©Birdy Stewart 2013

I nibbled on my bottom lip as I sat in the coffee house booth, the familiar leathery feel of the soft brown material only helping with the constant bounce of my knee. I let out a heavy breath as the memories of that beautifully horrible night continued to play with my sanity.

Valentine walked up to my booth by the door and set down two cups, before sitting across from me. "So," Val popped the tab on her white plastic cap, letting the steam roll out for a moment before bringing it to her lips, "What're you gonna do 'bout it, Ari?" She took a sip, letting her accent roll off her lips as easily as the steam from the cup.

I fidgited with my own frappé. "Well, it's not like I can go tell him---I don't even know where he lives, works, his phone number---nothing. I'll just...continue on like nothing really happened."

"But something did happen. Something big." Val gave me that look, her black hair swept up in its usual messy, chic bun accentuating her brown eyes that told me what words couldn't.

"I know," I groaned. "And now, I'll have to support two human beings, in crappy living conditions, and I'm already struggling as is, to say the least. Not to mention buying all those mushy foods and dealing with the hospital bills---I don't know if I can do this..."

"Well, my offer still stands, Ari. I could easily fit you in here---there are some perks of ownin' your own coffee shop." Val winked at me and I gave a half-hearted smile, letting my eyes drift. The little coffee house was done in warm shades of brown, tans and oranges. It was chic and comforting, fitting Valentine perfectly.

"I'd love to, Val, but you know that I need something a little more than a cashier spot...especially now..." Val's hand rested on top of mine and our eyes connected.

"I get it, girl. It was just an offer in case you can't find anything soon. I could always use your baking skills when I add sweets to the menu. Besides," she smiled brightly, pulling both of the corners of my lips up this time, "What are best friends for?"

"Thanks, Val." She stood and I followed suit, before giving her a big hug. When we pulled away, she rushed me out the door. "Don't be late for that interview!"

"I won't---I hope---thanks Val!"

I got into the early afternoon traffic before it all rushed over me again.

He'd been so perfect. Tall, over six feet, and toned---everything. He most likely had an Italian heritage, maybe Greek, with his black hair and brown eyes, similar to Val's, although her skin was darker. The night had been a mess of limbs and passion.

I remembered everything almost clearly. The week I'd seen him watching me like a panther ready to strike as I'd taken up a temp-job at a club for a friend. That one night when I got off work early and he was waiting for me in the shadows of all the partying people. He'd chatted me up, bought me a drink, charmed his way into my panties. Sad, but true.

At some point, he'd gotten me to leave with him, and I even remember his sleek black sports car. He took me to an upper class hotel---and when I say upper class, I mean, probably the highest class without going Paris, France overboard---and we'd screwed each other senseless, from early morning to late afternoon, before he took me home and left. This was hardly like me at all, hooking up with strangers from a club, but it was pretty hard to regret in the morning. It'd been the best sex of my life.

But now? Yeah. Sort of regret it now.

A small shiver ran up my spine as I recalled that stupid pink plus sign I saw on that damned stick two weeks ago. I'd been on total edge as I sat on the toilet seat before getting up and pacing. When the small timer went off, I'd grabbed the white pregnancy stick and held in front of me, my hand covering my eyes. I'd let out a steadying breath before parting my fingers slightly.

That. Gosh-dang. Pink. Plus.

I'd even gotten my blood tested at the doctor's, stretching my already stretched paycheck, but I knew it'd be worth the money for an absolute answer.

Apparently, that absolute answer just had to be yes.

Stepping into the tall office building, I self-consciously smoothed my black pencil skirt as I walked to the front desk.

A pert blonde sat at the desk, her perfect nails tapping away on the keyboard. She looked up at me and gave perfect smile. "Yes, how may I help you?" I twisted my fingers tighter on the straps of my bag but gave her a polite smile in return.

"I have an appointment for a job interview at one thirty," I answered and the blonde returned to her computer, though her smile never faded.

"Yes, of course. Can I get your name, please?"

"Areila Carson," She nodded and continued to type.

"Okay, thank you, Ms. Carson. If you'll just take those elevators up to the ninth floor, there will be someone waiting to guide you to the interviewing stations." She pointed to the shining steal doors and I thanked her kindly before following her brief directions.

At the ninth floor, there was a lanky man waiting for me. He guestured in the general direction of the stations and lead me into a private room. A man sat behind a beautifully modern desk, with dark blonde hair and blue-ish gray eyes, and dismissed my escort easily before encouraging me to get comfortable. I obliged and sat politely on the chair across from the desk as the man leaned forward in his desk, stappling his fingers together calmly. "Hello, Ms. Arlah Carson,"

"I apologize for interrupting, but it's Areila, sir." The man shook his head.

