Chapter 34Claire
34
Claire
I jolt awake, my heart pounding. Pain throbs through my body, but I push it aside. Panic grips me as memories flood back—Matvey, the prison, and my parents.
“Valerian!” I gasp, struggling to sit up. “My parents—we have to save them.”
Valerian’s arms tighten around me, steadying me. His voice is low and soothing as he speaks into a phone.
“It’s alright, Claire,” he says, covering the mouthpiece. “Your parents are safe. I promise.”
Relief washes over me, but doubt lingers. “How do you know? Matvey said?—”
“Matvey lied,” Valerian interrupts firmly. “We realized something was wrong when we saw signs of a struggle at Bloom House. I sent a team to rescue your parents while we came for you at the prison.”
I slump back against him, processing this information. “So, they’re really okay? You’re sure?”
He nods, his blue eyes intense. “Linda and Robert were safe even before we got to you. I made certain of it.”
Tears spring to my eyes, a mix of relief and lingering fear. I curl into his solid warmth, needing his strength. “I was so scared,” I whisper. “I thought... I thought I’d lost everyone.”
He sets aside the phone and gently cups my face. “You haven’t lost anyone, Claire. You’re safe now. Your family is safe.”
I nod, trying to believe it. The horrors of the past day—or has it been longer?—still cling to me like cobwebs. “Can I see them?” I ask. “My parents, I mean. I need to know they’re really okay.”
“Of course.” He reaches for the phone again. “I’ll have them brought here right away.”
As he makes the call, I take stock of my surroundings. We’re in Valerian’s penthouse, the familiar luxurious bedroom a stark contrast to the grimy cell I was in before. Sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warming my skin.
I glance down at myself, realizing I’m wearing one of Valerian’s shirts. It swallows me, the soft fabric a comfort against my battered body. Bruises mottle my arms, and my ribs ache with each breath.
“Your parents are on their way,” Valerian says, setting the phone down again. “They should be here in about thirty minutes.”
I nod, grateful. “Thank you.”
Valerian’s expression softens. “You don’t need to thank me, Claire. I’d do anything to keep you safe.”
The intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch. There’s so much we need to talk about, but for now, I let myself sink into the comfort of his embrace. “I love you,” I murmur against his chest.
His arms tighten around me. “I love you too, Claire. More than I can express.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, both lost in our own thoughts. Eventually, he speaks again. “How are you feeling?” he asks, his arm still wrapped protectively around me.
“Better,” I say, though my body still aches. The warmth of his embrace soothes some of the lingering pain.
He shifts slightly, his blue eyes searching mine. “Are you up for a question?”
I nod, bracing myself. “Go ahead.”
“Are you pregnant?” His voice is gentle, but I detect a hint of tension. “Matvey said you were having a baby, but how would he know?”
My heart races. This is the moment I’ve been dreading and anticipating. I take a deep breath. “No, not a baby,” I say softly. Disappointment flashes across Valerian’s face, and my chest tightens. Before he can respond, I continue. “Four babies. I’m pregnant with quadruplets, somehow. Two singletons and a pair of identical twins.”
Valerian’s eyes widen as various emotions play across his features—shock, excitement, fear. “Quadruplets?” he whispers with awe.
I nod, tears pricking at my eyes. “Matvey must have guessed based on my nausea. He had that woman, Dr. Ivanova, force me to comply with an exam to verify.”
Valerian’s jaw clenches at the mention of Matvey and Dr. Ivanova. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” His hand moves to my stomach, resting there gently. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
The hurt in his voice makes my heart ache. “I just found out a short time ago,” I explain. “I was trying to figure out how to tell you. I wasn’t—I’m not—sure you’re happy about it.”
Valerian pulls me into his arms, pressing his forehead against mine. “I understand why you didn’t tell me sooner, but I’ll protect you. All of you.”
Tears spill down my cheeks as relief washes over me. “You’re not upset?”
“Upset?” He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands. “Claire, I’m terrified, and excited, and overwhelmed, but mostly, I’m in awe of you and these four little miracles you’re carrying.”
I laugh through my tears. “That makes two of us.”
Valerian’s thumbs brush away my tears. “I love you, Claire, more than I ever imagined could be possible.”
“I love you too,” I whisper, my heart swelling with emotion.
