The Tyrant (Banker #3)(19)

“No. But that’s not how it works. I drop in on all my clients—to remind them what will happen if they don’t pay me back when they’re supposed to.”

“What?” she asked. “You kill these people?”

I didn’t blink. “Yes.”

“If you’re that concerned about it, don’t loan your money in the first place.”

“I make too much off it. This deal alone puts two hundred million in my pocket.”

She rolled her eyes. “What’s two hundred million to a man worth six billion? Do you understand how ridiculous you sound?”

“You’re the one who’s ridiculous. Everyone in the world wants money. You’re the only one who doesn’t.” I finished removing my suit and tossed it into the hamper. I dropped my boxers next, semi-hard because her anger turned me on.

“So you make these deals for money, catch them off guard in the middle of the night, and threaten them? That sounds like too much work, too much risk for someone who’s so rich. It’s beneath you, Cato. You should just walk away while you still can.”

“Not gonna happen.”

“You will put Martina in danger every time until you do. Just something to think about.” She glanced at my dick. “And you better put on some boxers because I’m not fucking you tonight. Not after that stunt.” She went back to bed and got under the sheets.

“That’s what you think.” I turned off the light and got into bed beside her.

“I’m serious.”

“You’re mad at me for doing my job?”

“I’m mad at you for sneaking off in the middle of the night while I’m pregnant and alone.”

“You have fifty men here.”

“They aren’t you, Cato.” She pushed me off her and turned onto her side. “Now, go to sleep.”

“You really think I would ever put you two in danger?” I grabbed her shoulder and rolled her to her back again. “No. Never.” I moved to my knees and placed myself between her thighs. “And I want to fuck you like this as much as I can. This next month is going to go by fast—and there won’t be sex for six weeks.”





6





Siena





Martina’s room was exactly what I wanted it to be.

The walls were painted pastel purple, the crib was pearl white, and her changing station and toys were all set up. The room was filled with so much love for a baby who hadn’t even been born yet. A rocking chair sat in the corner, and I imagined that’s where I would rock her to sleep in the middle of the night. Her mouth would latch on to my breast, and I would feel her in the most primal way.

I took a seat in the chair and rocked myself, holding the stuffed giraffe Cato had picked out for her. He hadn’t been that interested in shopping when we were at the store, but he found a few items that resonated with him. One of them was the giraffe—and a set of pajamas he liked.

I didn’t know why I got so upset with Cato last week. When I realized I was the only one in bed, I got scared. I worried something had happened to him, that something might happen to me. I called him in near hysterics, and then when he came home smelling like booze and women, I let my insecurities get to me.

My body had changed so much with the pregnancy. My stomach was enormous, my thighs were thick, and I was in so much discomfort, I wasn’t the carefree and spontaneous woman I used to be.

Cato was used to an endless line of beautiful women.

I feared he’d gotten tired of me.

I believed he loved me, but the hormones made me crazy sometimes.

Cato opened the door in his sweatpants, his eyes scanning for me like he’d been looking for me throughout the house. He spotted me slowly rocking in the chair with the giraffe held to my chest. “Should have known you’d be in here.” He stepped inside and walked past the crib as he came close to me. Perfectly chiseled without an ounce of fat on his body, he was as gorgeous as ever. Even if he weren’t a billionaire, he could have whatever woman he wanted. Supermodels…yoga instructors…anyone.

“I like it in here. Peaceful.”

He rested one hand on the crib as he watched me rock back and forth. “Can I join you?”

“You’re very fit, but I don’t think I can hold you.”

He smiled. “You know what I mean.”

“I don’t know…I think I’m too big.”

He rolled his eyes like I was being ridiculous. “Get up.”

I moved to my feet then he sat down.

Slowly, I lowered myself onto his lap, my legs resting across his. I held the giraffe against my belly.

Cato supported me with his arms and gently rocked us both with his foot. “You’re right. It is peaceful in here.”

“It won’t be after she’s born,” I said with a chuckle. “There will be lots of crying and screaming.”

“Not much different than it is now,” he teased.

I smiled and smacked him playfully on the arm. “I scream a lot. But I don’t cry.”

He moved his lips to my hairline and gave me a soft kiss.

It was a sweet, affectionate gesture, the kind that made me close my eyes and feel the warmth in my chest. It made me feel special, knowing he’d never done that to another woman. “I feel so uncomfortable right now…”