by Aliyah Burke
Liev helped her layer the fruit in the pan while the casserole cooled. She poured the honey on and his son assisted in adding the nuts as well. Enzo put it in the oven under her direction while she washed up. Then everyone sat down to breakfast.
* * * *
An hour later the pie was out cooling and they were outside working. Liev was beside Halyn helping her with a layout for a raised bed.
“Why don’t you show me what you think will work best, Liev,” she said, handing him the paper and pencil.
He sat right down and began scribbling. Halyn looked up at Enzo and grinned. Once she reached his side, she crossed her arms.
“You have an amazing son, Enzo.”
“I never thought I would hear him talk like he was with you, much less talk to me. So thank you, Halyn.”
“He’s a good kid. Still unsure about what’s going on. It has to be hard for him. Dropped off in a country not your own, abandoned by your mother, and unsure of what your future holds. Give him some time. I’m glad you’re not trying to ship him off.”
He sighed. “I don’t know how it’ll work once racing starts up again.” He looked sideways at her, frowning over her shaking head. “What?”
“Don’t even ask me again.”
“You wouldn’t even consider it?”
“He’s your son, Enzo. Be his father. You want to race so bad, take him with, employ a tutor.”
“You’re so good with him.”
Her laugh didn’t have that much humour in it. “I’m good with all kids, I run a toy store. Doesn’t mean I want to be a nanny, no matter how much I like him.”
“Do you really think I was ready to be a father?” She shrugged and he scowled. “What’s that mean? A shrug?”
“It means some people are blessed with children while others can’t have them. You were blessed. Sleeping with her, you knew there was a chance. There’s always a chance protection won’t work. You had to know that. I’m not saying you sleep around a lot, I don’t know about your life when you’re out, but based on our first meeting, it’s a safe bet you’re not alone in your bed often.”
He didn’t like the direction of this conversation. Staring out to where Liev worked intently on the paper in front of him and once content the child wouldn’t be overhearing them, he focused back on the woman beside him.
She stood there, rigid, arms crossed and breathing hard. This wasn’t easy for him either.
“So what, this is my fault because I haven’t slept alone all my life?”
“It is your fault,” she hissed. “Because you got her pregnant. Or are you still hoping your lawyer will find a way out of it for you?”
“Look, I like the kid. All I’m saying is maybe I get a bit of consideration here. This was a shock.”
“I feel for Liev, not you.”
“So what, should I be worried in a few years you’re going to come after me and drop a kid off as well? I mean, we’ve fucked plenty.”
Pain flooded her gaze and he knew he’d gone too far. Before he could say anything else, she put her hands in her pockets and rocked back on her heels.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be coming to you with that.”
“You’re the one who said there’s always a possibility protection would not work.”
“Right. I still wouldn’t come to you.”
He wanted to gnash his teeth in frustration. Why were they fighting about this? “Why not? Not good enough to be the father of your child?”
“Oh, make no mistake, you’re an arrogant bastard but I wouldn’t ever come to you about that, because despite your cavalier attitude of being blessed with a child, I on the other hand cannot have children. Ever.” With those words, she left his side and made her way back to Liev.
Oh, fuck. The pain in her tone ripped him apart from the inside out. How could have been such an ass? She couldn’t have children and here he was complaining about one he did have, treating him as an afterthought.
Would she ever forgive him?
* * * *
Halyn sat on her patio as the moon rose up over the landscape of her yard. The rest of the day had been strained between her and Enzo. She’d done her best to keep happy for Liev’s sake but it hadn’t been easy. They’d left after lunch and she’d ignored everything since then, just sitting and reading, or listening to music.
She’d almost called Mila but decided to let it go and just allow herself the day of wallowing. That one day had turned into two. She had to get over it before she returned to work tomorrow. Most days she didn’t think about the fact she couldn’t have a child of her own, but it had been blatantly addressed the other day.
“You know, you really need to answer your phone.” Enzo’s voice splintered the night.
“You should take a hint that I don’t want to be disturbed.” She refused to look at him, knowing it would weaken her resolve of being strong.
“Tough shit. We need to talk about that bombshell you dropped on me.”
“Why? It’s not your concern. It’s not like we’re engaged.”
“Do you really think so?”
She looked in the direction of his voice, shocked by his question. He strode from the darkness onto her patio, she could make out his features in the muted moonlight. His face set in harsh lines as he sat down on the swing beside her.
“First off, I need to apologise for my words. I was frustrated. I see how Liev responds to you and my immediate thought is to keep you two together. If he stayed with you that would work. He’d be happy and I could race without worrying about him because I know you’d keep him safe.” She glared at him but he continued, “I know it’s not going to happen, I’m just saying, that’s why I was frustrated. And I wrongly took it out on you.”
He reached out and stroked a hand down her face. Her belly clenched at the simple touch.
“I want to know why you can’t have children.”
She shook her head. “Let it go, Enzo.”
“No. I see the pain in your eyes, Halyn. Won’t you let me in?”