His expression turns serious. “I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to keep you and our children safe. I’m going to distance myself from the mafia. I’ll remain the leader, but I’ll put someone else in charge of day-to-day operations.”
I search his eyes, seeing the determination there. “Are you sure? Is that even possible?”
Valerian nods. “It won’t be easy, but for you—for our family—I’ll make it happen. We’re going to build a future together, Claire. A safe, happy future for our children.”
As Valerian’s lips meet mine in a tender kiss, I feel the weight of everything we’ve been through melt away. In this moment, there’s only us and the promise of the life we’ll create together.
The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the warmth of Valerian’s embrace. His hands roam my body gently, mindful of my injuries. I run my fingers through his hair, relishing the closeness.
When we finally break apart, both breathless, Valerian rests his hand on my stomach again. “Four babies,” he says, wonder in his voice. “How are you feeling about that?”
I laugh softly. “Honestly? Terrified. Excited. Overwhelmed.” I echo his earlier words. “I never thought I’d be able to have children, and now we’re having four at once.”
“Because of the PCOS you mentioned?
I nod. “The doctor said the stress and changes in my life might have triggered some kind of hormonal shift, leading to hyperovulation.”
Valerian nods slowly, processing the information. “And now we’re having quadruplets. Life certainly has a way of surprising us.”
I smile, placing my hand over his on my stomach. “It certainly does. Are you really okay with this, Valerian? Four babies is a lot to take on, especially with everything else going on in our lives.”
Valerian’s gaze is intense. “I won’t pretend it won’t be challenging, but you and these babies are the most important things in my life now.”
“We’re going to need an army to help.” I groan at the thought.
Valerian’s laugh rumbles through his chest. “We’ll have plenty of help. Between your parents and my team, these kids will have an army of protectors and caretakers.”
The image of Valerian’s tough-as-nails associates cooing over babies makes me giggle. “I can just see Dmitri changing diapers now.”
Valerian grins. “He’ll probably approach it like a tactical operation. ‘Team Alpha, secure the perimeter. Team Bravo, prepare the wipes.’”
Our laughter fills the room, the joy of the moment pushing away the darkness of recent events. As our mirth subsides, my thoughts turn amorous.
I lean in, capturing Valerian’s lips with mine. The kiss starts slowly and tenderly but quickly deepens as passion ignites between us. Valerian’s hands wander over my body, gentle yet insistent. I thread my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.
“Are you sure?” he murmurs against my lips. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I’m sure,” I say. “I need you, Valerian.”
That’s all the encouragement he needs. He lifts me carefully, laying me back on the bed. His eyes darken with desire. “You’re so beautiful, Claire.”
I reach for him, pulling him down to me. Our lips meet again in a searing kiss as Valerian settles his weight over me. His hands caress my sides, sliding under the oversized shirt I’m wearing.
I arch into his touch, craving more. “Please,” I whisper.
He trails his lips down my neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. He pauses at the collar of the shirt, looking up at me for permission. I nod, and he slowly unbuttons it, revealing my skin inch by tantalizing inch.
As the shirt falls open, Valerian’s breath catches. He traces the curve of my breast reverently. “Perfect,” he murmurs.
I blush under his intense gaze, suddenly shy despite our intimacy. Valerian seems to sense my hesitation. He captures my lips again, pouring all his love and desire into the kiss.
“I love you, Claire,” he says softly. “Every inch of you.”
His words wash over me, chasing away my insecurities. I pull him closer, reveling in the feel of his solid warmth against me. “I love you too, Valerian. So much.”
Our mouths crash together again, tongues tangling in a passionate dance. My heart races with anticipation as Valerian’s lips travel lower, kissing my collarbone before moving to my chest. He lavishes attention on each breast, teasing my nipples with his tongue.
I gasp, arching into his touch. “Yes...”
He takes his time exploring my breasts, worshipping them with his mouth. Every flick of his tongue sends shivers of pleasure through me. I’ve never felt so loved or desired. Because of the pregnancy, my nipples are super sensitive, so he’s gentle as he grasps one between his lips, suckling lightly.
My head falls back against the pillow as I lose myself in the sensation. He continues his attentions, alternating between my breasts until I’m trembling with need.
