I shut the door behind me. I consider going to bed but it’s early yet so I plant myself on the sofa in the living room. I turn on the television but it literally takes nothing more than a slow blink for me to fall asleep. This pregnancy and the accompanying anemia continue to rob me of energy despite the vitamins and iron.
I’m dozing on the couch when Ellison and Jamie return from their stroll. “That wasn’t a long walk.”
“Brrr. It’s so cold out there, the hookers are blowing on their hands.” Classic Ellison comment. And I love it. I’ve missed her sense of humor.
“You two act like we’re in Antarctica. It isn’t that cold.”
“It’s cold compared to where we come from. Which gives me something else to consider while making my decision to stay. You know how much I love being in a bikini on a boat drinking a cold beer in the middle of a lake on a hot day.”
Jamie’s eyes blatantly roam Ellison’s body. Yep. He’s totally imagining what that might look like.
“Nope. That won’t happen here.”
I have no doubt that Jamie is attracted to my sister. Perhaps I should have Sin speak with him about a match with Ellison. I already know she’d be keen. That is, if she decides to stay.
“I assume Leith did all right while I was out since you didn’t call.”
“Fine, if you don’t count when he got up and tried to go after Lorna when she left.”
Jamie looks irritated. “What a dumb arse. He could have caused himself to hemorrhage.”
“We put him back to bed.”
“I should check on him before I go to make sure he didn’t cause his wound to start bleeding again.”
Sin and Leith have been talking for a long time but I don’t want Jamie to interrupt. “It might not be the best time to check on him. Sin and Leith are hashing out the problem they have after what happened with Lorna a couple of years ago.”
I lift my brows at Jamie and hope he gets my drift since that’s all I can say in front of Ellison.
“I can check Leith’s wound when they finish talking if you’d like to go home,” Ellison says.
Jamie doesn’t look convinced. “Sure you don’t mind?”
“It’s no problem. I know what complications to look for and I’m here anyway. I might as well be useful.”
“It would be nice to get some sleep. I start a twenty-four-hour shift tomorrow.”
I figure Sin and Leith will be a while. “All the more reason for you to go. Don’t worry. Ellison’s a seasoned nurse.”
“Aye. She told me about her experience while we were out. Time wise, she has more hands-on experience than I do. She’s seen a lot.”
Ellison can be humorous and immature at times but she’s a damn good nurse. “She’s very competent and will have us call you if there’s a problem.”
“Okay. I’ll check in before my shift starts in the morning.”
Ellison’s willingness to help and Jamie’s ability to accept it is a good sign. There are going to be times when Jamie will need assistance and I can’t think of a better candidate.
I’d like to ask her what they talked about during their walk but I don’t want to push. The choice to stay must be hers. I can’t have her blame me for pushing her into a decision she’ll regret later. It’s no different than when Sin proposed. He was right to back away so I could weigh the pros and cons, so I’m going to do the same with my sister.
Chapter 12
Sinclair Breckenridge
“Well, hell. I bought this dress two weeks ago for your swearing-in ceremony and it fit fine. I put it on tonight and I’ll be damned if it’s not almost too tight.”
Bleu turns to study her profile in the full-length mirror. She cups her hand beneath her small baby bump. “Do I look like I’ve grown that much in two weeks?”
I wrap my arms around her from behind, my hands covering her lower abdomen. “I think they’re the ones who have grown. Not you.”
“Good answer.”
She weaves her fingers with mine. “It won’t be long until you hug me like this and your arms will barely be able to fit around me.”
I look forward to it. “Only means our babies are getting strong and healthy.”
“If I keep growing like this, I’m going to be huge.”
I don’t like the worry in her voice. “Your body is expanding to accommodate the growth of our babies. That’s the goal. We want them to stay in for as long as possible so they’re not sick or scrawny when they’re born.”
“I know. I want them to be big healthy babies.”
I kiss the side of her neck. “Never worry that I don’t think your body is attractive. You’re carrying my children––a part of me inside you. Nothing is more appealing than that. And I plan to show you just how sexy I think you are when we get home tonight.”
She turns in my arms and glides her hands up to my shoulders. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
I take note of the perfect coat of red shimmer on her lips. “But you won’t.”
She points to her mouth. “I don’t want to smear this and look like The Joker.”
“I intend on having this mouth later but there’s something else I want right now.”
I remove her hands from my shoulders. “Turn around.”
I lift the hem of her dress. “What do you think you’re doing?”
I push my hand down the front of her knickers. “Giving my wife a taste of what’s to come later tonight.”
She’s completely smooth except for the small narrow strip of short hair down the center. Fuck. It’s a turn-on every time.
I place my foot between hers and tap the insides of her ankles. “Spread ’em, Bonny.”
She steps apart and my fingers find her sensitive nub. Her arse squirms in a circular motion against my cock as I stroke her clit. I didn’t intend on this being about me but she’s making me rock hard.
I saw a hint of insecurity so my intention was to make her feel sexy. I thought I could rub her off now and we’d worry about me later. But I’m not so sure I can wait until tonight to have her. She’s turning me on too much.
