Captive Bride (Bound by Bloodlines #4)

1. Chapter One Tristan

Chapter One: Tristan

W e sat among the scattered boxes, a makeshift barricade in the room that promised a new beginning. The nursery, still a canvas of bare walls and unassembled dreams, was our fortress of solitude in this quiet suburb where we played at being something we were not. Adriana, her belly round with the lives we created, perched on the edge of an open box, rifling through tiny clothes that held a future we were desperate to secure.

"Tristan, do you think yellow was the right choice?" she asked, her voice echoing slightly off the empty walls.

"Yellow is perfect, love," I reassured her, spinning the wheels of my chair to move closer. "It's like...sunrise. New starts."

A chuckle escaped her as she pulled out a onesie, holding it up against her front. "For twins, we're going to need all the new starts we can get."

"Hey," I said, reaching for her hand, "we've got this."

The neighborhood knew nothing of the Callahan Domain, its luxury and lethal secrets. To them, I was just the guy next door who'd had a bad break on the soccer field, not the heir to a throne I could no longer claim. And Adriana, she was the doting wife, glowing with impending motherhood, not a queen in exile.

"Remember what Dr. Martens said," I reminded her. "Any day now."

"Dr. Martens from down the street doesn't know jack about delivering twins," Adriana muttered under her breath, but her smile didn't fade. "But yes, any day now."

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “I know. You should be home, with your doctor. You would be if…I mean, do I need to finish that sentence?”

She sighed. “I’m worried,” she said. “We’re getting so close to my due date, I can hardly walk and…shit, I’m sorry, Tristan.”

I tried to hold myself back from wincing. “It’s okay, love,” I said. “Before you know it, we’ll both be walking around like nothing ever happened.”

“You think so?”

“Oh, absolutely,” I said. “I can’t see anything stopping you.”

"And you?" she asked, her dark eyes filled with concern. "Will your legs be able to keep up with your stubbornness?"

"I'm a Callahan, love," I tried to joke, but my heart clenched at the reminder of my injury. "We're born stubborn. We die stubborn.”

"We don't talk about dying any more," Adriana reprimanded me gently, her fingers softly caressing my wrist. "We're going to be parents, Tristan. We've got too much living to do."

I met her gaze, the amusement in her eyes slowly dissipating into something softer, more tender. The sight of it warmed me in a way no fire ever could. Taking her hand in mine, I brought it up to my lips and kissed it gently.

"Okay," I acquiesced. "No more talk of dying."

“So what should we do instead?”

"Let's get more of these boxes unpacked before lunch," I suggested, eager to keep us moving forward, away from the thoughts of what and who we'd left behind.

"Lead the way, Mr. Callahan," she said, a playful lilt in her tone that made the air in the room feel lighter.

Together, surrounded by cardboard and hopes, we built a life in whispers and soft touches, far from the shadow of the empire that bore our name. It was a strange kind of peace, one crafted from necessity, but it was ours, and we would defend it with everything we had.

"Alright then, let's see what treasures we've packed away," she said, her voice steady but I caught the flicker of exhaustion in her eyes.

She moved slowly, a hand resting on the curve of her belly, as if to soothe the twins inside. Her gaze lingered on the empty spaces along the hallway—the places where pictures should hang, memories that should be on display. But our walls were barren, stripped of any sign of our past lives or the family we once knew.

"Hey, you okay?" My voice broke the silence, concern lacing each word.

Adriana looked at me, her dark hair framing her face like a halo of strength. "Yeah, just thinking about everything that should be here with us." She paused, swallowing hard. "And everyone."

I wheeled closer, closing the gap between us. "We'll make new memories, Ade. For Callum and Catherine. For us." I reached out, placing my hand over hers on her belly, feeling the faint movements of our children. It was a bittersweet connection—a promise of life in the midst of our isolation.

"Tristan..." She breathed my name like a prayer, and it undid me every time. Her vulnerability was a mirror to my own—a reflection of the fear that gnawed at my insides since the day I lost the use of my legs.