"Oh, no, I apologize, I guess my eyes are playing tricks on me. You must forgive me, Ms. Carson, I've been doing interviews all day," He chuckled and pretended to rub the sleep from his eyes. I told him it was perfectly fine.

"So, Ms. Carson, what made you think of applying here at Geovani Enterprises?" He inquired I checked his name tag. Owen Russel.

"Well, I've done my homework on Geovani Enterprises, especially on this secretary position. It provides great benefits and insurance coverage for some cases, not to mention all the clean reviews of this business---it seemed that everyone loves working here."

"I meet all the requirements for this position and I have no...er... problems in my life preventing me from doing this job to the best of my ability. I have excellent work ethic and am a fast learner." I'd stumbled. Gosh dang it. My hand had flinched, instinctively wanting to move over my abdomen, but I held back.

The interview went on for about half an hour longer, and I left the building feeling unqualified and defeated. My chocolate brown hair fluttered in the late September wind and blew out behind me as I searched for my car.

Slipping into my jacket, I hurried down the lanes toward my vehical.

A week later, I shut the door to my apartment and fell against it, exhausted. Another failed day of job hunting.

I hadn't heard from anybody and I was afraid rent day was just going to jump out in a few days and scare me to death.

I let loose a heavy breath and kicked off my heels. I really should have gone with the flats today. Pushing myself up from the door, I was about to cross the living room into the kitchen when the phone rang from it's little old dock on the coffee table. "Hello?" I asked tiredly.

"Hello, is a Ms. Areila Carson there?" A slightly familiar voice asked.

"Speaking," It was a business call. I wiped all hints of exhaustion from my voice, even pasting on a professional smile.

"Ms. Carson, it's Owen Russel, from Geovani Enterprises. Would you still happen be interested in the secretary position for our CEO?" Mr. Russel asked with a tone covered in sugar, yet remained professional. I was speechless. Did I get the job? Do I really get to pass Go and collect two hundred dollars?

"Yes, I'm still very much interested in that position, Mr. Russel. Would it happen to still be open?" I congratulated myself for my choice of words, especially in my time of speechlessness.

"Yes it is. And it's your's if you want it Ms. Carson." It's mine? Oh my goodness!

"Yes, thank you Mr. Russel, I appreciate it." I bit down on my lip to keep from squealing.

"Well then, we'll see you at eight o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. Oh, and Ms. Carson? Feel free to call me Owen, Mr. Russel makes me feel old." He added with a joking tone.

"Okay, thank you once again, Mr. Ru---Owen. I'll see you tomorrow."

Chapter Two

-Rafe-

"Any updates?" I asked my best friend Owen as we sat in his office, going over some papers for the hotels.

"Yes, actually," Owen had his suit jacket off and his sleeves rolled up on his dress shirt, as I was. "I finally replaced Shayla for you. She came in at eight this morning. Doesn't have much experience, but she's a natural---"

"She doesn't have any experience?" I shook my head and groaned. "Let's go," I gathered the papers into a folder in my arm, "I need to take these to my office."

We rode the elevator up to my floor and walked out into the lobby. Owen was telling me the work the new secretary had done already, but I was only half-listening. I asked him why he'd give me a no-experience college freshie. I wished Shayla hadn't resigned to take care of her kids. "She's twenty five, and she graduated at twenty three. See, there she is now. Areila!" The name sounded familiar, although it was an uncommon one. I looked up and quickly scanned the room, my eyes landing on the woman who'd been slipping in and out of my mind for the passed two and a half months or so. I remember every curve of her body, how she tasted, how she sounded; moaning and withering under and over me all night long. Her brown hair had fallen bellow her shoulder blades and was soft and silky---but it looked even better in the morning. Tossled from the night of sex and the few hour-long naps.

But now she stood before me, or, before Owen, rather. Her hair was in a twist on the back of her head instead of falling lazily over her shoulders and she was dressed in a white dress shirt and long dress pants that hung off her legs, emphasizing her round ass. I saw her lucious lips moving, but I couldn't seem to focus on the words.

Then Owen spoke, introducing us, and Ari held out her hand. I'd been trying to read her face, wondering if she remembered me, and didn't realize her hand until a beat later. I calmly shook it. "Mr. Geovani, I'm Areila Carson," We both knew full and well who she was, "---look forward to working with the company farther." Wait, what had she said before that? I took a guess and answered formally.

"Yes, well, I am a fairly busy man and I should not burden you with long hours, but to be my secretary, I expect you to be most in depth with your work." She nodded her head, agreeing, and listening silently as I told her some things that would be expected of her, like traveling with me for business trips and coming home with me so I could fuck her brains out.

