Mag-log in—Amira—He claimed my lips with a hunger that matched the fire inside me. I held him closer and squirmed against the mastery of his lips.“Nate,” I gasped.“Say it,” he said softly.“Please.”A low sound rumbled his chest before he trailed kisses past my neck and collarbone.Then he captured my n*pple into his mouth and sucked before rolling it gently with his tongue.Gasps ripped my throat.I raked my fingers through his hair as every flick of his tongue sent a shiver down my spine.“Nate,” I cried.He moved lower and lower—until his breath fanned my waist.Slowly, I pushed myself to my elbows and watched him kiss my waist, belly and hips.His dark gaze pinned mine as he gently parted my legs and brushed light kisses along my thigh.He pulled back—then I felt him against my p*ssy.I gripped the sheets and closed my eyes.The pleasure was overwhelming—consuming—until I could barely think.“Nate—”I didn’t even finish his name before it hit.My back arched, fingers tightening in his ha
—Amira—He stood there in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, a bouquet of flowers in hand.His cologne wrapped around me, stirring passionate memories I wasn’t ready to face.I couldn’t breathe. Not with the way my heart was pounding in my chest.“Who’s that?” Mama’s voice came from behind me. She appeared at my side and gasped. “Mr. Rivera!”For the first time since he got here, he smiled. “Good evening, Mrs. Nwosu.”“Evening. We weren't expecting you.” Mama glanced at the gift boxes. “Was that you?”Nathaniel exhaled. “Merry Christmas.”Mama grinned before turning to my cousin.“Come, Oluchi. Let's give them some privacy.”Their footsteps faded down the hallway.I glanced over my shoulder, watching them disappear… then slowly turned back to him.The father of my unborn child.He did come back after all.My breath hitched and tears pricked my eyes.“Hello,” he said.My fingers tightened around the letter. “Hi.”He stepped forward slightly, holding out the bouquet.“This is for you.”I t
—Amira—A week later....It had been a week since Mama and I learned the DNA results— a week since Nathaniel left my house.I tried not to think about him. I tried not to miss him.A lot has happened since then.Sammy was flown to America five days ago and is currently undergoing trial in a federal court. Turned out I wasn't the only girl he'd trafficked to Mr. Nobody.And Mr. Nobody?His real name was Martinez Santiago.The FBI cracked down on his mansion and cuffed him—just before he could hop into his helicopter.“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”He was still in his pajamas. Had probably just woken up and was about to sit for breakfast.A lot of young women were rescued, a handful of them looking malnourished and ill.“Do you know who I am?” he snapped. “Let me go, now.”He tried to make a run, but an agent tactically swept him off his feet and pinned him on the marble floor.Goosebumps skidded over my skin a
—Amira—Adrenaline coursed through me.My hands trembled, my finger hovering over the phone.A simple click would open the email and reveal the father of my baby— whether Sammy or Nathaniel.My heart pounded.A bead of sweat rolled down my spine.“Is everything okay?”I spun. Mama stood in the doorway, eyes dark with worry.I clutched my chest and let out a relieved breath. All my life, I'd never been this close to a panic attack.“Y-yes,” I stuttered.“Where's Mr. Rivera?”I lowered my gaze. “He's gone, Mama.”“So soon?” She stepped onto the balcony. Not even a goodbye.”“I— I told him I needed space. I've spent all these years putting them—men, ahead of me. I don't want to do that anymore.”My gaze flicked to her, vision blurry.“Does that make me a bad person?”“Oh, Amira.” Mama sat beside me and took my hand. She massaged it gently, the motion so soothing. “You're not a bad person. You're just trying to heal.”“Just a few months ago, you were trafficked by the person you loved int
—Amira—I regained consciousness and the first thing I registered was the steady beep of the heart monitor.And that faint smell of antiseptic.I opened my eyes and squinted against the rays of sunlight.My head hurt as I tried to sit up.“Amira,” a familiar voice broke through the haze. I forced my eyes open and saw her.“Mama?” My heart warmed. She rushed to my side and pulled me into her arms.“Thank goodness you're awake.” She straightened, a teary smile on her face. “How are you feeling?”“I'm better. What about you, Mama? Where's Oluchi?”“I'm fine. Oluchi has gone to school.” She paused and drew a breath. “I learned what happened last night. I–I should've been there to protect you.”Tears welled in my eyes.“No, Mama. It's not your fault. I shouldn't have stayed out late.”“The bastard has been arrested by the FBI, thanks to Nathaniel who swung into action.”I wrapped my arms around myself as mixed feelings twisted in my stomach.He might've saved me, but that doesn't erase h
—Nathaniel—The moment Mama Emelda told us about Amira's abduction, I literally collapsed on the chair behind me.It felt like my entire world was collapsing beneath my feet.“Nate!” Eloise rushed to my side. I shook my head. “Sammy set a trap for me, and I foolishly walked right into it.”“Don't say that,” Eloise soothed. “At least, you flew in so you can resolve the issue surrounding your engagement.”“Yes,” Mother joined in. “Mama Emelda's spy can keep an eye on them, right?” she asked, glancing at Mama.“Of course.” Mama smiled. “I'll have him spy Sammy and his gang to their destination, but we must come up with an idea to rescue her before it's too late.”“Yes, the Pentagon.” I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts.Swift response was one of the perks of producing the nation's military and presidential aircraft.“I'll get the chopper hot in five.” Damian said, lurching to his feet and racing out of the room.Everything happened so fast. One moment Damian and I we
—Mabel—“This is no coincidence,” I muttered, turning to Alec. “The short-circuited coffee maker, the noise in the foyer, and the hands pushing her down the stairs.”“You think someone is trying to hurt, Ruth?”“Yes. And the first person that comes to my mind is Angelina. Seeing that she couldn’t h
—Mabel—“A yacht baby?” I laughed and swatted his chest. “What about a penthouse baby? A Green Oak mansion baby, huh?”Alec brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. “All of the above, love. Do you think we're getting any soon?”I smiled at his question. Then leaned forward and kissed his lips.We
—Mabel— The level of disrespect was through the roof. I wanted to stride to her and land a brain-resetting slap across her face. But I wasn't about to wrestle with pigs— both would get dirty and they'd enjoy it. “Let me handle my trash, sweetheart,” Alec whispered. He looped an arm around my wais
—Mabel—The tall gates of Green Oak Mansion opened as we approached.We eased into the driveway to the sight of Ruth and Mrs. Chukwuemeka hurrying onto the terrace. They stood, hands tensed as the driver stepped out and opened our door.Alec climbed out first, offered me a hand and helped me out of