"Adriana, look at me." I waited until her brown eyes met mine, pools of resolve amidst the storm of uncertainty. "We are going to get through this. Not because we have to, but because we've never known how to quit. You and me, we're survivors."

“Okay, look, I admit you give a good pep talk,” she said. “I know you do. But beyond us having this and shit, what about the practicalities of our lives? We have no jobs, we have no family here, and in less than a month, we’re going to be taking care of two babies. You’re going to try to help, but Tristan, you’re still only learning to use this wheelchair. And we don’t know when…if…you’ll…”

"Walk again? Is that what you're afraid to say?" I asked, my voice steady despite the pain her words induced. Things had never been easy for us, but this, this reality that loomed over us was a beast we were struggling to control.

"Yes," she admitted, her gaze dropping to her hands resting on her swollen belly. "I'm scared, Tristan. If something happens while you're not...capable..."

"We'll manage," I cut in swiftly, not allowing her fears to fester and take root. "Adriana, we've faced more formidable foes than diapers and sleepless nights."

“Not while you can’t walk or run or…”

"Fight?" I supplied the remainder of her sentence, a bitter taste creeping up my tongue. The reminders of my limitations were everywhere, but it hurt more when it was Adriana who pointed them out.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"We don't need to fight anymore," I said. “There’s a reason we’re here. We’re safe.”

"And if they come for us?" she asked. Her eyes met mine, revealing the depth of her fear. It stabbed at my heart, making me regret ever bringing her into the chaotic world of the Callahan Legacy.

"They won't," I said with a conviction I didn't feel. "We've left that life behind.”

"But what if they find us?" Her voice was barely audible, yet it echoed around the room like a haunting premonition.

“I will kill anyone who comes after you or our kids,” I said, my voice low and deadly. "And I don't need to walk to do that."

She swallowed hard, her gaze never leaving mine. There was a long silence before she finally nodded. "I know you would," she whispered.

“Also, it’s just my legs,” I said. “You wanna sit on my lap and see if my dick still works?”

She snorted at that, her face flushing in a way that had me grinning in no time. "I don’t know what I expected," she said, leaning into me and pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "Are you serious right now?"

"Dead serious." My grin was wide and unrepentant. "Come here."

Wordlessly, she placed her hand in mine, letting me guide her to sit delicately on my lap. Despite her pregnant state, she was light and easy to maneuver, like always. There was a trust there, an unspoken faith in me that never failed to make my chest tighten with gratitude and love — even when we were joking around.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, I gently kissed the shell of her ear. "See," I murmured against her skin, feeling the goosebumps rise at my touch. "Everything works just fine."

"Bastard," she muttered fondly in response, lightly swatting my shoulder.

Yes, there were battles we were yet to face. Hurdles we would inevitably have to overcome. But one thing was certain: If there was anyone I wanted by my side through this new unpredictable chapter of our lives, it was Adriana.

“I think,” I said into her ear. “That now that it’s been a week and we’re settling in properly, you need me to prove that it also works properly.”

"And what if I'm not in the mood?" She teased lightly, but there was a spark in her eyes that told me she was up for the challenge.

"I suppose that's something I'll have to rectify then." I replied, my voice dropping to a husky whisper. My hand slid from her waist down to her thigh, and I felt her shiver against me – a visceral reaction that never failed to ignite a flame inside me.

Her laughter echoed through the room, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. "You certainly know how to make a girl feel special."

“Well, I know how to make you come.”

Her breath hitched at my words and I could see the flash of desire ignite in her eyes. "Indeed, you do," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilted my head to capture her lips in a slow, sensual kiss, my tongue teasing hers as I deepened the kiss. Adriana responded enthusiastically, her hands threading through my hair as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

I broke the kiss reluctantly, resting my forehead against hers as I caught my breath. "We'll figure everything out together," I promised her softly. "Until then..." My hand slipped under her loose-fitted shirt, grazing her swollen belly before wandering upwards. Her breath hitched at my touch, her eyes meeting mine with a familiar spark.

