I’m sore, but I welcome the pain. It’s a reminder that this was real, that Jason Crown took me, all while my mother was a few feet away.
Regrets? None.
As Jason slowly pulls out of me, our mutual release coating his thick shaft, I can’t help but stare. It’s glorious. Being connected, having taken his body in mine. There’s nothing like it in this world.
“Fuck, baby. Are you okay?” Jason whispers as he notices the tinge of pink on his distended flesh.
“It hurt a little, but I’m okay. I promise.” Looking up at him I give him a reassuring smile, unable to help the wince as he fully withdraws.
“I’m a savage.” Jason presses his forehead to mine, his lips brushing softly against my own. “You deserved better than getting fucked on a counter your first time.”
I’m shaking my head softly, not wanting to dislodge his connection. “Don’t. It was perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
His eyes squeeze shut, and he takes in a deep breath before his nose is rubbing against mine. “What now? I’ll do whatever you want, Mila. Just tell me what you need.”
Wow. The realization that he’s willing to go out there and come out to my mother just now is overwhelming. Do I want that? To tear them apart? That’s a dumb question. If I’m being honest with myself, sleeping with him and taking his dick into my mouth already did that.
No. I need time. Time to figure out what the hell I want. I mean, I know I want him. But is taking him the right thing to do?
Guilt finally rears its ugly head and I feel like a massive triflin’ ho. Catherine is outside this door, waiting on her man and her daughter. She’d be distraught if she knew of what had just transpired.
Coming to a quick decision, I softly push Jason away, getting off the vanity and regaining my composure.
A thick wetness drips down my leg, and I swear I see Jason’s eyes gleam with delight.
“Here, let me get that.” I’m thinking he’s about to get some toilet paper, but he’s taking two of his fingers and swiping up. I’m baffled, staring at his hand when he brings it back to my slit, shoving the cum coated fingers in deep.
“What the fuck?” My face is flying back toward his and I see that he’s wearing a mischievous grin, unashamed of what he’s just done.
Oh god. He wants this. With me.
My thoughts go back to my mother, the visuals floating in my head bringing tears to my eyes. How is this all going to work? Will I have a child with Jason, just like my mother?
“Shhh. Baby. We don’t have to figure it all out now.” Jason is pulling up my jeans and bringing my shirt over my head as he soothes me. “Why don’t you take your mother to the back bedroom, tell her you want to see it. Once you’re there, I’ll finally come out.”
I nod as Jason swipes tears from under my eyes. “Okay. That’s a good idea.”
“Don’t worry, Mila. Everything is going to be okay.” With a kiss on my forehead, he turns me toward the door, but not before giving me a soft swat on the ass.
I’m not going to lie. That felt good. All of it.
Jason’s strength is so refreshing. For once in my life, I feel like I’m not having to handle everything on my own.
Knowing that he’s got my back, I step out into the main cabin, being sure not to open the bathroom door too wide and give Jason’s presence away.
As I step closer to the captain’s chair Catherine has commandeered, I see that she’s busy typing away on her laptop.
“Always working,” I mumble under my breath.
“What was that?” Catherine turns to face me, her eyes quickly scanning me from head to toe.
“Oh, nothing. How was your nap? I can’t believe there’s a bed on this thing.”
She purses her lips and rolls her eyes. “Of course there is, Mila. An aircraft of this size and caliber typically does.” Her eyes rake over me once more and her brow arches. “You were in the bathroom a long time. Is everything okay?”
“Actually, no. I’m not feeling too well. Maybe you can show me that bedroom? I’d like to lay down for a little.” I’m hoping she takes the bait, because I don’t know how else to distract her and give Jason the out.
Thankfully, Catherine groans but makes her way toward the rear of the jet. “Yes. I’ll even show you how to work the lights. If it’s one of your migraines, then you should probably turn off all sensory distractions.”
My brows shoot up, surprised at the extremely thoughtful gesture. Thoughtful for Catherine, at least. “I didn’t think you remembered I had those.”
Mother scoffs. “What do you think I am, a monster? I’m your mother for goodness’ sake.”
