time the officers allowed me to take her away.
Cathy wrapped her arms around me when I was ready to lift her up and
carry her to the car.
"Why are you so thick all of a sudden? Have you put on weight since
the last time I saw you?" she asked, no doubt feeling the thickness of my
bulletproof vest. I smiled, seeing her a tad calmer now after I told her Dad
was all right.
"It's my bulletproof vest, flower," I murmured. “No biggie.”
 But she put her hand on my chest, her eyes wide.
"Lennox Carter, are you seriously wearing a bulletproof vest? You were
planning to go all in to come get me. This is so sweet!" she exclaimed,
smiling brightly.
"I have a baby on the way. Of course I am going to wear a bulletproof
vest. Maybe I should put one on you.”
“Like hell you will.” She frowned.
“We shall see." I grunted. “Now let me take you to the hospital."
"Hospital? What for? I'm perfectly fine," she said, staring at me in
disbelief.
"For a checkup, of course. A doctor needs to confirm that you're all
right and the baby is safe and I'm not going to budge on this!"
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
7

C athy

"B ring us a wheelchair !"

Lennox shouted when we got to the hospital.
I buried my head in my hands, never so embarrassed in all my life.
People were staring at us and one of the nurses left her station, probably to
fetch said wheelchair.
"Lennox, I'm good! Nothing’s wrong with me!" I hissed, then started to
walk away before anyone started to make a fuss.
We argued all the way back to the car, but I was fucking stubborn. There
was no way I’d subject myself to tests at the hospital when I was not sick or
hurt. He’d crossed the line this time. He was too persistent, angry,
overbearing, and frankly, I was starting to dream up ways of dispatching
him to some other universe.
Lennox was not happy no matter what I said or did but he eventually
started the car and took me home.
When Richard had brought me to that abandoned office building, I’d
heard him talk to a woman, as I’d told Lennox. Her tone was sharp and
authoritative. So he was definitely working with this person, which puzzled
me because who’d want to kidnap a book nerd? Who the fuck was she and
how did she know me? At the end of the day, what did I have to offer,
except maybe my father’s money?
I sighed, having had enough of all this conflict with Lennox. Tired of all
the drama and craziness. I decided to be nice.
 "Thank you for saving the day, Lennox. I’m grateful beyond words.
Now what I want to know is, how did you find me so fast? I was literally
gone no more than half an hour. Well, maybe a tad more. I did lose
consciousness, but not for long.”
Lennox frowned when I spoke about losing consciousness. I knew it
was hard for him to restrain himself with Langtry. His protective streak had
taken a beating today.
We arrived at the house and we sat outside in the car. He let out a sharp
breath, his face registering sheer exhaustion. He’d really been that worried
about me.
I was so confused. When I had seen the person who tied up my father, it
couldn’t have been Richard. It seemed someone much younger and
slimmer. None of this made sense.
Lennox grabbed my wrists and picked up one of the small book charms
from the bracelet he gave me, then his lips moved in a faint smile.
"Don't be mad at me but I put a little tracker in that bracelet just in case
something like this happened," he confessed, and my jaw dropped.
"No you didn't," I said, feeling a sudden urge to punch him.
He had the decency to avert his gaze when he noted my expression.
Damn, this man was unbelievable.
"Of course I did and this whole situation proved to us both that I have
done the right thing," he growled.
"A freaking tracker? This is not okay … There is no way you're going to
track my every move," I said, my blood boiling.
This behaviour was unacceptable and borderline psychotic. Lennox
fixed me with an intense stare as if to chastise me but I wasn’t having any
of it. I tried to open the door so I could march inside the house, away from
this crazy fool, but the car was locked.
"You're overreacting, flower, and stop trying to get out. I will open the
door for you," he muttered, and I roared with frustration.
"Overreacting?" I threw my hands in the air. "Open the door right now
or I swear to God I am going to do something really stupid just to piss you
off."
Lennox seemed to be trying to figure out if I had lost my mind during
the time I was kidnapped.
"I'm going to tell Margie and your father that you’re being difficult," he
stated gravely. “And resisting my attempts to keep you safe.”
 I laughed, shaking my head in disbelief. First the tracker, then the
hospital and wheelchair bullshit. He was fucking nuts, hot, and made me
orgasm like no one ever had but I wasn't going to put up with this kind of
controlling behavior. I wanted to scream and throw stuff at walls. What the
hell was wrong with me? I had never behaved this emotionally before, but
he was going to make me lose my mind with his irrational demands.
"What? Are you going to tell Margie and Dad that I walked out of the
hospital because I was perfectly fine?" I scoffed, wanting to claw his eyes
out. My hormones had to be talking. I crossed my arms over my chest.
“What reason shall you give my father?”
He smirked and I was truly going to punch him if he kept making fun of
me.
"If you won't be a good girl and listen to Daddy, flower, then I will tell
on you," he said before getting out of the car.
He went around and opened the door to let me out. Meanwhile, I was
speechless because this man had just spoken to me as though we were both
five-year-old children.
"We both know you won't say anything to my father," I snapped as we
walked inside the house.
"Cathy, thank God you're all right!" Dad greeted me at the door, his face
drawn and devoid of color. “Thank you for having Jason call, Lennox. We
were counting the minutes until you got here.”
Margie was standing next to him, looking a wreck, too. I quickly pushed
away the anger and frustration. Lennox moved past me, still clearly irritated
as I hugged my father, but I didn't care about his mood anymore.
"Luckily, Lennox found me quickly and the good news is Richard
Langtry was arrested and is in custody right now," I explained. My father
quickly ushered me to the living and kitchen area where he and Margie
began asking questions. By the time I assured them I was unharmed, I was
dog-tired and a mess, so I excused myself and headed upstairs without
saying a word to Lennox.
This whole thing was finally over. Richard was behind bars and maybe
now, I would finally get some peace. I knew—hoped—that Lennox wasn't
going to be summarily dismissed from his contract. He likely wouldn’t as it
wasn’t over. Right then though, I was too angry to talk to him about
everything that happened. I went to bed because I badly needed to sleep it
all off.
 So I’d thought he’d given me the bracelet because he had feelings for
me. It was disappointing to learn it was nothing but a tracker and his
motives were nothing like I expected.
Over the next few days, Margie slept in the house to wait on me hand
and foot while I avoided the big lout like the plague. Margie said he’d been
walking around sulking, like a kid in a grown man’s body. A soul in