"Yes?" she asked, biting her lower lip in anticipation.

I grinned, pressing my lips to the hollow of her throat. "Let me take care of you, Ade." My voice dropped to a whisper as I made my intentions clear. "Starting with making you feel really, really good."

Her laughter filled the room again, a soft, melodious sound that warmed my heart. “You really know how to lay it on thick, don’t you?” She questioned teasingly even as she leaned into my touch.

“I never needed to, with you.” I replied honestly. “But if pretty words will get you in the mood…” I trailed off suggestively and she responded with a soft smack on my shoulder.

"Bastard," she muttered again, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief and desire.

With a smirk, I tilted her face towards mine and captured her lips in another heated kiss. It was slow and sensual, a contradiction of the urgency coursing through my veins. My hands roamed her body freely, tracing the curves I knew by heart.

"I love you," I whispered against her lips, the words slipping out effortlessly. It was a sentiment spoken a thousand times over, but each time it felt just as profound as the first.

She smiled against my lips, her hands moving to cup my face. "And I love you," she confessed, her voice filled with equal amounts of passion and tenderness. "Even though you're driving me crazy."

It was my turn to laugh then. "That's my job," I told her, playfully nipping at her bottom lip. “It’s your job to move your panties aside so I can fuck you. I can smell how wet you are and I’m dying to feel you around me."

Her breath caught, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she pulled back to look at me. "Tristan Callahan," she scolded, though her eyes were dancing with delight.

"Just stating the facts," I retorted, grinning. My fingers tugged at the hem of her skirt, silently asking for permission.

Rolling her eyes, she adjusted herself on my lap, granting me access. The sight of her flushed and open before me was more intoxicating than the finest whiskey. My hands ventured further up, pushing aside the delicate fabric. The eager anticipation was almost too much.

As I slipped my hand inside her panties, Adriana let out a soft gasp.

“God, you’re soaked. It’s fucking hot. I love the way you smell.”

“That’s enough, Tristan,” she warned me, but her body told another story as she squirmed against my touch.

“Is it?” I chuckled, my fingers moving lightly over her sensitive folds. She gasped again, her small hands clutching at my shoulders as I continued to tease her. The scent of her arousal was intoxicating, fueling the growing desire within me.

“I said...” she began but stopped abruptly when I applied gentle pressure on her swollen nub.

“You were saying?” I asked with feigned innocence, looking deep into her eyes.

“You’re not playing fair,” she accused me breathlessly.

“Just wait until I put my cock inside of you.”

"I -" she started to speak but her words got lost as I moved my hand, slipping two fingers inside her. She gasped again, her body arching towards me.

"Tristan...I..."

Leaning forward, I captured her mouth in a demanding kiss, my tongue tracing the seam of her lips until she opened for me. Our tongues tangled together as I continued to stroke her from within. Her hands gripped my shoulders tighter and I could feel the tremors coursing through her body as she moved against my hand.

"Close?" I asked when I felt her walls clench around my fingers. She nodded frenziedly in response, biting onto my shoulder to stifle the moan that slipped past her lips.

"Don't hold back," I commanded as I increased the pace of my strokes.

Within moments, she shattered against me - a beautiful sight that always left me breathless. Her body was flush against mine as she rode out the waves of pleasure that had crashed over her.

Once her shuddering subsided, I gently withdrew my hand from her, bringing it up to my lips. I licked my fingers clean, moaning at the taste of her. "You taste so good, Ade," I said. “Do you want me to fuck you now?”

Her eyes met mine, still hazy with the afterglow of her orgasm. "Yes," she whispered, her voice husky with desire. "Please."

Slowly, I entered her, feeling her envelope me as she let out a soft moan of pleasure.

“Fuck, you feel so good.”