I pull her against me and thrust my cock against her arse. “You have no idea how fucking fit you are.”
She grabs my hand and grinds against it. “Make me come.” Her voice sounds breathless, likes she’s been running a marathon.
I rub her clit faster and harder. “Does that feel good?”
“Yes. Keep doing it just like that.”
She reaches over her shoulder and grasps the back of my neck firmly while riding out the waves of her orgasm. “Oh God. That is so good.” She squeezes her eyes shut and leans into me. “I’m coming.”
She’s so slick. My cock would slide into her so easily right now.
“Bonny…” I don’t even know what I want to say. Or ask. I only know I’m hard and I’ll be miserable if I don’t get off.
“I’m dying to bend you over and fuck you like crazy, but I’d never forgive myself if I caused something bad to happen.”
“We’ll be careful.” She holds the hem of her dress at her waist and pushes her knickers down. “Undo your trousers.”
I unbutton and await further instructions. I’d probably never admit it but I sort of like hearing her boss me around during sex.
She moves to the dresser and plants her palms on the top. She looks over her shoulder. “Come here, Mr. Breckenridge. We can’t run behind for your ceremony. It wouldn’t look very good for The Fellowship’s new leader to stroll in late because he was busy fucking his wife.”
I’m such a lucky bastard. “Yes, ma’am.”
I position my erection at her entrance. I push it in a little and pull back, making the tip slick before advancing further. I stand upright and grasp her hips as I push into her slowly. “Good?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
I pull back and plunge again. “You’re all right?”
“Yes, but this is going to take a while if you ask if I’m okay every time you move.”
>
I wish I had her confidence. “I can’t help it. Being inside you still makes me nervous.”
“How about you assume all is well unless I say otherwise?”
“That’ll work.”
I thrust into her and she says nothing. So I do it again. And again. I watch my cock sliding in and out of her. The sight alone is almost enough to make me explode.
I move my thumb to the cleft of her arse and drag my finger down. “I want to get inside this. But not now. After the babies come.”
I read that anal sex is discouraged during pregnancy. That’s fine. It isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing to try. It’ll take some work so it’s good for her.
“A deed so dirty, it shouldn’t be done in the light of day?”
“Exactly.”
I was already close to coming but talking about anal sex––and Bleu not telling me no––pushes me over the edge.
We’re attending a formal occasion in thirty minutes. I don’t want her walking around smelling like sex.
“I’m not coming inside you.” I reach into the top drawer of the dresser and take out the first thing I see––one of Bleu’s cotton nightgowns. “Sorry. Hope you weren’t planning to wear this to bed tonight.”
“It’ll wash.”
She pulls her formal gown down and turns. “Maybe you can’t fuck me hard but you can still fuck me good.”
“Who are you kidding? I fucked you great.”
“You certainly did. Are you beginning to see that we can have great sex without something bad happening?”
My confidence has improved. “You were right.”
“Corporate has approved a new policy. Assume I’m fine unless otherwise stated. Got it?”
“Understood.”
I’m buttoning up when she slaps me on my arse. I jerk because I wasn’t expecting it. “You said that was a taste of what was to come later. I’m anticipating impressive things.”
“Expect to be dazzled.”
My swearing-in ceremony is being held at a banquet room inside a hotel owned by one of the brothers. Every Fellowship member not working on assignment tonight is in attendance, making for a large crowd.
Our people are unaware that tonight is doubling as a twofold ceremony. Bleu and I plan to formally announce the upcoming arrival of not one but two future Fellowship leaders.
I know she wishes Ellison could have come but her sister can’t participate in ceremonial Fellowship functions until she is one of us.
We’re sitting front and center at the leadership table with my parents, Abram, and his wife Torrie. I’m surprised they showed since Abram hasn’t taken the loss of his leadership role well. I’m not sure what my uncle expected. We agreed on the terms of his interim role and he fulfilled them. There was no reason for him to think I’d never take my place at my father’s side.
Bleu is earning her badge of misery. She’s irritated she’s being forced to endure Abram’s company. Can’t say I blame her. At least she has my mum at our table and Westlyn at the neighboring one.
“I’m sorry. He isn’t in a leadership role anymore, but he’s still family. The Breckenridges always sit together at formal functions.”
She won’t even look in his direction. It’s probably best. “It is what it is. I’ll survive. And maybe he will too, unless he decides to harass me.”
“I told him I wouldn’t tolerate him badgering you. He’s had fair warning.”
Bleu looks in the direction of her friends. “I may disappear for a while after the official stuff. I plan on talking to Lorna about that job at the gentlemen’s club.”
Lorna needs to be told by someone other than Leith or me that dancing topless is not the best decision. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
“I’ll probably recruit Westlyn to help me.”
Dinner is served and Bleu is immediately inspecting the plates around her. She has a big appetite now that the first trimester nausea has passed.
Bleu studies my plate for a moment and uses her fork to point at it. “That looks good. What is it?”
“Venison.” I’m going to enjoy telling her the next part. “With haggis.”
“Liar.” She pokes it with her fork. “It doesn’t look like the haggis I’ve seen before.”