Damn him for sounding like he actually cared. And like he wanted to hear it. “What’s the point? You know my shame now.”
Before she knew what happened he’d lifted her and settled her squarely on his lap, tucking her head beneath his chin.
“There’s no shame. Talk to me, Halyn.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at nineteen. A very aggressive strain. The doctor presented me with the option. Try to just take the cancer and hope it doesn’t return, or take everything and be sure to get it all.” A deep breath. “He took it all.”
He rubbed her arm and the small of her back in soft soothing motions. “I’m sorry.”
“I am the only child and I can’t give my parents grandchildren. I work at the toy store because I like being around them, and making them happy.”
“Sweetheart, you’re being too hard on yourself. Your parents are just thrilled to still have you with them. No parent should ever have to bury their child. You’re alive and well.”
“I know I said before I wasn’t going to get into your business and I’m sorry I did. Also sorry for dumping on you about this.”
“You have nothing to apologise for. I was an ass. I just didn’t want this to fester between us.”
She sniffed and blinked back her tears. “No festering. I just needed some time.” She shifted against him. “Where’s Liev?”
“At Gio’s. I wanted some uninterrupted time with you.”
“I’m not a very complex person, Enzo. I don’t hold grudges.”
“I had a whole lot of persuasion tactics planned to get you to forgive me, too.”
She smiled over the teasing in his voice. “Did you now?”
“Oh, yeah.” The teasing segued into something decadent and sinful.
“I wouldn’t want all of your preparation to go to waste. Persuade away.”
He stood, holding her in his arms and carried her into the house. She wasn’t eve
n going to ask how he’d got inside her yard, but he set her on her feet.
“I’ll be right back. The things are in the car.”
Oh, so he had just hopped into the backyard. She laced her fingers and watched him slip out the front door. Moments later he re-entered the house. She stared at him, dressed all in black and looking entirely all too desirable for her state of mind.
He had a bag over one shoulder and after he’d locked the door, he wrapped his arm around her and lifted her before carrying her to her bedroom.
“On the bed,” he said.
She sat on the edge, feet dangling over the floor. He placed the bag beside him and unzipped it. When she tried to peek inside, he sent her a scowl and slid his stuff farther away.
“Wait and see.”
Halyn shrugged off his reprimand but folded her hands and attempted to be patient. He withdrew an envelope and handed it to her. She took it and stared at both sides, trying to figure out what was in it. It felt hard and almost like a book, but it wasn’t that big.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
Excited, she did. She found herself staring at a small booklet, about the size of business cards.
On the cover were two stick figures, one on his knees before the other. The title read, Enzo’s Apology to Halyn. She bit back her laughter and stole a glance at him. His brown eyes focused unwaveringly on her face.
“Am I to read this now?” she asked.
He nodded. She opened it and chuckled.
The stick figure—still on his knees—held a bouquet of flowers. ‘Please forgive me’.
The next one was a stick donkey. ‘I was an ass’.
She turned the page with a smile.
The image had a hat on at a rakish angle, a cheesy smile and a mirror in which he stared at his reflection. ‘Sometimes I think entirely too much of myself’.
Another flip. This time the figure had big puppy-dog eyes and his hands clasped together. ‘If you could find it in your heart to forgive me…’
The next page had the figure jumping, a huge smile on his face. ‘I would be eternally grateful’.
‘I will endeavour to be better’. This time he was adjusting a halo over his head while stomping on a pitchfork.
One more page had both the figures reaching for one another. ‘I can’t stand it when you’re mad at me’.
The final one showed them embracing. ‘I’d really love to hug you right now’.
Halyn set it down and opened her arms. Enzo was there in a heartbeat, lifting her up from the mattress. She hooked her legs around his waist and kissed his ear.
“That was beautiful, thank you.”
“I worked hard on that artwork.”
She laughed. “I can tell. I especially enjoyed the ass.”
“I enjoy yours too,” he whispered.
“That was perfect.”
“Oh, I’m not done yet.” One fast kiss then he deposited her back on the bed.
She crossed her legs and waited to see what he pulled out of his bag this time. He didn’t make her wait long. He gave her a framed picture of Liev using his telescope. The smile on the child’s face nearly brought tears to her eyes.
“He wanted you to have this.”
“Thank you.” She traced the frame with her fingers.
“These are from me.”
She reached for the bound cards. ‘Full body massage’. With her brow raised she looked at him. “Full body massage?”
“I kind of made my own suggestion cards. All things I’m willing to do for you, whenever. You want one of them, you just hand over the card.”
Heat fluttered in her belly and she skimmed them. Kisses, positions and more.
“Ohh, me likey.” Her pussy grew slick at the thought of experiencing these cards with him.
“Whew. If that didn’t work I thought I would have to go here.” That said, he drew out a bottle of chocolate syrup and can of whipped cream.
She immediately shook her head. “It didn’t work. You’ll need those.”
His smirk was one of pure sin. “That’s my girl.”
Enzo put the picture, cards and book on the bedside table. Then he returned and began to undress her. The moment she was naked, she went to work on his attire.
