로그인The bedroom was quiet after the celebration. The soft glow of a single lamp and the moonlight spilling through the wide windows painted everything in silver and gold. I sat against the headboard in one of Dante’s large shirts, the fabric soft against my skin and loose enough to rest comfortably over my growing belly. Dante lay beside me, shirtless, one arm wrapped around my waist as if he could not bear even a few inches of space between us. The baby shifted under his hand, a strong, deliberate kick that made us both smile.“She is already strong,” he murmured, his voice low and full of wonder. “Just like her mother.”I turned my head to look at him. The happiness from the gender reveal still lingered on his face, softening the hard edges that the war had carved there. “Do you think she will look more like you or like me?”He considered the question seriously, thumb stroking slow circles over my stomach. “I hope she has your eyes. That quiet strength you carry. But I would not mind if
The sun had slipped fully beneath the horizon by the time we finished the light dinner. Fairy lights glowed softly along the terrace railing, casting a warm golden haze over the table. The sea whispered below us, steady and calm. My heart beat a little faster as Dante rose from his chair and offered me his hand.“It is time,” he said quietly.Everyone stood. Maxim already had his phone out again, recording every second. Betty’s eyes shone with excitement. Ivan rubbed his hands together like a child about to open the biggest present of his life.The covered cake sat in the center of the table, simple and elegant in white frosting with delicate gold edges. Liam had arranged everything exactly as I requested. The baker had received the sealed envelope from the doctor and created the reveal without ever knowing who we were.Dante guided me to stand right in front of the cake. His hand stayed on the small of my back. I could feel the tension in his body, the quiet hope and nerves that matc
The bathroom still held the soft scent of lavender and the lingering warmth of our lovemaking when Dante and I returned to the bedroom. My body felt pleasantly heavy, every muscle relaxed from the gentle way he had taken me in the water and against the marble. I stood in front of the large mirror while he dried my hair with a soft towel, his hands careful around my shoulders.“You look radiant,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Even more than usual.”I smiled at his reflection. “You make me feel that way.”We helped each other dress with unhurried care. Dante selected a simple white linen shirt and matching trousers for himself. The fabric hung perfectly on his frame, the open collar revealing the strong lines of his throat and the faint marks I had left earlier. He looked clean and powerful at the same time, like the sea after a storm. I could not stop staring.For me he chose a fitted white short gown that stopped just above my knees. The soft fabric hugged the c
The afternoon light filtered softly through the bathroom window of the seaside safe house, painting the white tiles in warm gold. I had slipped away from the decorations and chatter downstairs to prepare myself for the evening. The gender reveal was only hours away, and I wanted to feel clean, calm, and beautiful for the people I loved. The large bathtub was filled with warm water and the light scent of lavender oil. I sank into it slowly, the heat easing the slight ache in my lower back that came with the growing weight of our baby.My hands rested on the curve of my belly beneath the water. The baby kicked once, firm and reassuring. I smiled to myself. Today we would finally learn if we were welcoming a son or a daughter. The thought filled me with quiet joy and a flutter of nerves. I closed my eyes and let the water soothe me, humming softly under my breath.The bathroom door opened with a quiet click. I looked up. Dante stood in the doorway, already half undressed, his shirt open a
The next day dawned bright and clear over the sea, the sunlight dancing on the waves like scattered diamonds. I woke up slowly in Dante’s arms, the gentle sound of the ocean filtering through the open windows. My hand instinctively moved to my belly, feeling the now familiar kicks of our baby. Today was the gender reveal. The thought filled me with a warm, bubbling excitement that pushed aside the heavier worries of the war for a little while.Dante stirred beside me, pressing a soft kiss to my shoulder. “Good morning, my love. Ready for today?”“More than ready,” I replied, turning to face him with a smile. “I cannot wait to see everyone’s faces.”We joined the others in the main living area after a light breakfast. The safe house had been transformed into a hive of gentle activity. Maxim had already started sorting through boxes of decorations Liam had discreetly delivered earlier that morning. Ivan and Betty were laughing together as they untangled strings of fairy lights. Even Dan
The credits of the horror movie had long since faded from the screen, leaving the bedroom bathed only in the soft silver light of the moon streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. The sea outside continued its gentle rhythm against the rocks, a soothing backdrop to the quiet intimacy that wrapped around us like a warm blanket. I lay nestled against Dante’s chest, my leg draped over his, our bodies still humming from the passion we had shared earlier. His fingers traced slow, lazy circles on my bare shoulder while my hand rested protectively over the swell of my belly. The baby had been active tonight, giving occasional strong kicks that made me smile every time.Dante shifted slightly, turning so he could look at me better. His dark eyes were soft in the moonlight, filled with a tenderness that always made my heart feel too full. “The gender reveal is tomorrow night,” he said quietly, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through his chest. “Are you excited?”I nodded, a bright
Alexei stepped inside, calm as ever, carrying a small, dark wooden box that he set on the bedside table with the reverence of a man displaying a prized trophy. His presence filled the room like smoke, suffocating, inescapable.“Finished with my… immediate affairs,” he said, voice smooth and oily. “
“You boys like to play games, don’t you, Marco?” Dante’s voice was a low rumble, devoid of emotion, more dangerous for its calm. Marco flinched, shaking his head mutely. Dante took a step closer, his shadow engulfing the smaller man. “Alexei sent you. What was the plan? Lure me out? Make a scene? S
Dante rose from the table, the remnants of their shared meal fading into a memory of quiet understanding. He moved towards her, his steps deliberate, his gaze softening as it met hers. He leaned down, not with his usual intensity, but with a deep, soul-stirring tenderness, his lips meeting hers in
The weight of my father’s manipulations never truly left me. Even in sleep, it clung to my skin like a shroud, years of isolation, stifled friendships, and a love that had always been a beautifully crafted lie. Somewhere beneath it all lingered the phantom scent of sandalwood and the echo of Dante’