Purgatory.
I told my Dad I wasn’t ready to discuss what happened and he gave me
space. This whole thing between Lennox and me was still complicated
because my father treated him like another employee. We couldn’t hang out
much. It would have been weird if he suddenly started joining us for dinner
—which was likely a good thing at the moment.
The next few days were tense because I was stubborn and didn't want to
talk to Lennox. I shut myself in my room while he brooded downstairs. We
were supposed to be so happy together with the stalker gone. I was pregnant
with his baby, but I was just too mad to move past the fact that he’d put the
damn tracker on me.
And above all, that the gift had not been given out of love. Deep down I
missed him, of course. Now that my mood had subsided, I felt lonely at
night. But I was too fucking proud to admit it.
On top of that, my ex-boyfriend kept texting me. I considered blocking
his number, but then I wanted to piss off Lennox a little. Petty, sure, but
satisfying.
"I know you like Lennox, Cathy, and I don't want to get rid of him just
yet. I had a chat with him yesterday and he believes that this whole thing
with your stalker hasn't been resolved because he has an accomplice," my
father said a week later.
This came as no surprise.
"Yeah, maybe it's better if he stays for now," I said. At this point, it
almost felt like Lennox was the one avoiding me as I hadn’t seen him in a
few days except from a distance.
"Everything all right? You seem down," Dad asked.
"I just want to go out. I think I have been stuck indoors for too long." I
sighed, thinking about meeting another friend for coffee later on this
afternoon. I didn't care what Lennox was going to say about it. My next
official scan was next week and I hoped that by that time, he would get over
his issues and we would be back on track.
 "Then what are you waiting for? Go out and have fun. You don't need to
live in fear as long as you have protection.” I coughed at that last word
because look where that got me. “Unfortunately, I have to go to Georgia
again. Can’t wait to take you back there to see the additional work Terrence
and Asia have been putting in. You’re going to love it. Oh, and it seems
they started dating, too.” He grinned.
The book themed hotel was a super cool project. Also, he’d called it
‘Darcy & C’ for my favorite romantic hero.
“Really? I’m not surprised at all to hear that.” I thought about Asia, the
beautiful renovator, and Terrence, the quiet interior designer, and how they
seemed like a good match when I met them over Christmas. Although there
was some drama, too, it was good to know things had been resolved
between them.
"I plan to take you out to dinner soon. "
"I’d like that!”
“I’ll tell you all about the hotel. I'm really proud of it and I'm sure we’ll
be spending some good times there together," Dad continued, his eyes
twinkling.
After I kissed him on the cheek and said I’d leave him to work, I
marched out of the office and went to ask Margie to tell Lennox that I was
going out for a coffee date with a friend called Melissa.
Maybe this was a little bit pathetic that I was passing messages to the
man through a proxy. Indeed, Margie gave me a look that said I needed to
sort my shit, but I wasn't in the mood for fighting again.
Lennox was waiting for me by the door. From the way he looked, I had
a feeling he was wearing his bulletproof vest. That made me feel some kind
of way—the fact he was ready to take a bullet for me. I suddenly felt guilty
for giving him the cold shoulder. Besides, he did look handsome in his
black shirt and jeans. It had been over a week and we’d spoken beyond the
cursory niceties. I was fed up with it, but it was he who needed to apologize
first.
"How long are you going to be mad at me?" he finally asked in the car,
his gaze fixed ahead.
"I don’t know. What do you think is fair? Let’s drive on now. I’ve had
enough of being stuck at home in the past week,” I said, folding my arms
over my chest. I instantly regretted being so mean and didn’t know what got
into me. Being a bitch was not in my nature so I wanted to slap myself.
 "I miss you, flower," he said, turning to face me. "Let me take you out
to dinner tonight. Your father is going away, so we can finally be alone."
I shifted on my seat, trying to remain indifferent but the attraction
between was explosive. And I missed him, too. My skin tingled with
warmth and desire. After all that stress, all I wanted to do was cuddle to him
through the night. I had had enough of this charade we were living.
"So you admit you shouldn't have given me that bracelet with the
tracker?" I asked. The truth was, I loved that bracelet so much. It was cute
and represented me in every possible way. Still, I was hurt that he’d been so
sneaky about it. He should have been upfront from the start.
"Yes, I should have told you about it," he admitted, and my jaw dropped
because this wasn't the answer I expected. Lennox was always a man of a
few words and he’d never admit to making a mistake.
I started chewing on my bottom lip.
"I’ll go to dinner with you if you promise to behave today," I said,
smiling at him and reaching out with my hand. We needed to shake on this.
"Flower, you drive a hard bargain," he muttered in a tone brimming with
displeasure, but he took my hand and squeezed it gently, regarding me with
a primal hunger.
If he wanted to lock the doors and fuck me on the back seat, I wouldn't
have complained. I was horny and lonely, but at least the issue with the
bracelet was forgotten for now.
He drove me to one of the largest coffee shops in the city that was
connected to a bookstore. My friend was already waited for me in one of
the booths.
Lennox as usual had to follow me everywhere, but this time I told him
to sit in another booth situated by the door. That way he wouldn't bring too
much attention to himself—as opposed to him just stand behind me like a
looming shadow. Besides, from his vantage point he could see everything I
was doing.
To keep on doing this, I had to live a semblance of a normal life. I
wasn’t a huge celebrity and didn’t want to feel like one.
Melissa worked as a recruitment consultant for one of the agencies in
Miami. She loved books, but she was married and busy, so we hadn’t seen
each other that much lately. I knew that in a few months I would start
showing, so I would have to start telling people. It was bad enough that I
was avoiding Jess for the time being because she had a knack for drawing
information out of me. It was hard to keep anything from her.
This coffee shop, part of the massive bookstore structure, was my idea
of being in heaven. That is, until two of Melissa's male colleagues joined
us. One of them seemed to take an interest in me, especially when Melissa
announced I was single.
I snuck a glance at Lennox who looked decidedly unhappy with the fact
that this handsome guy sat next to me on the sofa. I threw this stranger one
of the largest smiles I could muster and decided to have some fun at his
expense. Oh my God I was being an ass, but I couldn’t help it.
I blamed the pregnancy. And my hormones because after this, he
wouldn't help but punish me.
A little game wouldn’t hurt, could it?
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
8