Another pang of guilt hits me as we walk past the bathroom and into the small bedroom. I’m too ashamed to fully enjoy the amenities being shown to me, too at turmoil to be able to actually relax when she leaves.
It doesn’t matter. I need to keep her from going back out into the cabin, at least for a minute. Catherine and I might have our differences, but I in no way wish to hurt her by having her finding out about Jason and me this way.
Thinking on my feet, I quickly reach out and grab her hand. “Mom. Can I have a word with you?”
Catherine blinks back in surprise. “Of course. What is it?”
I pull her down onto the bed, our outer thighs touching. “I know I was a surprise pregnancy, just like this one. Do you, or did you ever regret getting pregnant with us?”
She’s gaping at me, staring at me as if I’ve just asked the most absurd question.
“You’re my daughter, Mila. I love you by virtue of that alone.”
I’m shaking my head, my hand gripping harder onto hers. “I’ve honestly never felt that. I’ve always thought I was more of a burden to you than the child you loved.”
Catherine’s face is turning a bright shade of red, and I now know that having a heart to heart with my mother probably wasn’t the best idea.
“What is this? Are you trying to make me feel bad for working hard and having the career of my dreams? Because let me tell you something sweet child, there will come a time where you become a mother and I’d like to see you throw everything away and devote yourself to that kid.” She scoffs as she pulls her hand from my grip. “I bet your bottom dollar that you won’t. Come and judge me then, you ungrateful little girl.”
My face contorts into one of disgust as my hand flies to my abdomen. If by some chance I were pregnant with Jason’s child, I would do things a hell of a lot differently than her. “No, I never expected you to lose yourself in me, Mother. But I did expect you to be present and loving. I know for a fact that isn’t too much to ask for.”
I know that because as I sit here and think of my hypothetical baby, I know I’d do that and more. And all without reproach or resentment, but instead, gratitude and humility—humbled by the fact that I’d get the chance to raise a little soul, despite my shortcomings and misgivings.
“Yeah, you’d like to think that. Just wait until you’re in my shoes. I’d like to see you throwing all of this in my face then.”
I’m about to retort with something nasty when there’s a knock on the door. “Ladies. We’re landing in a couple of minutes.”
Jason’s voice cuts through the door, and I can hear his concern. Shit. If the walls are so thin that he heard us arguing, then what are the chances Mother heard him and me in the restroom?
“We’ll be out shortly,” Catherine answers as she stares daggers at me before lowering her voice. “You’ll be on your best behavior while we’re in Colorado, or so help me, I’ll be shipping you off to Missouri myself.”
I roll my eyes and huff. “Montana. The school I’m going to is in Montana.”
“Whatever.” She goes to turn but looks back as she reaches the door. “And call your father. It’s the last one in the agreement. After this, you’ll talk to him whenever you want to… that’s if he’ll take your call.” She mumbles that last part, and it cuts right through my heart.
I was born to two parents who never wanted me, neither of which played an active role in my life. As I hear mother question Jason about Cassie Moretti, I vow to never become the same. I couldn’t. Not having lived what I did.
More of that treacherous guilt seeps into my gut, turning it sour. That’s what I would be doing to my little brother and sister if I took Jason away.
There’s no way Catherine would be okay with sharing custody if Jason and I were together. I’d essentially be ripping my siblings’ chance at having at least one decent parent—more than I had.
I can’t do that. I just can’t.
Flinging myself onto the bed, I wrack my brain with possible scenarios where we could all come out winners, but nothing sticks. The only thing that makes sense is for me to stay in my lane and let them be in theirs.
It might tear me up inside to see them together, but no new casualties will be had, and at least I’ll always have the memory of having had Jason Crown. Something I’ll cherish until the day I die.
“Oh my god, this is stunning! When you said family ranch, I pictured something much more…” Catherine makes a face of disgust before regaining her composure. “Rustic.”
Jason shakes his head and I swear I see him roll his eyes as we step out of the SUV and onto the gravel leading up to the gorgeous farmhouse. Its white panels are accentuated with warm wood trim throughout, a row of rocking chairs lining the wrap-around porch that just begs for sunset viewings and sweet tea.
“It’s beautiful, Jason,” I’m whispering next to him as we make our way up the porch steps.
