Chapter 25 - Rhiannon
A week had passed since Rhiannon woke up to find herself surrounded by love and support, but the reality of her situation had started to sink in. Her physical recovery was progressing; she still felt some soreness as her body healed from the gunshot. However, her spirits were soaring higher than ever. She was eager to embrace life again, push aside the shadows that had chased her for too long, and step into the light that Adrian offered her.
Tonight was special—they were hosting a dinner at their home. At first, she thought about having a smaller gathering with just the Nikolai family, but the idea of finally facing her father and brothers, of revealing the significant changes ahead, excited her. She couldn't wait to see their reactions when she announced her role in the Irish operation and, of course, the news of her pregnancy.
She couldn't wait to prove to them that she could be the woman she'd always wanted to be, as well as a wife and a fucking mother on top of that.
In the days leading up to the dinner, Rhiannon felt uplifted by the sweet moments spent with Adrian, each interaction reinforcing their growing bond. They prepared the house together, laughing as they picked out decorations and arranged the table settings. Warm feelings surged within her every time Adrian leaned down to whisper sweet nothings to her baby bump, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Hey there, little one," he said one afternoon, his voice tender as he gently caressed her belly. "I already know you're going to be as strong as your mom. Just wait until you see how much love surrounds you."
"Are you trying to bribe our child?" Rhiannon teased, playfully nudging him.
"Maybe," Adrian admitted with a grin, straightening up. "But can you blame me? I just want them to feel welcomed."
Every shared moment felt like a building block for the family they were creating together. As Rhiannon helped with the cooking later, she felt a deep contentment wash over her. The aroma of roasted vegetables filled the kitchen, mingling with laughter as Adrian danced around playfully, twirling her in a way that made her heart sing.
"Just imagine," he said with a cheeky grin, "once our little one is old enough, we'll have them join us in the kitchen. It'll be a family tradition!"
"Maybe we'll have a mini chef on our hands!" she laughed as he pulled her to a stop and kissed her deeply.
"Baby, with our genes, they're more likely to be a sharpshooter," he teased.
Dinner arrived, and the atmosphere in their home was warm and inviting. The table sparkled with fresh flowers, and soft candlelight flickered, creating a cozy vibe. As family members began to arrive, Rhiannon felt a mix of excitement and dread. The Nikolai brothers and their partners settled in, filling the room with chatter and laughter, momentarily distracting her from her nerves.
"Stay close to me," Adrian murmured against her ear, sensing the butterflies stirring in her stomach as her father and brothers walked in. "You've got this."
Once everyone was seated and grace was said, Adrian began steering the conversation toward business. "Before we dive in, we have some important matters to discuss regarding our alliance with Aleksander."
Rhiannon's heart raced—this was the moment they had planned for. As Adrian detailed the strategies and tactics in response to Aleksander's moves, her resolve strengthened. It was her chance to finally assert herself.
"Following the recent discussions and some challenges that have arisen, it's time for Rhiannon to step into her role within the Irish operation," Adrian announced proudly, turning to her with a smile.
Gasps filled the room, followed by murmured conversations. "Wait, what?" her father said, disbelief dripping from his tone. "You expect her to manage that?"
"Yes," Adrian replied firmly, locking eyes with her father. "And if you or anyone else is against it, let me make this perfectly clear: the Nikolais will cut resources and leave the Irish to bleed. We will not support anyone who undermines her potential."
Rhiannon inhaled sharply, a thrilling mix of anxiety and exhilaration coursing through her veins. Her father's face shifted from disbelief to shock, and she noticed her brothers exchanging glances, concern etched on their faces.
"And," Adrian continued, his gaze still fierce as it bored into her father's, "there's one more thing."
Rhiannon's heart raced as Adrian took her hand, lifting it to reveal the slight bump beneath her dress. "Rhiannon is pregnant. We're expecting a baby."
The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the weight of the announcement. She saw the wide eyes of her father and brothers, their shock palpable.
After what felt like an eternity, her father finally spoke, concern lacing his voice. "You're expecting… a child?"