“This one is wrapped in a puff pastry.”
She studies the nontraditional form of haggis, showing a lot of interest in it. “Are you thinking of trying it?”
“It looks really good.”
“You’re welcome to some if you’d like.”
“My appetite and tastes are evolving. I think I will.”
My mum leans over. “Yer wife is carrying a pair of Scottish weans who are determined to have their haggis. Boys. Both of them. Mark my word.”
“We’ll see in about five months.”
“I thought you were finding out their genders at Bleu’s next appointment.” I hear the disappointment in Mum’s voice.
“We talked about it and decided we want it to be a surprise when they’re born.”
“We can’t prepare if we don’t know what they are.”
Decision’s been made. There’s no persuading us. “They’re babies. We’ll get the necessities. The pink or blue stuff can wait.”
“I may explode from the anticipation of not knowing.”
“Please don’t. Bleu is going to need your help with them.”
I notice Bleu isn’t contributing anything to the conversation. “Bonny. You’ve eaten half of my plate.”
She wipes her mouth, no doubt hiding a grin behind her napkin. “Sorry. I was going to get a taste and next thing I knew, half was gone. It’s really good.”
I swap out my plate of venison for her chicken. “You’re welcome to it. Unless you’re planning to eat mine and yours.”
She punches my bicep. Hard. “Shut up.”
We finish dinner and Bleu leans back in her chair, her hands cupping her small bulge. “Woo. I thought this dress was a snug fit before.”
“I love it on you. It’s sexy.”
I spot someone very special across the room. “Come with me. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
I take Bleu’s hand and lead her through the crowd. “This is Brooke Drummond, Callum’s widow.”
Although Bleu has yet to meet Brooke, she’s aware of my pledge to personally see to the care and safety of her and her unborn child.
Bleu’s eyes flash with acknowledgement. I’m pleased she remembers.
She embraces Brooke. “Sin has told me wonderful things about you and Callum. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“I’m glad to meet you too. And happy to see you’re off bed rest.”
“That was brutal.”
“My doctor placed me on it for a while when Callum died. Afraid the stress would cause me to lose the baby.” She places her hand on her tummy. It’s twice as big as mine. “But I didn’t.”
My father cues me it’s time. “We’re up.”
Bleu places a hand on Brooke’s shoulder. “Our presence is requested but we’ll definitely talk later.”
Bleu and I join my father on the rostrum behind a podium. Tonight’s event has felt like nothing more than a large dinner party until now. This is where the commitment gets real. There’s no going back after this. And I’m ready.
My father makes the opening statements, recites The Fellowship creed, and then instructs me to repeat after him. The formalities are still familiar in my mind from when I attended Abram’s swearing-in as my interim replacement almost six years ago.
“I, Liam Sinclair Breckenridge, freely and willingly accept my role as leader of this organization known as The Fellowship.” That’s how it begins. The lengthy pledge that follows mostly pertains to declaring absolute and unwavering loyalty to the people of my brotherhood.
My father included Bleu in the rites, which I wasn’t expecting. He had her repeat similar declarations, vowing her complete and unfaltering loyalty in support of me as her husband and leader of The Fello
wship. She vowed to be steadfast at my side, supporting me in all of my decisions.
Once the swearing-in is complete, our people wait for a word from me. I understand it’s part of my duty but I hate giving speeches. “I’ve been trained for this job since the day I was born so this has been a long time coming. I want you all to know I’m both ready and prepared to be your leader.”
I gesture toward Bleu so all attention is focused on her. “Many of you aren’t yet acquainted with my wife. As you come to know her, I’m positive you’ll see her for the amazing person she is. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known and I’m certain I’ll be a fiercer leader for you because she’s by my side.”
I take her hand in mine. “One of our duties as your leaders is to provide an heir. As you already know, we are expecting our first child in September. What we haven’t told you is that Bleu is carrying twins.”
The crowd applauds and yelps so loudly I’m forced to let the noise die down before I’m able to continue. “We anxiously await the arrival of these children and look forward to raising them in the way of The Fellowship.”
I debate telling them our plans for the way any sons of ours will be reared but decide to tackle that at a later time.
“As leader to the women of The Fellowship, Bleu has been hard at work creating and organizing many new opportunities for those she’ll be presiding over. I’ll let her expand on what those things include.”
Bonny steps to the podium and adjusts the mic. “Good evening. First of all, I want to express my sincerest appreciation to you for welcoming me into your circle. I understand that isn’t an easy thing to do within The Fellowship, but you’ve been so kind and hospitable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Bleu removes the mic from its stand. “I’m sorry. This podium is too formal for me.”
She crosses the floor of the rostrum, microphone in hand. “My husband and father-in-law are in charge of the brothers. My role is to minister to the females of the brotherhood so I want to talk about women’s services––or rather the lack of them. I have many things I’m considering but my biggest concern for now is the women’s inability to protect themselves. They’ve not been taught any defense skills. We’re all aware that The Order has a habit of targeting our women so I want to work toward putting a solution into place to combat that problem.
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