Just then, a woman with long black hair steps out from behind the screen door and beams at me. “Thank you. I thought so too when I first arrived, and now I’m lucky to call this home.” She’s wrapping me in an embrace, her pregnant belly bumping into me before I can respond. “Welcome to Crown Ranch, I’m Penelope.” She pulls back enough to give me a once over, her hands bracing on my biceps. “But you can call me Pen.”
I’m speechless, never having had such a reception before. “Um, thank you, Pen. I’m—”
“Mila,” she finishes my sentence, her eyes quickly flitting over to Jason before coming back to me.
“And I’m Catherine, Jason’s girlfriend.” I nearly hurl at my mother’s declaration as she inserts herself between Pen and me, extending her arms out and pulling the shocked woman in an embrace she’s clearly not feeling.
Pen clears her throat. “Uncle Jace, should I show the ladies inside, or did you want to stop at your cabin first?”
Catherine pulls away, realizing she’s getting the cold shoulder and I wonder why? Pen has never met us before, but clearly she’s already formed some sort of opinion.
My eyes narrow on Jason, a million questions racing through my mind. But when I really look at him, I see that he’s glaring at my mother.
“Take them inside, please. I’d like for them to meet the rest of the family first.” We’re about to step through the door when Jason’s fingers wrap around Catherine’s forearm, preventing her from moving forward. In a hushed voice, he harshly whispers in my mother’s ear. “Please refrain from calling yourself my girlfriend. Our re—”
He keeps talking, but Penelope is pulling me into the foyer and keeping me from hearing the rest.
My slight annoyance drops as soon as I step into the wide open space, a beautiful table sitting right in the middle with the most beautiful arrangement. “Oh my god. This is breathtaking.”
“Thank you. The flowers are from our cut garden.” She’s practically bouncing on her toes. “I’ll have to show you on the way to your cabin.”
“I’d like that.” Pen continues to tug me through the house, and I just have to ask. “Penelope, how did you know my name?”
At this, she stops, giving me the brightest smile I’ve ever seen. “Uncle Jace called. He said he wanted to make sure you were treated like family, because you’re ours now.”
My heart squeezes and the back of my eyes tingle. God, that man. Looking out for me when he doesn’t have to. “Oh.” It’s all I can manage as Penelope keeps moving us forward.
“He said you’re from Colorado too but didn’t say where exactly.”
“Oh, I’m from Bainbridge.”
Pen stops so abruptly I run into her, making her brace against the wall.
“What?! That’s like right over the ridge! How could you’ve been here all this time and we never have met?”
“That’s wild, right? To be honest, I never made it out this way because I’ve kept my world small. Intentionally.”
A look flutters across Pen’s eyes. One of recognition as she nods, her small hands squeezing my own. “Well, no more of that. You’ve got us, and we’re so lucky to have you.”
I’m laughing a full-bellied laugh. “No. I think I’m the lucky one.”
“You will be once you’ve had my cobbler.” An older lady with graying hair comes into view, with a gaggle of people positioned throughout a grand room.
There are children’s toys splayed throughout and a massive entertainment center and sectional anchoring everything.
“Mary, this is Mila.” Pen is walking me toward the older lady. “Mila, this is Mary, our house manager and surrogate Nana.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Mary.” I haven’t finished my sentence when she’s pulling me into a firm embrace.
“No, sweetie. The pleasure is all mine. Welcome to the family.”
I’m still reeling from Mary’s greeting when a new booming voice comes from behind me. “Quit hogging the new sister!”
New sister?
A broad man with green eyes and neck tattoos is pulling me from Mary and into another hug.
But there’s a grumble behind me as the man holding me squeezes tight.
“You better drop your arms if you want to keep them.” Jason growls as the man holding me chuckles.
“So, it’s true then?” The man drops his hands, his deep green eyes floating over to Jason’s.
Just then, a petite woman with flowing blond hair enters the room, two young children at her side. “Relax, Jace. Austin isn’t making a play for your gir—”
“Stepdaughter.” Catherine’s voice cuts in before the blonde woman can label me something I could never be.
This makes the blonde’s eyes go wide. “Stepdaughter?”
