Pepper
The door burst open to show Benedict Gunner, my former father-in-law, barging in, unannounced.
His appearance made my children jump up in surprise.
Ignoring everyone but me, Benedict purposely marched inside and stopped in front of me. His jaw set.
My first reaction upon seeing him was to protect my children.
Nervously, I gathered them closer to my body just as Benedict demanded,
“What is the meaning of this? Why are you bringing in your lowlife upbringing to my son’s office?”
The sound of his bellow transported me back to that time six years ago when he almost threw me out of their home
Pepper POVVictor grunted in his sleep, and I was already leaning toward him, wanting to know what was wrong or if it hurt.The anesthesia must have worn off, and he was now feeling the pain.“Are you alright?” I asked, but the only thing that greeted me was silence.Victor was still asleep.My eyes were trained on him. I don’t want to shift my gaze elsewhere, even when the doctor assured me that he would be fine.“He needed to rest and recuperate.” I was advised.I looked at the expanse of his suite and sighed.I miss the triplets.Though Shan already updated me about them, it was not enough. I still want to see them and be comforted by the sight of them.But I could not call the house and check on them.I looked at the time.Calling them at this hour would disrupt their sleep.Besides, I don’t want them to know what happened to their father.They might worry. They only had Victor for a short while. I don’t want them to think that.. I shook my head, not wanting to think the unthinka
Shan POVJust like last night, I responded enthusiastically to his kiss.I tiptoed and wrapped my arms tightly around Samuel’s neck.He laughed when he realized that I didn't want to let go, and I let him have his moment of amusement.Since last night, I already knew. Samuel had already won me over, fair and square.His laughter died down, and to my horror, he began to cough.“You’re choking me,” he sputtered, making me let go, embarrassed.“Sorry. I got carried away.”He smiled while massaging his neck.“No harm done,” he said, linking our hands.“Let’s go. The children are waiting.”I was about to follow him out when I realized I hadn’t updated Pepper about the kids.Samuel stopped and waited while I walked back to the night table to snatch my phone.“One minute,” I said, quickly searching for Pepper's number.I put the phone on speaker mode.“Who are you calling?” He asked when he heard a ring.“Pepper. I wanted to update her about the children.”Samuel took my phone. His fingers
Shan POVI did not know how long Samuel had been gone before I roused myself from a seeming daze and walked to the bathroom to prepare for bed.Though I am suffering from se*ual frustration, my chest welled with pride for my man.Samuel is proving himself not only to me, but to his daughter.Every time I think about the words he said earlier, an electric thrill shoots through my spine to finally settle my stomach.I love him.I am now confident to say it out loud. It dimmed for a while due to a lack of reciprocation, but now that Samuel has confessed to his growing feelings, I am excited to see what the future holds for me, Samuel, and our daughter.I giggled and rolled in my bed when I thought about his promise.What surprise would await me tomorrow?That was the last thing on my mind until sleep claimed me.“Should we wake Auntie Shannie? She looks tired. See? Her mouth hangs open?” From my sleep-foggy brain, I heard little voices and giggles.“But Daddy said we have to wake her up
Shan POVI wanted to stomp my foot in frustration.He had been teasing me all night, only to drop me without the slightest inkling.I worried it was too soon, yet deep down, I was ready for whatever would happen. My mind and my body are primed for it.I want him. I wanted Samuel.Unfortunately, he chose to act chivalrous tonight.He was denying himself, and in the process, he was denying me.The gratification I was sure would be our ending tonight did not happen, much to my consternation and disappointment.“I hate you, Samuel,” I muttered under my breath. My feet were heavy as I trudged my way inside my usual room, but before I could take another step, I felt a hand grasp my wrist to pull me around.I landed on Samuel’s hard chest with an oomph.Without warning, Samuel grabbed my chin, tilted my face up, and smashed his mouth to my suddenly quivering lips.It was electric. The kiss left me breathless, and if it weren't for the need for air, I wouldn’t have pushed at Samuel’s chest to
Shan POVI can feel my surrender in every step Samuel makes. My body hummed gently in quiet anticipation.He was holding me gently while I wrapped my arms around his neck, and my legs were circling his waist. Our position felt awkward, but right at the same time.Our chests heaved as if in rhythm. My inhale to his exhale, and vice versa.In order to escape the conflicting emotions it evoked in me, I buried my face in Samuel’s shoulder.I heard him grunt.“Am I heavy?” I asked consciously. My voice was muffled by his shoulder blade.He chuckled. A deep rumble that sounded more like a snort.There was so much self-derision in the sound. It was as if he were mocking himself.“No. You are not.”I sighed when his hold tightened around me, allowing me to feel his warmth.“Then, what?”I dared to shift my head to turn inward, allowing me a full view of his chiseled jaw. But it was a wrong move, I realized belatedly, because it made me too aware of him as a man.The view also allowed me to se
Shan POV“Your face is flushed,” Samuel commented after Pepper and I ended our call.I turned to face him.“Pepper said I can use my old room.”“What about me?” He asked.“Did Pepper say I can stay here, too?”My face felt warmer, and I knew the redness was intensifying with his piercing gaze.I shook my head. “No.” The lie slipped out easily, but I couldn’t meet his eyes as awkwardness tightened my chest.“Pepper did not want me to stay?” Samuel looked horrified.“But I can’t stay alone in my house. And it would be impractical to wake all the children to have them transfer next door.” His tone became unsteady, sounding whiny—like a child who’d just lost his favorite candy, his shoulders slumping in disappointment.Even his whole face fell, disappointment clear in his tightening jaw and furrowed brow at the idea of still being banned from Pepper’s home.Samuel looked thoughtful.“I will call her. I can sleep on the couch. I just don’t want to go back to an empty home.” He told me, bro