Her fingers curled into my back, pulling me deeper as our bodies moved together in a rhythm we both knew by heart. She set the pace—I couldn’t move my legs and she took full advantage of it, grinding down on me with an intensity that left me breathless.

"Tristan...," she gasped, her voice a sweet symphony in my ears. I could feel her tightening around me, our bodies locked together in a dance as old as time.

The sensation was overwhelming, the kind of pleasure that blurs your vision and makes your heart ache with its intensity. The world around us ceased to exist as we lost ourselves in each other, the boundaries between us dissolving until I wasn't sure where I ended and she began.

Her breathing grew shallow as pleasure coursed through her again, her body trembling against mine. My own climax was fast approaching, our bodies moving together in a frenzy of desire.

Then Adriana let out a cry, her body arching off me as pleasure coursed through her again. She tightened around me and I followed closely behind her, my release tearing through me like a thunderstorm.

Then Adriana let out a cry, her body arching off the bed as pleasure coursed through her again. She tightened around me and I followed closely behind her, my release tearing through me like a thunderstorm.

We stayed locked in each other's arms as our breathing gradually normalized. Her fingers traced lazy patterns on my back, her touch as soothing as the soft cotton sheets beneath us.

“You’re amazing,” I whispered against her hair, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

A blush tinged her cheeks as she looked up at me. “You’re not so bad yourself, Callahan.”

I chuckled at that, the sound rumbling deep within my chest. "Why thank you, Mrs. Callahan."

She cocked her head for a second. “I still haven’t agreed to marry you.”

“Well, you should!” I said as she got off me.

Adriana gave an impish grin. "Maybe if you behave," she teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"My behavior has always been impeccable," I retorted, feigning affront while drawing her back into my arms.

She laughed. “Okay. You keep telling yourself that.”

"I will," I challenged lightly, the laughter in her eyes tempting a smile onto my face. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, I watched as she rolled her eyes playfully. It was these moments I cherished, when the weight of our world seemed to lift and we could just be Tristan and Adriana - not the mafia prince and his queen, but two people irrevocably in love.

“You wear me out…” She yawned, nuzzling into my chest. Her eyelids fluttered closed and I felt her body relax against mine.

"That's the plan," I murmured softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “But you can’t sleep on me. There’s three of you and only one of me.”

She chuckled, eyes still closed. "That seems like a you problem," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

"Adriana..." I urged, trying not to laugh at her stubbornness.

“Mmm?" she hummed in response, her body melting into me.

“I actually can’t move with you on me. Like I can’t maneuver this chair.”

"Fine," she grumbled. There was a moment of hesitation before she reluctantly pushed herself off me, settling down beside me instead. "Happy?" she asked, her voice soft.

I watched her for a moment, taking in the sight of her, hair tousled and cheeks flushed from our lovemaking. Her dark eyes met mine and there was a softness to them that caused my heart to flutter. "Always happy with you," I murmured, brushing my fingertips lightly over her cheek. She leaned into the touch, her eyes closing as she savored the gentle caress.

She smiled at me. “You’re not in pain, are you?”

“Oh, no,” I said, hoping she couldn’t tell it was a lie. “I’m fine.”

She studied me for a moment longer, her dark eyes taking in every inch of my face as if searching for any hint of the truth. "Okay," she finally said, though her tone made it clear she was far from convinced.

Gently, I reached up to smooth a thumb over the worry lines beginning to form on her forehead. "I promise, Ade," I reassured her.

It was a white lie – a harmless deceit I told to keep her from worrying. The pain had become my constant companion since the incident, a throbbing reminder of my new normal. But I was learning to live with it, to hide it beneath smiles and laughter.

Adriana was pregnant with twins. We had plenty to worry about.

“Okay,” I said. “So the nursery. No mafia shit. Just building stuff. How hard can it be, right?”

She crossed her arms over her chest, surveying all the boxes that were on the floor half-open. “Right,” she said. “How hard can it be?”