L ennox

I knew
this was a bad idea the moment Margie informed Cathy wanted to
go out to meet a friend. I agreed only because after a week of barely seeing
or speaking to her, I couldn't take it anymore.
Jason and a few others were still watching the house in rotation and
monitoring the neighborhood. Langtry might be behind bars, but his
accomplice, whoever she was, roamed the streets free. That was a problem
because we didn’t know where to start looking except wait for the police to
request and analyze Langtry’s cellphone records. Cathy had said she
thought the person who’d broken in and restrained her father wasn’t
Langtry. Was it this female accomplice or a third person? I could barely
sleep at night with worry.
So here I was, at the coffee shop while Cathy sat not only with a friend,
but two guys as well, one friendlier than the other. I wonder if she knew
these jokers were coming, too. Now, she seemed to be enjoying the male
attention and wasn’t the least bit discouraging of it.
Cathy said she didn’t want me to attract too much attention so she had
me sit here. After being in this profession for so long, I didn't care what
people thought or if they noticed me, unless of course I was undercover.
Women noticed me, I knew that, including the cute, dark-haired waitress
who kept flashing smiles at me. But I only had eyes for Cathy. She, though,
appeared to have other plans. The coffee shop wasn't busy at least, so it was
easy to keep tabs on the few patrons.
I could also hear their conversation because the motherfuckers were
close and pretty loud.
"Mel, you didn't tell me your friend here was so funny," the prick said.
He was blond, young, and had his hand was on Cathy's arm. On top of
that, he was sitting right in her space, practically rubbing himself all over
her. I tensed, trying to act nonchalant, but this was going to be fucking
difficult. She was pissing me off already, moments after we called truce. If
she wasn’t pregnant, I’d spank her ass so she wouldn’t be able to sit for a
week. I also dreamed of barbecuing the bastard, turn him from a blond to a
dark, crispy zombie.
"I'm normally more hilarious than that," Cathy replied, grinning.
Fucking hell. Was this her way of punishing me for trying to protect
her?
Pulling out my phone, I huffed and started scrolling through it, ignoring
her irritating giggles and the asshole's stupid jokes. She sounded better
when she whimpered with my cock in her mouth.
Right before the dreaded phone call about Langtry’s supposed capture,
she’d been about to suck me off. Finally, it had almost come to pass after
having to jerk off so many times just thinking about her.
Now this.
"You have such a soft skin on your hands. You haven't done a day of
work in your life, am I right?" Cathy asked, taking the guy’s hand in hers
and copping a motherfucking feel.
Shit on a stick.
If I were one of those anime characters in a Japanese series, I’d have
that idiotic bug-eyed, square mouth, crosses-for-eyes kind of look, steam
rising off the top of my head. I glared at her then and she held my gaze, not
moving her hand away. The little horror knew what she was doing with her
taunts. She should know my patience was in limited reserve. Meanwhile,
her friend was chatting away with the other guy opposite Cathy, mostly
about work.
"Trust me, I work out pretty hard at the gym every day. I think Mel
mentioned that I’m a personal trainer," that clown said, chest puffed up like
a peacock’s. He brushed her thigh with his hand—a gesture so fleeting, I
almost didn’t catch it. But I did.
 Blind rage filled me so I saw nothing but murder. I slammed my palm
on the table, spilling my coffee on the surface. Everyone stared at me then,
including Cathy, and she wasn't smiling anymore. A moment later, the
giggling waitress showed up with a pile of napkins.
"Are you okay? I’ll get you another coffee," she said, wiping the table
and leaning over to give me an eyeful of her cleavage.
"No, I am fine, thank you," I growled like a wolf. Cathy stared daggers
at me but also seemed … chastised.
"Looks like you’re having a bad day," the waitress pointed out.
She really was not helping.
"I'm going to the restroom. I’ll be right back," I overheard Cathy saying.
"I'm missing you already," the prick replied with a Cheshire-cat-like
smile, as though he was high on something.
That was it.
"If you excuse me for a second," I said to the waitress, I stood and
quickly followed Cathy to the ladies’ room. This store was huge, spread on
several floors, and luckily for me, she chose one of the restrooms
downstairs. One with its own door, not with multiple stalls.
She was just about to shut the door when I walked in after her.
"Lennox, what the hell?" She jumped when I quickly locked the door to
make sure no one was following us. I stood there unmoving, breathing hard
and telling myself to keep it together. Hardest thing to do.
"I know exactly what you're doing, flower, and that won't stand," I
barked, taking a step towards her. Maybe I had been too fucking soft and it
had been ages since I saw her ass turn a raw red.
A few spankings wouldn’t harm her, right?
"I have no idea what you’re talking about. I was just being friendly like
you were to the waitress," she said, staring down at her nails and taunting
me even more. I was hard like a rock now. "She was all over you."
"No one touches what's mine," I ground out, getting up in her face and
forcing her to retreat until her back was pinned to the wall. I was so done
with playing games. "In the past week I couldn't sleep, couldn't train,
couldn't do anything other than make myself sick thinking about you ending
things with me."
The heat from her body was driving me fucking inane and when I
pressed myself against her, she must have realized how hard I was because
she gasped. Her eyes widened and in that moment, I knew she could see
through all my fears and doubts. I didn't fucking want to lose her—not now
or ever. Her expression softened, and I could tell she felt the same.
"Lennox … I missed you too, you silly big man," she said, and that was
