Claiming Felicity (Ace Security #4)(77)

He smiled. Felicity had filled their new house with photos. Since she didn’t have to worry about having to pack up and run, or about anyone finding out who she really was, she’d gone whole hog in decorating. Every room in their house had pictures in it. On the walls. In frames on tables. Stuffed into every nook and cranny. Ryder couldn’t look anywhere without seeing reminders of his wife’s love for her friends.

One of his favorites was the one of her holding her acceptance letter to the University of Denver. He’d encouraged her to contact the university and see about transferring her credits and finishing her degree. Even though she wasn’t planning on trying to get an engineering job, he was so proud of her for deciding to finish her degree. The grin on her face in the photo showed exactly how pleased she was with her decision as well. Joseph Waters might’ve tried to break his woman, but her strength and intelligence had won out in the end.

Felicity had even included pictures of both their mothers in her decorating frenzy. He loved seeing his mom’s face, but he loved seeing the photos of Felicity and her mother even more. The women might not’ve been at their wedding today, but he still felt their love . . . and knew Felicity did too.

The other addition to their walls was the new signed agreement between Cole and her in regard to Rock Hard Gym. Apparently, Cole had seen his lawyer and had gotten Felicity’s name added as soon as he heard about Ryder getting her name changed. He’d had it framed and had given it to her as a present. Cole had told her to put it on her wall so she’d never forget that he refused to let her leave all those months ago.

“I love you, Felicity Sinclair,” Ryder whispered to his wife.

“I love you, Ryder Sinclair.”

He felt his dick stir at her words, but didn’t make a move to do anything about it. They had the rest of their lives together. He could give her an hour break.

As if she could read his mind, Felicity mumbled, “Give me a bit . . . then I’ll be ready to go again.”

He chuckled, knowing he wouldn’t have the heart to wake her up later. She’d had an exciting few days. She deserved her sleep. Without responding verbally, Ryder leaned down, kissed Felicity’s forehead, and held her tighter against his side.

He fell asleep almost as fast as his new wife did, content in the knowledge that his woman was safe . . . and finally legally his.



Nathan kissed Joel’s forehead and stood up. He tiptoed to the doorway and paused to look back at the boy he considered his son. He closed the door and almost ran right into Bailey.

He pulled her into his arms and walked her backward down the hall toward their room. Smiling down at her, he said, “Something about weddings makes me super horny.”

Bailey rolled her eyes up at him. “Everything makes you horny,” she mock-complained.

He laughed and agreed. “True.” Then he leaned down and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

Careful not to screech too loud and wake up her brother, Bailey pretended to pound on his back as he carried her into their bedroom. He shut the door quietly and went to the bed. He leaned over, dropped Bailey on her back, and immediately climbed over her. They re-situated themselves until they were lying in the middle of the mattress.

Nathan got serious. “Are you sure you don’t mind us not being married legally?”

She immediately shook her head. “We’ve been over this. You know I don’t really believe in marriage. Besides, we’ve been living together, you took my name, we share a bank account. According to the state, we’re married even though we don’t have the signed paper.”

“I just wanted to make sure today didn’t make you sad in any way.”

“Sad? No way. The ceremony was beautiful, and I’m happier than you know that Felicity and Alexis are satisfied and happy with their relationships. Are you okay with it?”

“Absolutely. I couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks. You’re mine. I’m yours. Joel is ours. I’m happy.”

“What would you think about giving Joel a niece or nephew?”

Nathan’s breath caught in his throat, and he placed a hand on her flat belly. “Are you . . . What are you saying?”

“I’m not pregnant,” Bailey told him, putting her hand over his on her stomach. “But I wouldn’t be opposed to it either. I’ve spent enough time with Nate and Ace to realize that I’d love to have your baby. I’d love for us to teach a child what true love is all about.”

“Yes,” Nathan said immediately. “I’m ready when you are.”

“How about now?” Bailey asked, batting her eyes at the man hovering above her.

“Now’s perfect,” Nathan told her, immediately getting up on his knees and stripping his shirt over his head.

He smiled as Bailey giggled. Once upon a time, he’d thought of himself as the nerdy Anderson. But being with Bailey had changed him . . . for the better. He still loved numbers and math, but when he saw the envious looks men shot his way when he was out with Bailey, it felt good. She was his.

When he felt Bailey’s hands begin to work the belt on his pants, he grinned. Yeah, his woman knew exactly what she wanted, and thank Christ that seemed to be him.



Blake Anderson slowly worked on unfastening the back of his wife’s dress. Earlier she’d insisted they didn’t have time to get undressed, and he’d been so ready to officially make her his in body as well as on paper that he would’ve agreed to anything she asked for.