The next morning, she had breakfast for shame. She picked up her cup of coffee from the countertop Maksim ate her out on, and then sat on the couch.

Maksim left to work early in the morning. Since he slipped out so early, she got no chance to demand that he got checked out by a doctor.

He texted her a few times, and she dreaded to open every single one.

Are you sore? –7:08AM

Do you need some vaginal cream? –8:02AM

Raelynn. Answer me, or I'll go home, spread your thighs open, and dive in to check for myself. –8:05AM

She was quick to reply, I'm fine!

He left her alone until lunchtime, in which he sent a prompt, you could soak in a warm bath to relax your muscles. Can you walk okay?

Raelynn replied, of course I can't.

Before she got to add, I'm waddling, Maksim called her.

She groaned as she stared at the accept and deny buttons. She put the phone on speaker and laid on the couch.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong. I had sex, not open heart surgery. I'll be fine."

"Then why would you text me something so worrisome? If you want me to come home, just say so."

She scoffed. "Don't play yourself, Maksim. Go back to work and stop worrying about my vagina."

"Wait. I'm coming home late tonight."

"Why?"

"I have some business at a casino that I need to tend to."

Mafia business, she figured.

"Okay."

"I would have taken you as my plus one, but I want you home, where you're safe."

"Plus one? If you're not taking me, then who are you taking?"

"My secretary."

"Your what?"

Irrational jealousy made her stand and begin pacing around the living room.

"Are you talking about that chick that was sucking your dick while I was there, watching? Oh, don't think I forgot about that one."

"It's only business."

"Was it only business when she had your dick down her throat?"

"You sound so jealous that I don't think you can blame this on the hormones," he chuckled.

The deep rumble made her plot his death in about ten different ways.

"You know what's not about to happen?"

"What is that, Rae?"

"I'm not going to be carrying your babies, getting fucked by you, and laughed at by your sidepiece. I don't know what the hell our relationship is, but until we figure that out, you're not going to be hopping from pussy to pussy."

"I'm not fucking her. She'll only be beside me at the casino for appearances."

She found great satisfaction in hanging up on him. Maksim called back immediately and resorted to texting her when she didn't pick up.

I won't take her, alright? –Maksim

And what do you mean, you don't know what our relationship is? It was set set the second I found out you're having my children.

Maksim's arrogant body came with an arrogant personality to match it. Of course he wouldn't consider that she wouldn't want to be with him.

She quickly texted back, What if I don't want to be a part of this dark life? What if I want to co-parent?

She couldn't believe they were having this conversation over texting.

Maksim's reply to her question was a simple laughing emoji.

I'm not your prisoner, Maksim. -Raelynn

I have to get back to work, but I'll pick you up. Wear something nice. I'll have to triple security, but I'll take you if this is so important to you.

She felt like a fool for making a huge fuss when she didn't want to go in the first place. The idea of stepping deeper into Maksim's world of crooks and crime unnerved her.

Feeling guilty, she went to her closet and sorted through her maternity clothes. Nothing in there was casino-worthy.

Panicking, she went to her door and peeked out. Her old guards were gone, but they were alive. After begging Maksim to let them be, they got off easily.

These new men looked just as stern and unfriendly.

"Hey guys... can you take me to the nearest clothing shop?"

"Did the boss clear you, ma'am?"

"Uh, let me call him." She fussed with her phone and called Maksim.

"I'll go, but I need clothes. Can the guys take me shopping?"

"No. I don't want you out. Some dresses will be delivered, just text the stylist the color or whatever."

"I guess that works."

"No heels. Wear flat shoes. I have to go." He hung up, and she smiled at the guards sheepishly.

"Sorry about that. Would you like a candy bar?"

One of the men raised an eyebrow, and she knew it would be hard to get through to this pair.

She got distracted by a text message from an unknown number.

"That was quick."

She worked over the phone and sorted through many pictures. Hours later, three dresses were delivered. She chose a beautiful, long pink dress that did wonders for her cleavage. It was simple and elegant– not demanding too much attention, because her pregnancy already got enough.

She wore flats as Maksim demanded and carried a matching clutch.

Feeling lazy, she set her long hair free.

Maksim showed up an hour later. He stood at the doorstep, hands in his pocket and eyes locked on her chest.

"I don't like it. Too revealing. Go change."

She frowned at him. "Don't be ridiculous."

He closed the door and cornered her against the couch. She tugged at the soft material of her dress nervously, but held his gaze.

"You look stunning," he breathed, eyeing her so greedily that she feared he would tear through the beautiful dress to get to her thighs.

"Thank you."

He was wearing his typical suit, although his hair was messy from a long day of work. Wanting to help, she reached up and frowned when she couldn't reach it.

"Let me fix your hair."

His face dove for her chest, and he face planted on her breasts.

"Seriously?"

Maksim's reply was muffled.

With an eye-roll, she finger-combed his hair.

"How is your arm? Does it hurt?"

He straightened. "Fine. How's your vagina?"

She flustered and walked toward the door. "Let's go!"

"Will you change the dress, or not? Can you at least wear a sweater?"

"No."

Maksim sighed. "Stay by my side at all times. There will only be four or five men, but those bastards are sharks."

"What is the purpose of this meeting, anyway?"

"I'm trying to get support from some... manufacturers. There's plenty of competition between the mafias, so they have no particular reason to choose me over the others. I'm hoping to sway them somehow."

"Oh, okay."

"I got rid of her, by the way. I transferred my secretary to another department, so you don't have to be jealous anymore."

"Will you–"

He kissed her, and she swore that she tasted herself on his tongue from the taste he had last night.

Maksim picked up her clutch and led her out the door.

"Do not leave my side," he repeated. "You're so beautiful that the baby bump won't discourage them."

"Okay," she frowned.

Who exactly was going to gather at this place?