"Yes, Dad. We are," she replied, keeping her voice steady despite the uncertainty. "And I intend to be part of the family business. This baby isn't going to grow up in an environment devoid of love. I'll make sure they're surrounded by strength and opportunities, just as I've always wanted for myself."
The silence thickened, and she could sense her father grappling with what she had just declared. Her brothers exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering between them. Rhiannon held her father's gaze, determined not to back down.
"Rhiannon," her father finally said, a subtle softness creeping into his authoritative tone, "this is unexpected."
"It may be unexpected for you, but it's my reality now," she asserted, her heart pounding with conviction. "With or without your support, I'm ready to embrace this opportunity. The baby's future matters more than the past we've lived through."
"But you're putting yourself at risk, Rhiannon," he continued, concern heavy in his words. "The world we're in is dangerous. You're not just a daughter anymore; you'll be a mother. This isn't a game."
Adrian leaned closer to Rhiannon, presenting a united front. "And we're ready to face those risks together. Rhiannon will lead the Irish side of things with strength, and I'm here to support her."
"You stand by her?" her father retorted incredulously. "What do you think this is? A fairy tale?"
"It doesn't have to be a fairy tale to work," Adrian replied, unfazed by the challenge. "But if you disregard her capacity to make an impact and treat her like a pawn again, I assure you the Nikolais will step back from any involvement. It's time for you to recognize Rhiannon for who she is—a formidable force."
Rhiannon's heart swelled at Adrian's words. She felt empowered standing by his side, ready to forge a truth that was entirely her own.
"Well, what about the family?" her father asked, frustration creeping into his voice. "Do you think this is how you'll win people over?"
"No," she interjected, confidence growing bolder. "But this is my choice. I refuse to be caught in the past's web of expectations. You may see a daughter, but I see a businesswoman and a mother. And I expect to lead—especially now that we have this baby."
The air thickened with tension as everyone processed her words, but then she caught the glimmer of pride in Adrian's eyes, giving her the strength to continue.
"I will face all the challenges that come my way, not only for myself but for our family," she asserted, excitement bubbling in her chest. "And I need the support of the people I trust. If that's not possible, then I'll do it alone."
Her father rubbed the bridge of his nose, deep in thought. Rhiannon sensed his resolve waver, and she could almost see the gears turning in his mind. Hopefully, this time, she was not the little girl he could control.
Finally, he murmured, "If this is your decision… then I will support it. We'll need to stay united against external threats, and I trust you can handle the intricacies of the business."
Relief mixed with exhilaration coursed through Rhiannon. She couldn't believe her father was conceding. "Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down."
As the dinner continued, the mood shifted from tension to cautious optimism. Conversations shifted to strategy regarding Aleksander and potential threats, including how Adrian and Rhiannon would work together within the Irish operation. They brainstormed ideas and strategies, setting solid plans in motion.
As the evening wore on and guests began to leave, Rhiannon leaned into Adrian, satisfaction blooming within her.
"Did you see their faces?" she asked, smiling widely. "I can't believe they actually accepted the news without falling apart."
He shot her a sideways glance, a proud grin breaking across his face. "You're a force, Rhiannon. I knew you could do it. You took charge tonight."
After bidding farewell to their guests, they settled on the couch, the room now peaceful, illuminated by the soft glow of the still-burning candles. Adrian held her close, his hand cradling her baby bump, radiating warmth through her.
"You were amazing tonight." Adrian leaned in, brushing his lips softly against hers. The kiss deepened, igniting the spark of passion that had been waiting for release.
Rhiannon let her hands roam through his hair, surrendering to the chemistry that pulsed between them. The world outside faded away, leaving only the warmth of their connection.
As their kiss grew deeper, Adrian pulled back slightly, breathing heavily with desire. "I love you, Rhiannon."
"I love you too," she responded, feeling the sincerity of her words resonate within her. The weight of the evening's revelations—the pregnancy, her father's acceptance, the promise of a new future—wrapped around them like a warm embrace.