Jason bristles next to Catherine. “She isn’t my stepdaughter.” He pulls at his collar, his eyes landing back on me. “I didn’t imagine introductions going like this, but I guess now is as good a time as ever, since everyone is here.”
Everyone’s eyes are trained on Jason, hanging on his every word. “She’s Catherine’s daughter. And Catherine is pregnant… with my child.” He’s walking mother forward, his hand braced on her lower back as everyone’s mouths are hanging wide open.
All except for Pen. My eyes narrow. I wonder how much she knows.
The blonde is the first to clear her throat, breaking the tense silence. “Well, Catherine. Welcome to the family. My name is Anaya. And this is my fiancé, Austin Crown, and our children, Amanda and Alex.” She points toward the man with the neck tattoos and the two small kids. “I’m sorry if I assumed incorrectly. I’d just never seen Jace so poss… um, protective of someone before.”
Catherine’s eyes narrow a bit, but she splashes on a smile, contradicting the apprehension in her eyes. “Yes. Jason is very protective of Mila and me. We’re so lucky.”
“As he should be.” Another strapping man speaks up from the massive u-shaped sectional, his strong nose and jawline so similar to that of Jason’s. “You’re carrying his child, and Mila. Well, she’ll be of your loin too.” He’s raising a brow, his eyes assessing Jason.
“Catherine, Mila. Meet Jack. The eldest Crown brother.”
“And my baby daddy.” Penelope sits on the man’s lap, her arms wrapping around his thick neck. God, these guys are built like linebackers.
“Ugh. What did I say about the PDA?” The man with the neck tattoos, Austin, is throwing his head back and groaning.
“Get used to it, brother. She’s carrying my child, and that sight alone makes it impossible to keep my hands off her.” Jack is staring at Pen, his eyes roaming over her body while more groaning ensues to my right.
Anaya, the blonde woman tugs at my hand, her voice barely above a whisper. “Penelope is Austin’s stepdaughter from a previous marriage.”
My mouth hangs open. I can’t help it. “She what?”
Anaya just nods, my mind going a mile a minute. That would mean that Jack was her uncle. She’s pregnant with her uncle’s baby.
Anaya must see the horror on my face before she’s squeezing my hand and shaking her head. “They aren’t blood related.”
“What are you two whispering about over there?” Pen purses her lips as she playfully glares at Anaya.
“Just giving her the family low-down.” Anaya is beaming back at her stepdaughter? Wait, if he’s no longer married to Penelope’s mom, then is that still the case?
Pen answers, as if reading my mind. “Oh, we’ll have plenty of time to catch up when the ladies of WRATH arrive.”
Just then, the two kids who’d been by Anaya hoot and holler. Anaya smiles back at me. “They’re excited because that means the WRATH kids are coming too. They’re little enablers, those kids.”
“Staaahp. Those kids are sweethearts.” Penelope is waving away Anaya’s concerns when Catherine cuts in.
“Ladies of WRATH? As in Cassie Moretti and her possie?”
Pen’s narrowed eyes land on my mother. “So you’ve heard of them?”
“Of course! Cassie styles some of this country’s elite. And her friends, well, they aren’t slackers either.” She’s practically salivating, thinking of the social ladder she’s about to climb.
“Right. Well, you’ll be meeting them because they’re part of the wedding party.” Anaya is raising one solitary brow, assessing my mother as if questioning whether she’s safe to be around.
“And they’ve yet to meet Hunter and Matt, the other Crown brothers,” Jack cuts in, but his eyes are trained on Jason. “They’re off making the rounds on the property.”
“Are they still doing that? I thought we kept security on the ranch.” Jason’s brows furrow and I’m wondering why security would be needed out here.
“We’re having a conference call as soon as they get back so be sure to stick around the main house when Pen takes the ladies out to your cabin,” Jack answers, his expression solemn.
Jason nods, the look in his eyes severe. What exactly is going on behind the scenes? The break in at the house in South Beach, the penthouse fortress, and now the security at the ranch?
Something tells me not all is well in the Crown Family’s business. But as I stare at all the love in the room, between the children, the Crown brothers and their women—I know that whatever it is, it’s worth it if it means I get to call this bunch my family.