“Valerian... please...” I beg.
He slowly releases my nipple, trailing kisses down my stomach. “Tell me what you want, Claire.”
“I want you to fuck me,” I say boldly. “I need to feel you inside me.”
He groans, pressing his forehead to my abdomen. “God, yes.”
Clearly abandoning his plan to lick my pussy, which is already so wet I don’t need him to anyway, he shifts position, taking a moment to shuck off the briefs he wore to bed. I didn’t even notice them until now, but I’m intrigued by the wet patch clearly visible on the tan silk. It makes my mouth water. I want to taste his cock, but I need it inside me more. I reach for him, desperate to have him fill me.
Valerian obliges, settling between my thighs. He positions himself at my entrance, rubbing the tip of his cock through my slick folds. “You’re so wet.”
I moan, arching into him. “Please don’t tease me.”
He chuckles, leaning down to capture my lips in a quick kiss before lifting his head to ask, “Is it safe? You’re pregnant with quadruplets.”
I hesitate. “I’ve only had time to do a little research, but it’s safe unless or until the doctor tells me I have to stop having sex for a while. He didn’t say anything about that at my first appointment.”
Valerian nods, seeming reassured. “Okay. Tell me if it hurts though, okay?”
“I will,” I promise.
With that, he pushes forward, entering me slowly. We both groan as he slides home, filling me completely.
“Oh, god, Valerian,” I gasp. “You always feel so good.”
He begins to move, setting a steady pace. “So do you, lyubimaya. You’re perfect.”
Feeling him inside me is incredible. I wrap my legs around his waist, urging him deeper. He responds by increasing the speed and force of his thrusts, driving into me harder. It feels amazing, but the most amazing moment is when we stare into each other’s eyes, saying a million things with our bodies.
We fall into a rhythm, our bodies moving together as if they were made for each other. I cling to Valerian, losing myself in the sensations and emotions flooding through me. Love, desire, passion, and devotion all combine into something indescribable. Something that transcends mere words.
It doesn’t take long for us to reach the edge. Valerian’s movements become more erratic, signaling his impending release. I’m right there with him, teetering on the brink. He reaches between us, finding my clit with his fingers. The added stimulation is enough to send me flying over the edge. I cry out, my body shuddering as waves of pleasure crash over me, overwhelming my senses.
Valerian follows soon after, burying his face in my neck as he comes hard. His cock pulses deep inside me, filling me with his seed. It’s an incredibly intimate moment, and I hold him close, savoring every second.
Afterward, we lie tangled together, catching our breath. Valerian presses a tender kiss to my temple, stroking my hair. His hand rests protectively over my stomach, a reminder of the precious lives growing within me.
“That was...” I trail off, unable to find words adequate to describe the experience.
Valerian chuckles softly, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Yeah, it was.”
We bask in the afterglow, trading soft kisses and gentle caresses. I feel truly safe and loved.
A knock at the door breaks the spell. Valerian tenses, instantly alert. “Who is it?” he calls out.
“It’s Dmitri, sir,” comes the muffled reply. “Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have arrived.”
I bolt upright, suddenly remembering my parents are on their way. “Oh, god, what time is it?”
Valerian glances at the clock. “They’re a little early, but I’m sure they’re worried. I’ll handle it.” He kisses me softly. “Take your time getting ready. I’ll keep them occupied.”
As he dresses quickly, I head to the en-suite bathroom. The woman in the mirror looks different. My hair is tousled, and my lips are swollen from Valerian’s kisses, but it’s my eyes that catch my attention. They’re alive in a way I haven’t seen in a long time.
I splash some water on my face and run a brush through my hair. There’s no hiding the evidence of our lovemaking entirely, but I do my best to look presentable.
When I emerge from the bathroom, Valerian enters a moment later, as though he’s been checking to see when the shower would stop. He watches me with loving approval when I get dressed and then pulls me into his arms, kissing me deeply. “Ready?”
I nod, taking a deep breath. “I am.” I’m anxious to see my parents, to verify they’re safe, and to maybe tell my dad about the babies too, since he’s the only one who doesn’t know now.
Valerian takes my hand, squeezing it reassuringly. Together, we head out to face my parents, who I think will be happy for me after they get over the shock of me falling in love with him under the circumstances.