it for me.
I grabbed her face and started kissing her like a man starved for oxygen.
She always tasted different but sweet, this time like cherry and vanilla. She
moaned into my mouth and I pressed my body harder against hers, then
urgently fumbled with her shirt. Soon I was tearing it apart, the buttons
from her blouse tumbling to the floor.
"I'm going to punish you for allowing that fool to touch you, do you
fucking understand?" I said, pulling away but still holding her face. No ifs,
ands or buts about it—I would hear her whimpering as I spanked her ass
cheeks, right here, right now.
"Whatever, just stop talking and fuck me. I've missed you," she said,
tossing her torn blouse on the sink. Maybe that’s what this game was all
about—getting me angry so I wouldn’t resist punishing her, even in her
state.
“Turn around. Hands on the wall and remember, I’m the one who gives
the orders here," I reminded her. She obeyed me without hesitation. I started
kissing her neck, then moving down to her shoulder blades, gently dropping
pecks along her spine while she shivered—not from cold, but from
pleasure.
"Lennox," she gasped, her tone breathy and eager.
I wanted to go slow, but we didn't have much time here. She was
wearing skinny black pants and I needed better access, so I grabbed them at
the waist and pulled them down, along with her underwear.
"That fucking ass. You're going to be screaming in pain in a second," I
snapped, grabbing her hair in my fist and pushing her head down. "I own
your pussy and you forgot about it when you allowed that asshole touch
you."
Her chest rose and fell in rapid movements as my words sank in. I
thrived on the scent of her desire—she didn’t need to say a word. Letting go
of her hair, I stuck my fingers in her pussy. She let out a loud moan and my
dick vibrated in response, pre-cum oozing from the tip. Only Cathy ever
had that visceral effect on me.
"So fucking wet. Did that other guy turn you on, Cathy?" I asked,
rubbing her clit gently at first. Fuck, she was dripping for me—I was
looking forward to taking her bare, my cock inside her walls ... feel every
part of her. Even thinking about it pushed me to the edge.
"No, I was being silly. You're the only one who makes me feel this way,
Lennox," she murmured as I eased two fingers inside her. Her hands were
planted firmly on the tiles and she was already panting, maybe even close to
an orgasm.
Witnessing her pleasure had to be one of the most beautiful sights I’ve
never seen. "Jesus, Cathy, I need you so much.” I sped up the pace with my
fingers. “We need to tell your father asap. I hate sneaking around, hiding the
fact we’re together.” She moaned when I massaged her breast with my free
hand.
"Oh Lennox, I think I’m going to—"
"Come?" I asked, and then withdrew my fingers and slapped her ass
hard.
She cried out in protest, then again when I thrust my fingers in her
again. I finger-fucked then spanked her, alternating between the two until
she was begging me to stop. I laughed and smacked her again. She
screamed my name, pleading with me until I was panting from the intense
emotional and physical workout. I was fast losing control, spanking and
giving pleasure and pushing her to the max.
"You can't come until I allow you to, flower, because I own your pussy."
Tears trickled down her face as she uttered incoherent words and even
from my position behind her, her frustration was visible and palpable. I
unzipped my pants, releasing my cock at last. My palm burned and my
hunger soared to new heights.
Unable to wait any longer, I thrust my throbbing erection into her. And
just like that, she came all over my cock. I held her hips, pounding into her
over and over until my vision blurred.
"Lennox! Shit … I can't take this anymore," she begged, her walls
contracting all over my dick.
She felt so good, I exploded inside her, coming so hard I almost passed
out. I held on to her, the feeling of her body close to mine all I wanted—
now and forever. I wished I could keep doing this over and over again until
we were both an exhausted heap on the floor.
I buried my face in her neck, trying to catch my breath. Blood drummed
in my ears as I ran my hand over her backside. She flinched, panting.
 "Shit, flower, I forgot myself for a moment there," I blurted out,
suddenly filled with shame and panic. I had gone too far. "Let me take you
home. I will put lotion on your skin. Are you okay?"
She turned around to face me, grinning, her cheeks red and wet from her
tears but no longer mad at me. She looked so … happy.
"Don't worry about it. I’ll survive. I'm pregnant, Lennox, not disabled.
Remember that," she pointed out, pulling her panties and pants back on.
"That was amazing. I missed you, big man."
I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. This woman was going to put me in
an early grave.
"I'm trying to care for you the best way I can. Next time don't push me
because you have no idea how crazy I can be," I warned. She put her ripped
blouse back on, then I took my jacket off and handed it to her. "Text your
friend that you had to leave, because you're done."
"I only just got here and haven't seen her for ages. Besides, I wasn't
doing anything wrong, Lennox," she said, glaring at me, then giggled.
“Okay, I was teasing you a little but I’m done with that. Promise. Oh, and
my jacket’s up there, too.”
“Tell her to take it home and we’ll pick it up later.” I helped her put my
jacket on. She looked so sexy in it. Her scent would be all over the leather
when she returned it.
“Why?”
Cathy was trying hard to throw me off my game, but I wouldn’t let her.
I reached for her neck and caressed the pulse tight there, making sure she
was looking into my eyes.
"Don't test me, flower," I snarled, sliding my other hand between her
legs. She was so warm down there. "Tonight you're sleeping in my bed, in
my apartment."
"Can't wait," she whispered, rising on her tiptoes and kissing me with a
passion that knocked me on my knees.
I was done for. The naked truth was, she had me right where she wanted
me.
OceanofPDF.com
 CHAPTER
9