One dark pearl button at a time exposed his chest from behind the black button-down. Each exposed inch, she kissed. Taking her time, she finally worked the silk over his shoulders to flutter to the bed, only to slide on to the floor. Pressing him back against her mattress, she watched him from beneath hooded eyes. His gaze remained transfixed upon her.
Fingers trembling with the extent of her need, she reached for his belt and undid the gold buckle. She freed the button then the zipper of his black Levi’s.
“I’m still wearing shoes,” he informed her.
“I know.”
She pulled on the material so it slipped down. When it was at his knees, she pressed a lingering kiss to the bulge in his boxer briefs before making short work of his shoes, socks and jeans.
Climbing back up towards him, she had him move more into the centre of her bed. His eyes swirled with heat and she straddled him, her wetness right above his erection, snug in the black boxer briefs.
“You look damn good in black,” she informed him. “So damn good.”
“Halyn,” he rumbled.
She reached past him for the cards, then flipped through and withdrew the one she wanted. “It says ‘explore at my leisure’, so that’s what I am going to do.” She kissed him. “Here’s your card back. Now hush.”
Beneath her, his chest moved with his deep rumble. Giving him more of her weight, she tossed her hair and leant down, flicking her tongue over his tanned skin in little, short moves. Between her legs, his shaft twitched and she rocked against him. He gripped her hips and she sat up.
“No touching. This is my time to explore.” One wrist in each hand, she put his arms over his head. “Keep them there.”
She loved his eyes as he gazed at her, so full of tumultuous emotions. The most blatant was his unrefined and pure desire for her. She stared at him, cocked her head to the side and gave a mewl of pleasure.
“Now, where was I?”
She didn’t expect a response from him, and with a breathy sigh, she skimmed her hands over her belly and moved them up over her breasts, tugging slightly on her turgid nipples. She watched him from below lowered lids, taking in his increased breathing, dilated pupils and the tensing of his jaw.
Capturing her lower lip in her teeth, she progressed on from her breasts and lowered them over her pussy, only to slide by and continue down along the tops of her thighs.
“Oh yeah,” she purred. “I was exploring you.” She waggled a finger at him. “Uh uh, no touching.”
He muttered in Italian and while she didn’t understand what he said, she got the gist of it. Hands upon his shoulders, she leant down again and kissed him, backing off when he tried to increase the exchange. He flexed his fingers but kept his hands where she’d directed.
She lowered her lids until her lashes drifted to where they were only a hairsbreadth from her cheek. She kissed her way along his sternum until she hit the top of his eight-pack. Of course, he couldn’t have a six-pack. Dragging her tongue along the groove between them, she continued her quest south. She grazed her teeth along the waistband of his boxers.
“Halyn,” he uttered.
“Lift up.” She drew them off, slipping down his body to remove them before tossing them to the side.
Magnificent. That was the only word that popped into her mind for the moment she stared at him. His cock stood erect, thick and long. Her pussy clenched at the thought of him inside her. She licked her lips as she moved closer to it. A few pearled drops graced the mushroom head and she swiped her tongue to gather them.
His groan had her smiling. She opened her mouth and took him in. She ran her tongue around the bulbous head before swallowing up more of his shaft. Up and down she moved, keeping the s
uction tight, lightly grazing him with her teeth. He gripped her hair and she added her hand to the base of his shaft, stroking where she wasn’t sucking. Angling her head so she could watch him, she smiled at the agony on his face. She loved that expression on him as he tried to remain in control. She increased her speed.
His moans grew louder. “Jesus…Halyn…sweetheart. I’m about to…”
That was her warning. She drew hard on him as he released into her. Swallowing what he gave her, she took him fully in again before allowing him to pop out of her mouth.
He reached for her but she shook her head. “Nope, still exploring.”
His gaze burned with the promise of retribution. Was she worried? Not in the least. Excited? Most definitely.
Moving back up his body, she whimpered when his thickness entered between her pussy lips. Focusing on his face, she ignored her own needs and got back to exploring his hard body.
By the time she reached for a condom, she was on fire for him. He slid easily into her. She moaned at the same time he did. His hands settled upon her hips and he stared into her eyes.
“Ride.”
So she did, lifting and lowering herself in a rhythm she wanted. She undulated her hips and rocked on him, prolonging her need as much as she could. When she could almost reach her orgasm, she dug her nails into his chest. His fingers flexed into her skin seconds before he began thrusting up to meet her.
“Yes!” she hissed, needing his deep strokes.
Still buried inside her, Enzo moved them from the bed only to lay her back along it. He stood over her, angled her hips up and began driving into her, his face a mask of feral need.
She exploded around him and came with a scream of pleasure. He echoed her with a raw cry of his own. When he lowered his body to hers, she hooked her legs around his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck. She loved being this close to him and she held him tight. He didn’t seem to mind.
He crawled up the bed and lay them so their heads were on pillows and feet no longer hung off the bed. Sated and content, she began to fall asleep.
“I like that gift of cards,” she whispered. “A lot.”
