MasukTalia's POVI pace the length of my little-ass condo, barefoot, phone pressed to my ear, irritation buzzing through my veins like electricity. Every step feels too loud in the quiet space, my nerves already fried before my mother even opens her mouth.“I told you to go in calm and pleasant, didn’t I, Talia?” my mother says coolly.I scoff, dragging a hand through my hair. “Mother, what the fuck do you mean? I did exactly that. I grabbed my gift, walked through the gate and immediately everyone was on me. Every single person.”She hums, unconcerned.“And Tucker Todd?” I continue, voice rising. “That man looked like he wanted to kill me. I mean literally kill me with his bare hands. You should’ve seen his face. It was insane.”She laughs. Actually laughs. “Oh, please. Tucker is a teddy bear. He’s not nearly as mean as people make him out to be.”“You didn’t see his eyes,” I snap. “He looked feral.”She sighs, steering the conversation back on track. “So you dropped off your gift. Then w
Jalen POVI’m sitting here with my dream woman straddling me, looking fine as hell, feeding me like I’m some spoiled king, and honestly? I’m in complete bliss.Mind you, my stomach is still threatening to betray me at any second. The hangover is lingering like a bad decision that won’t leave. I could probably barf if I think about it too hard, but I’m holding it together. Barely.She laughs as she breaks off another piece of her burrito and holds it up to my mouth.I chuckle, shaking my head, but I open my mouth anyway. “You really enjoying this, huh?”She grins. “Very much.”I chew, leaning back, lacing my fingers behind my head like I don’t have a care in the world. And for a moment, I don’t. She’s right here. She’s real. She’s mine in this moment.She laughs again. “Hold on,” she says, grabbing another bite for herself. She takes it, then leans down, lips brushing mine as she feeds me mouth to mouth like a damn bird.Any other time? I’d say this is nasty.But with her?Nah. Not ev
Aria’s POVI slip out of the room quietly, pulling the door closed behind me. The first thing I do is reach for the robe I tossed over the chair last night. My outfit underneath is… definitely not appropriate for my sister’s house, especially not first thing in the morning. I’m grateful I had the foresight to bring a robe with me, because without it, I’d be giving the whole household a show.As I tie it securely and head toward the kitchen, I’m immediately met with the sight that makes my heart swell.Amara is standing near the counter, glowing in that soft, maternal way only pregnancy can give you. She’s look so peaceful, so content, like she knows the babies inside of her are exactly where they’re supposed to be.I walk over and press a quick kiss to her cheek. “Hey, girl.”She smiles at me. “Hey.”“How are you feeling?” I ask.She exhales slowly, like she’s soaking it all in. “Honestly? I feel blessed. I feel great. The baby shower turned out excellent. Though I think a lot more p
Jalen’s POVI roll over slowly, still half asleep, and immediately feel warmth surrounding me. The scent hits me next a soft, sweet honeysuckle drifting into my nose, and I sigh without even thinking about it. My arms automatically tighten around the softness beside me, pulling it closer. I bury my face into it and groan.“Mmm… this feels so damn good.”A soft chuckle vibrates against my chest.I blink my eyes open and turn my head slightly, and there she is. Aria. Looking at me like she already knows exactly what I’m thinking.“Good morning to you too,” she says with a smile.I laugh quietly, but reality settles in fast when I realize my morning wood is very much awake and pressed snugly against her. Way too snug. I sigh because it’s right there, tucked in like it belongs there.She feels it immediately. “You better stop.”I grin lazily. “My cock just needs to stay warm.”She shakes her head. “We’re under a sheet and a comforter. We are plenty warm.”I pull her even closer anyway, pr
Aria’s POVAs I step back out into the party, it hits me all over again how wild this looks. People are still acting like we’re at a club in the middle of nowhere instead of a baby shower in someone’s backyard. But honestly, I get it. Most of these people don’t get out much during the week, so when they do, they do it. The DJ has the music thumping, bodies moving, laughter spilling everywhere. I can’t help but laugh to myself as I weave through the crowd.I make my way to the bar and ask for one of the non-leaded signature drinks. When they hand it to me, I take a sip and damn, it’s really good. The fresh fruit, the flavor, hell everything about it is perfect. If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d absolutely be getting it leaded, extra liquor and all.I chuckle under my breath at the thought and slowly make my way toward the dance floor.The music pulls me in, and I start swaying my hips, letting my body move with the beat. I spot my mother dancing, actually dancing, and she makes her way over to
Aria’s POVAs I watch Talia storm off with that familiar sharp edge to her walk, a heavy knot settles in my stomach. That girl didn’t just look annoyed, she looked angry. Dangerous, even. The kind of angry that doesn’t fade, it just waits.I turn my head slightly and catch Jalen’s face, tight and unreadable, his jaw clenched as his eyes follow her retreating figure. A second later, his attention shifts to his father. Vlade steps closer, murmurs something low, and Jalen immediately moves toward him.The two of them lean in, speaking in hushed tones, the kind of conversation that tells you everything without saying a word.I shake my head slowly.My mother notices.“That girl,” she says quietly, her tone sharp but calm, “is going to be a problem.”I let out a breath that feels like it’s been sitting in my chest for years. “You have no idea,” I reply, glancing back toward where Talia disappeared. “I lived with her, remember?”My mom’s brows lift, disbelief still fresh on her face even no