C athy

I felt so
bad about leaving Mel like that but I could barely walk. Lennox
surprised me once again by following me to the bathroom and fucking me
like a caveman. I was so hormonal and dealing with a jealous rage at the
sight of that waitress flirting with him. I didn't even realize Cal's hand was
on my thigh until Lennox slammed his fist over the table. Then that silly
boy started bragging and flexing and obviously that was too much for
Lennox to handle.
My hot bodyguard had reacted as I’d expected and delivered a spanking
I wouldn’t soon forget. My backside was on fire and I must have come at
least twice, once sneakily when he was pumping his fingers inside me, even
if he thought I didn't.
We walked out the coffee shop and got into the car, where I texted Mel,
apologizing and telling her something urgent had come up and I had to take
off fast—a family emergency. After asking her to keep my jacket for me,
she text me back and said she would, as well as to let her know if I needed
anything.
I could tell she’d noticed Lennox when we came in together, but
thankfully didn’t probe. She was a pretty private, discreet person.
Mel had no idea what was going on with me and I didn't even get to
chance to explain anything because Lennox was following me around like a
lost puppy dog.
 We went home first. Dad would be leaving shortly and Margie left me a
note on the kitchen not to drive Lennox to insanity. I’d swear, that woman
was psychic. She’d prepared some delicious food for dinner, which Lennox
approved of.
I went to my room, taking with me a new package from the foyer. I
opened the box of books, full of excitement and gratitude. This had to be
my favorite thing to do in the whole wide world—my job was my passion.
No matter what happened in my life, I always had my books.
After I checked all the contents, I picked up my pen and decided to
write a short, funny note to Lennox. I’d leave it in a book, hoping to give it
to him later as a surprise. He still raved about my other note that he’d
stumbled across by accident and I wanted to make his day again.
I carried the book downstairs to my office, but quickly changed
direction when I heard my father calling me. I entered his office where I
found him buried in paperwork as always.
"I hope there won't be any surprises when I am away, Cathy, or I won’t
know what to do. I trust Lennox will keep you safe," he said, putting
several files into his satchel. I walked up to him, put the book on his desk,
and hugged him. My father had been my biggest fan and supporter over the
years and could never forget that.
This also meant he needed to know he was going to be a grandfather,
although I still couldn’t bring myself to tell, for some reason. Why was I
making such a big deal of this?
Maybe because he was all I had left in the world and I hated to
disappoint him.
"Everything will be fine. Have a safe flight and don't do anything I
wouldn't do," I quipped, and he laughed.
Then he was gone, so I decided to hurry upstairs to make sure I put
away the rest of the books on the shelves—all part of my little ritual.
Margie had left for the day, so the house would be quiet for a while.
Earlier on, my father had mentioned he’d received a phone call from
one of the detectives. Richard had been transferred to the psychiatric unit
for an evaluation.
Although we had the house to ourselves tonight, Lennox had said he
wanted to take me back to his apartment. I wasn’t sure why, but I was
looking forward to a change of scenery.
 I packed a few things into my small bag then ran downstairs to find
Lennox waiting for me in the hallway. I launched myself onto him, giggling
because I felt so happy to finally have him all to myself.
"Be careful, flower. It's better if you don't do anything drastic like that,"
he said, putting me down as though I was made of glass.
"I'm tougher than you think. Come on now, let's not waste time," I told
him, dragging him toward the door.
The drive to his place didn’t feel long but for a change, we were both
calm. I showed him I was still wearing the bookish bracelet he’d given me
and that seemed to put him in a good mood. On my part, I decided to pick
my battles. I had to get over the fact that he was going to track my every
move because he wasn’t going to budge on this. After all, now I had to
think not only about my safety but also my child’s.
"You look stunning, flower. I can’t wait to touch you … skin to skin. In
the shower.” He smiled at me, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Once we arrived, I literally flew out of the car and ran all the way to his
condo with him on my heels, ignoring his pleas that I be careful. Lennox
had brought me to his place a few times before and I got to spend the night
here with him while my father was away in Georgia. So many good times,
and now we were about to have even better times because we didn’t have to
worry about Richard. Surely, his accomplice would throw in the towel now
that the man was behind bars? I hoped so.
I quickly stripped naked and turned on the shower as I heard him in the
living room, whistling to himself. Stepping under the streaming hot water, I
waited in anticipation for him to join me. Thankfully, the shower cubicle
was big enough for the both of us.
"Naked woman under hot water, you are driving me absolutely insane.
You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this," he said, embracing
