“No, thank you.”

“So how long are you in the city for?” I ask, wanting to know what brings them here.

“Oh, only for the gala. We leave tomorrow. My father wants to schmooze with potential backers and all that. I have to get back to school by Monday.”

“Oh, yes, you mentioned you were in college. Where at?”

“Purdue.”

“Fine institution, and it keeps you close to home?” I ask, wondering if she chose to stay close to home. Something tells me Daddy rules the roost. Men like him in his position usually make all the decisions, and girls like her are unfortunately not given much choice.

“Yes, it does. There you are, darling.”

“Hello, Daddy. I was just speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Black.”

“Please, call me Lara,” she tells Miss Henry.

“Oh. Well, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Black. I hear your company is one of the best in the world.”

“We most certainly are, and I take pride in protecting those closest to me.” I don’t trust this fucker as far as I can throw him. If he’s looking for a backer, he’s looking up the wrong alley. I want nothing to do with him in any way, shape, or form.

“Sir, there’s an issue,” Danny says in my ear. “You’re needed at the entrance.”

“Excuse me, I’m needed elsewhere.” I turn to my wife and say, “Love, please go check on the Hugheses for me. Thank you.” I kiss her cheek before reaching out to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you both.” I walk straight to the front without looking back because I don’t want to give DA Henry any reason to believe I don’t trust him or that I’m leaving because I have a distaste for him. I’ll save that for after the event, when I have no intention of letting him contact me further.

After the matter is attended to, I locate my wife, who is exhausted. “We need to get home. You are worn out, Lara.”

“I am tired, but the party isn’t over.”

“I don’t care. It’s my job and pleasure to look after you.” I sweep her up into my arms and carry her out toward the exit. That’s when I spot the Henrys with an elegant older woman and Mr. Baines.

“Everything okay?” DA Henry asks.

“My wife is tired. It’s time to take her home and call it a night.”

“He spoils me.” She waves to them as we head out of the ball room.

“As it should be.” I kiss her softly and lead her out to the elevators. We’re staying in the hotel for the evening. The boys are with a sitter, and we get to enjoy some time alone.

As soon as we hit the entrance to our hotel room, I set Lara on her feet and she kicks off her heels with enthusiasm and a sensuous smile on her face. “Mr. Black, please take a seat in that chair.”

“Lawless, what are you up to?”

She runs her tongue along the edge of her top teeth. “You’ll see. Now be a good husband and sit.” Fuck, my dick is so hard that it’s painful to even take a step with these slacks on. Seeing my dilemma, she approaches. “It looks like you have a bit of a situation here.”

“I’d say I’m in a bit of a pickle here, Lawless.” She runs her hand down over the front of my pants, grazing my need. “Fuck.”

“My poor, poor, hubby.” I spin around and drag her down to the floor with me.

“Wife, enough with the teasing. I’m a desperate man. It’s bad enough that you’ve looked like a goddess all night, charming every single soul out there with your grace, humor, and beauty, but I had to avoid taking you, burying my seed inside you like the fucking caveman I’ve become. It’s intolerable.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Well, I’m going to let you finish what you started, but I will tell you what to do.” I slide off my suit jacket, free my belt, and unfasten my pants to give my dick some breathing room before I move to the chair while my wife kneels in the middle of the floor.

She bites her bottom lip, unzipping her dress. “What would you like?”

“Crawl to me, Lara.” She slides her straps down without breaking eye contact, pushing down the fabric and revealing a strapless white bra. When she reaches me, the dress is only at her hips, showing me her tiny waist with a hint of her stretch marks from my boys. It turns me on so painfully, knowing that she had my babies inside, and I plan on putting more in her womb when I can. In due time we’ll start on baby number three, but for now, I’ll enjoy the practice.