Adrian leaned forward again, capturing her lips in another desperate kiss, sending shivers down her spine. Each kiss ignited sparks of passion, deepening their connection as if they were trying to bridge the gap of uncertainty life had thrown at them.
"I've missed this," Adrian murmured against her lips, cradling her face as he kissed her again. "I missed you. I missed being close to you."
Rhiannon sighed, fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. "I've missed you too. I'm so glad we can finally embrace this together."
Feeling a growing urgency, Adrian's hands slipped to her waist, grazing the gentle curve of her baby bump beneath her dress. "You're going to be such an incredible mother," he said softly, his voice filled with affection and his eyes searching hers. "Our baby is so lucky."
Her heart swelled at the thought of their child—a tiny being that would blend the strength of both their legacies. "I want them to know love," she said earnestly, "love and laughter and all the good things in life."
Adrian's expression shifted, warmth heating his gaze. "And they will," he promised, determination threading through his voice. "But right now, they also need to know what it means to have passionate parents."
Rhiannon's breath hitched, love and desire swirling within her. It felt like the air between them crackled with electricity, drawing them closer. She couldn't remember the last time they'd been together, but it had to have been weeks.
"The doctor said it would be fine," he reassured, dropping kisses along her neck.
"Adrian…" she whispered, feeling her pulse quicken as their touches grew more heated. "Are you sure?"
"Always," he silenced her with another kiss, deepening it as his hands explored her body, igniting sensations that made her dizzy. It was intoxicating—every kiss, every caress felt like a drug to her system. Tension built, a pressure inside that made her squirm breathlessly, and when it finally snapped, Adrian surged forward, capturing her lips with fierce intention.
Time lost all meaning as the kiss intensified, filling the space between them with longing and promise. He lifted her effortlessly, cradling her in his arms as he carried her toward their bedroom, their passion rising to meet every shuddering breath.
As they fell onto the soft sheets, Rhiannon felt exhilaration pulse through her. She was ready for this, ready to embrace the intimacy they had set aside amidst the chaos of their lives—a celebration of love that defied the darkness they had faced together.
Adrian's hands caressed her, memorizing every curve. Each touch ignited sparks beneath her skin, melting away any last traces of fear. "This moment is ours, Rhiannon," he said, his voice low and filled with intensity. "Always remember that no matter what happens outside these walls, you have me, and I'll always be here for you."
Her heart swelled at his sincerity, and she nodded, breathing in his comforting scent. "You make me feel alive, Adrian."
As their breaths began to synchronize, he leaned down, brushing his lips against her collarbone, leaving a trail of warmth that made her shiver with anticipation. "And we're just getting started," he whispered before returning to her lips, pouring all his love and desire into that kiss.
Clothes disappeared in moments, and before she even knew it, Rhiannon was crying out as he thrust into her gently, his brow furrowed as he watched himself entering her.
Even now, after all this time, he still felt far too fucking big, his cockhead catching on her entrance with every driving thrust in. It was addicting.
Rhiannon's face burned, at the sight of him watching, at this feeling deep inside her. It was all so much, and for some reason—perhaps the pregnancy—she felt tears pressing against her eyes.
"Adrian," Rhiannon mumbled, and feeling shy, she pressed her face into the corner of his neck, where she could feel his muscles straining as he slowly drove into her.
"Why are you hiding?" he teased, pulling away. His palm hooked around her ass and he curled his body in a way that forced her to look as well. "Look at us, Baby," he murmured, his voice so loving and sweet that it made a tear escape. "Look how fucking beautiful you are."
He looked up, and stalled, his expression panicked. "Why are you crying?"
"I just love you," she sobbed and he relaxed. A smile lit up his face as he spread her legs wider, and started to kick up the pace. Her arms twined around his neck, she didn't want to lose this connection. Rhiannon pulled him closer and pressed a kiss against his lips. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," he answered her, settling the barest amount of his weight atop her writhing body. His hand pressed between them, caressing her belly before it drifted down to her legs. His finger pressing against her clit, and as Rhiannon’s climax broke, she let out a cry that he echoed, his thrusts getting faster and harder while outside, the world faded away.