me with his giant arms when he stepped in the shower in all his naked
glory. He forced me to turn around so I was facing him, with the water
streaming down our bodies. I ran my hands over his muscular chest,
wondering how I got so lucky. He was already hard like a rock, his giant
erection poking me between my legs.
"Hello, big man, long time no see," I cooed, and then he bent down to
draw my breast into his mouth, licking it while squeezing the nipple of the
other between thumb and forefinger. He grazed my left nipple with his teeth
and my legs shook, threatening to buckle under me. I already wanted to
scream with the need for release.
"So sweet and always so eager to infuriate me," he murmured, getting
down on his knees to give attention to my stomach, and then even lower.
"Spread your legs wide for me, flower. Let me taste you."
I did as he asked and he buried his face in my crotch. I grabbed into his
hair and pulled it when he started licking me. He grabbed my thighs and
started devouring my pussy, pushing his tongue in and out. I placed my
hands on the wall, trying to steady myself feeling as my orgasm built up.
Hot water streamed down my body as he licked my clit then sucked hard on
the nub, making me lose my freaking mind.
"Lennox… oh my God…" I moaned as he thrust his tongue inside me,
over and over. He knew exactly how to get me off and what I liked. Equal
parts gentle and intense. I let go of an animalistic roar as he touched me,
taking me up to a place from which there would be no return.
But then, just like that, he stopped and pulled away. I panted for air,
staring down at him and wondering what the hell was he doing.
Then he turned me around abruptly, holding me steady because I was
just about to lose my balance.
"Now, bend down a little, flower," he ordered. He must have been
uncomfortable kneeling in front of me like that because he stood back on
his feet. A moan of disappointment and frustration escaped me as I waited
for him to touch me. My whole body was on fire, shaking and trembling.
I’d been right on the cusp...
"Why did you stop? It felt so good," I protested.
"Be quiet. I'm going to ram my cock into your tight pussy in a second.
My knees were hurting," he said, and then before I could react in any way,
he did what he said he was going to do. Reaching around, he roughly
grabbed my breasts and squeezed them hard while he fucked me from
behind. I cried out in bliss because he felt truly amazing.
"Lennox, yes, just like that. Hmmmm…"
He sped up the pace, leaving me barely room to breathe or think. Once
more, I got closer to the edge.
"I'm not going to be too rough with my girl," he panted, thrusting his
cock into me so deeply, I thought he might split me in half. His words
weren’t matching with his actions but I didn’t care. I was lost in the
moment, carried away by all the sensations he brought with every stroke.
 Then he turned me around again and lifted me so he could take me
against the wall. I slid against the cool wet surface with each plunge,
holding on to him for dear life.
By the time he was through with me, I could hardly move or speak. I
didn't even remember how many times I came apart for him in that shower.
As tenderly as can be, he proceeded to wash my whole body, then my
hair. When he was done, he towel dried me and carried me to his bedroom.
"Time to get in the bed now," he murmured. He placed me on the
enormous mattress dressed in black and white sheets and kissed me on the
forehead, insisting I go to sleep.
So I closed my eyes to rest and soon, I was in a faraway land, lost and
drifting, yet at peace. I must have fallen asleep pretty quickly because I
didn't remember much of what happened after that. I was lost in blissful
sleep.

W hen I woke up ,
it was late in the day and my head was throbbing a little.
Lennox was not in bed. I got up and found him in the kitchen, cooking. It
was just before ten at night and I couldn't believe I ‘d slept for that long.
"Sit down. I made some pasta—you must be hungry," he said.
“Uh-huh.” My stomach growled in agreement, too. We sat down
together, in blissful companionship. My heart warmed at the thought of
spending more time with him here, on his turf. He was wearing sweats and
a t-shirt and I couldn't stop staring at him. He was so handsome.
"We should tell my dad everything once he comes back from Georgia,"
I said, the decision coming to me so clearly now. “I’m ready.”
He nodded. "That's a good idea. We can't hide like this forever. Besides,
Margie already knows what’s going on," he muttered, clearly not happy
she’d found out before my father. But I couldn’t help that she figured it out.
"So, do you have any idea who that woman might be? The one who was
working with Richard?" I asked, drinking from a glass of water he set in
front of me.
"Nope, and I don't want you to think about it right this moment. This is
on me. I will figure this out sooner or later," he muttered.
There was no point in arguing with him about it because as he said, he
knew better about this. It was his job, after all.
 We conversed a little more and once we were done with food, we went
back to bed. Lennox put some action film on and we watched it together. I
dozed off eventually while nestled against the man who was now snoring
pretty loud.
We woke up late—around nine in the morning. I instantly checked my
phone and saw that I had a few text messages I’d missed. One was from my
father.

"W hat is
this that I'm reading??"

I frowned ,
hearing Lennox in the kitchen. I hoped he was making coffee
because I was still lacking energy, and I liked to have my coffee first thing
in the mooring. Since I got pregnant, that usually was my first and only cup
of the day.

"D ad .
I'm confused. What are you talking about?"
I texted him back
because clearly I had no idea what he meant. He replied instantly.

“T here was
a note that slipped out from this book I accidentally picked up.
‘Hey big man… I want to suck on that huge lollipop so bad… come to my
room tonight? In the mood for games… your flower.’"

I stared at the screen ,

trying to figure out what he was talking about and
then…
I screamed, and screamed again, burying my head in my hands in
shame, embarrassment, you name it.
"What's wrong?" Lennox rushed in to ask.
My heart was suddenly pounding inside my chest.
"Oh no … no… no, no, no. I didn't, " I mumbled to myself,
remembering the note I’ written to Lennox right before my father flew to
Georgia. Had I left the book behind in Dad’s office? Why could I not
remember? Pregnancy brain was a serious thing—and real. This couldn't be
happening. Damn it. I must have put that note in one of the books again and
when Dad called me to his office, I must have forgotten about that book or
left it on his desk. Did I? I couldn’t recall at all. This was so embarrassing.
"Just hold on a second," I told him, picking up my phone again. I didn't
have to panic. I could fix this easily—all I had to do with was make
something up.

"O h G od ,
Dad, this was not for you!"
I quickly texted back. Apparently, I
couldn’t come up with anything better. Playing dumb was the better option.

"I can ' t unread

what I've read! Who is this note for? I presume the only
big man in the house is Lennox!

I wanted to cry .
There was no way I was going to be able to spin this
around now.
"You're worrying me, flower. What the fuck is going on? Are you all
right? Do you want to go to the hospital?"
I glanced at the giant of a man and shook my head. There was no point
in hiding this. I just had to tell him what was going on.
"I might have accidentally left a note for you in another book, but
somehow my dad found it," I said, mortified.
Damn it, how was I going to face my father now? It was a done deal—
everything was out in the open, in the most humiliating way possible.
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 CHAPTER
10

C athy

"N o ,
this is not about Lennox. We’ll have a chat when you return. Just
forget about this note. It was a joke."

"Y our flower

… I think you're reading too many romances, Cathy! My
flight was canceled so I’m already back but this morning I realized you're
not home. Where are you? Are you someplace safe? Were you here last
night?"

"I will be home soon

and explain everything."

I released a loud sigh ,

feeling a bigger headache coming on. "We have
to go . My father’s home and something happened. Will explain but I think
he knows about us…" I said, feeling so damn embarrassed.
How could I make such a huge mistake, leaving my book with the note
lying around? I didn't even remember where I put it and forgot about
delivering it to Lennox. God, either my state had indeed addled my brain or
I was just plain stupid. No matter which way I sliced and diced this, I was
in deep doggie doo.
My father was a loving a reasonable man, but this was far beyond any
frame of reference. No telling how he’d react.
"Are you sure he knows? What the hell was in that note then?" Lennox
asked after I brought him up to speed in the car—well, without explicitly
describing the contents of the note. “After all, you didn’t put any names,
right?”
I avoided his gaze, mortified as I was. There was no way I could spin
this around. It was worse than the other note. If my father had found my
detailed description of a sex scene it would have also been supremely
embarrassing, but then I could have just said I was writing a book or
something like that and he would have believed me.
"It's worse than that first one, that’s for sure!"
“What do you mean by worse?” He started the engine, shaking his head.
My head was spinning because this was it. The end of the line. It could go
better than I expected or end in disaster. Lennox shrugged. “So he knows.
Sure, we were dreading this, but maybe it’s for the best.”
I didn't want to show him the text messages I’d just exchanged with my
father. All I wanted was to stick my head deep in the sand like an ostrich
and forget about it forever.
But Lennox was more persistent than a hound dog. Eventually, he made
me tell him about what was in the note my father stumbled upon. When I
finished describing, he fell into uncontrollable laughter, so hard he had tears
in his eyes. I had no idea what he found funny in that. I was drowning.
"He knows. Of course he knows … he’s going to kill both of us," I
mumbled. Of course I didn’t add that I was an adult perfectly capable of
making her own decisions. I loved my father but he did not make choices
for me—except maybe getting me a hot bodyguard. All I did was take that
choice and run with it.
I suppressed a grunt, a half-laugh that would give Lennox leeway to be
even sillier.
"Trust me, it's better this way. Think about the stories we’re going to tell
our kids," Lennox said.
“This. You want to tell this story about a sexy note to our kids. Our kids
? Little humans. Minors. What the hell is wrong with you?” I looked at him
as if he’d sprouted horns. “And as far as I know, we’re only having one.”
 I thought he mumbled “This time,” but I couldn’t be sure.
I shook my head. He couldn't have been serious. I folded my arms over
my chest and refused to speak any more about this. The worst was ahead of
me.
I was thinking about all the ways I could have done this differently,
been more careful but as we stood here, it couldn’t be any worse.
Lennox parked the car outside the house and turned to me but I
wouldn’t meet his gaze. I picked at an imaginary piece of lint on my lap as
my stomach filled with bricks. I was scared like a teenager in trouble—I
knew it was ridiculous because I was fully grown yet I couldn’t help feeling
anxious. So much had happened in the past few months and life always
seemed to lunge several steps ahead, dragging me into scrapes before I
could catch up.
"We are doing this together, Cathy. Look at me.” He hooked his finger
under my chin and made me gently turn my face to him. “This is good
news. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I know this is the twenty-first
century, but if he’d rather see us married and settled with a baby on the way,
I am ready to step up. I’ll be by your side either way, married or not,"
Lennox declared.
The first emotion at hearing those words was shock. Then, disbelief and
irritation. There was no way I’d marry just because my father was expecting
it. These weren’t the Middle Ages and he wasn’t that old fashioned.
Besides, Lennox and I had only just recently hooked up, sneaking around
everywhere we went. At first, it was purely physical. Then … things
changed, but we weren’t at the marriage stage yet. Gosh, I had no idea what
stage we were in because we weren’t doing anything in the proper order.
Sure, I was pretty certain I was in love with him, although it happened
so fast. But getting married? That was crazy, even for my wild, hormonal
self. I pursed my lips in annoyance.
"My father will not expect that and I am not getting married even if he
did. End of discussion," I said, and then tried to open the door, but he
locked it again. He gave me one of his looks then got out of the car, walked
leisurely around it, and finally let me out.
"Take my hand," he said. “I’ll help you out.”
"Don't be silly. I am not disabled!" I hissed, pissed that he was getting
overprotective again. We walked into the house and as we approached my
father’s office, I heard voices inside.
 "Let's go," Lennox said.
I paused, recognizing the speaker’s voice as female. The door was ajar.
"I'm really sorry about this, Mr. Rogers, but I just couldn't wait. I had to
inform you about this unfortunate situation right away. This way you have
the full picture," the woman stated.
Why was her voice so familiar?
I glanced at Lennox who had an odd frown on his face. He moved past
me to enter the office ahead of me.
I followed him inside. A woman was standing by the bookshelf, my
father facing her. Tall, darkhaired and beautiful, she wore a two-piece
pantsuit with heels. The epitome of perfection.
"Cassie?" Lennox said, staring at her as though he just saw a ghost.
My father lobbed his gaze from him to me. He looked … disturbed and
I sensed a strange vibe in the room.
"What's going on?" I asked in confusion.
The woman flashed Lennox a bright smile.
"I'm sorry for coming here unannounced, but I have been looking for
you, Lennox. One of your guys told me you work for Mr. Rogers now,” she
said in a sprightly tone while giving me the side-eye.
Who was this woman? Again, I had this nagging feeling I’d heard her
before. Never seen her—at least I thought so. But the voice tugged at my
memory strings.
"Cassie, what the hell are you doing here?" Lennox’s tone brimmed
with contained fury as he took a step towards her.
"Lennox, your wife is here asking for you. I had no idea you were
married. I don’t believe you told me when I hired you?” my father said.
"His wife?" I blurted out. "Lennox is not married." My hand went
instinctively to my belly. Oh dear, I was going to be sick. I held on, hoping
that this was just a bad dream.
"Oh well, maybe he forgot to tell you, but this was sort of a huge
misunderstanding that we never really solved. You see, Lennox and I met in
Vegas and got married for funsies there when we were both very, very
drunk, but I we went our separate ways after that.” She shrugged. “I don’t
think Lennox remembers much of that and there was the fact the supposed
wedding was officiated by a friend. But it’s real. It’s all on paper. Anyway,
we haven't seen each other for almost a year," the woman explained.
She had to be insane—no other way to explain this.
 "What? We are not married. We were just having fun and we never
registered it.”
Cassie shrugged. “Seems there’s a record.”
“You’re making things up. There never was a real ceremony.”
“If you say so…” She smirked.
“Lennox, who is this?”
“Just someone I met some time after … you know, after my engagement
fell through.”
So this was a person he’d met on the rebound. He’d been drowning his
sorrows in alcohol and sex, then went ahead and did something crazy in a
place that encourages it.
Then, an expression of uncertainty settled upon his face and he looked
pretty uncomfortable.
Oh, no… What was happening? The sound of my world crashing
around me echoed in my ears. My stomach flipped, and I needed to get to a
bathroom fast.
I heard a mournful sound, a cry, and realized it was me. Turning on my
feet, I raced out of there as fast as I could, hightailed it upstairs, and locked
myself in my room before rushing to the bathroom and throwing up the
coffee and subsequent herbal tea and muffin I’d had that morning.
I leaned on the sink, utterly defeated. Out of steam … while my
stomach roiled.
It couldn’t be.
But in that moment I finally figured out who this woman was. I’d heard
that voice. She’d been on speakerphone with Richard but memories came
back of some things I heard in my semi-conscious state when the creep had
kidnapped me.
That voice.
I knew now without a shadow of a doubt—this was the woman Richard
had been talking to.
The person who’d likely broken into my house and restrained my father,
if I had to take a guess—unless a third party was involved.
But most of all, the person behind my kidnapping.
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