I thought I'd kept the last one to myself, I was positive that I had, but suddenly, Ari turned green around the edges, "Excuse me," She said quickly and raced for the restrooms.

Owen and I exchanged looks. "Was it something I said?" I asked, completely serious. Owen looked worried and shrugged a shoulder before walking to the door she'd just disappeared through. He knocked on the door as I came to stand by him.

"Areila? Are you okay? Do you want me to call someone?" He asked. The sound of the sink going off came faintly through the door before Ari did.

"No thank you, Owen, it's just pregna---uh...food poisoning. Must've had something that didn't agree with...this..." She rubbed her hand hesitantly over her stomache. "I should get back," Ari said, glancing at me, "my break's almost over." She gathered the papers on the ground that she'd dropped and I enjoyed the sight of her behind in the air before watching it sway as she returned to our connecting offices.

"Sure is a hot one," Owen said with a smirk, and I stiffled a growl. I shot daggers at him with my eyes before returning to my own office. It was going to be a long day, knowing that she was only a paper-thin door away.

Chapter Three

-Areila-

Six o'clock and I was puking my guts out. Morning sickness is unpleasant, to say the least. I leaned against the sink and slowly rinsed my mouth before looking up in the mirror. I was pallid and my hair was a mess. I practically growled and dragged myself into the shower.

Of course I'd get stuck in morning traffic. I groaned and punched the steering wheel. This was so not my morning.

I arrived at 7:58, how, I'm not sure, but it felt like my Guardian Angel was finally waking up for the day.

Taking the elevator up, I stepped into the modern lobby for the CEO's floor I hadn't failed to notice the first time I was here. I remembered to round the circular receptionists' desk and walk the short way to the secretary's office. I knocked and poked my head in. Owen stood at the desk, organizing papers, and looked up at the sound of the door opening. "Oh, Ms. Carson, right on time. Now that you're here, I can give you a quick rundown of it all." Owen guestured for me and I realized how handsome he was, but not for the first time. He definitely had a friendly smile. That's always inviting, right?

Unlike Keith.

No, I couldn't think of Keith right now. I mentally shook my head to clear it and walked up to stand by Owen's side. "The last secretary is actually on maternity leave, but she also handed in her resignation---so unfortunately, Shayla's not exactly in the best shape to train anybody, but," He smiled brightly and guestured to himself, "that's what I'm here for you today." Owen began spelling out the basics, giving me certain passwords for certain folders on the computer and common knowledge I'd need to know off the top of my head.

After following Owen around for about three hours, he approached my new office door, turning toward me before exiting the room. "I'd better go do some real important CEO business," he joked, "you're doing great so far. Just keep up what you've been doing and I'm sure the boss will love you." I'd been smiling since that last sentence.

"Wait. Boss? Aren't you---?"

"'Course not, you're in the shipping department---the major part of the company. I'm the co-CEO, of the hotel department. Your new boss is my best friend, Rafaello Geovani."

Why does that name sound so creepily familiar? "But I---"

"Don't worry, Areila, you'll be fine." And with that and his bright smile, left me for dead.

The door clicked shut and I sighed worriedly.

Oh God, oh God, oh God.

Why can't I have Owen as my boss? Kind and understanding, outgoing and even handsome.

When I'd been researching Geovoni Enterprises, it only referred to the owner as the head CEO or Mr. Geovoni, which I thought was just a top-dog name because of the company name. But, no. This guy was apparently real.

'Ruthless in the conference room,' 'Some say he's in the Mafia, others say he's the devil in business.'

That's Wikipedia had told me about this man. How wonderful. In my mind's eye, Mr. Rafaello Geovani was probably a stocky man, with an over hanging belly, balding and long sideburns. He would be cruel and I'd have to work long hours---with a baby on the way.

I would be exhausted by the end of everyday, but the security of the bigger paycheck would be worth it. This man could be a bastard, but I'd deal with it for the sake of my baby.

It was nearing one thirty and my stomache was starting to growl fiercely. It couldn't be good for the baby, but I didn't want to be caught on an early break when Mr. Real-CEO walked in.

I clicked save on my present document and turned off the monitor to my computer before stepping out of the office. I brought a small stack of papers with me to look at in the breakroom if I could find something to eat.

I shuffled the stack in the crook of my arm, trying to get them all to line up neatly as I rounded the corner, when a voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

"You'd better hope she does fine, Owen, or I'm dragging Shayla back here, giving birth or not, to get the job done right. You said she has no experience? And you gave her over to me?" Owen walked down the labby with a man next to him, talking to him. He was tall, over six foot. Black hair, broad shoulders, obvious muscled arms under the work jacket and a thin waist. His head was down, looking at a folder, when Owen saw me struck like a frighten doe, he called out to me, "See, there she is now. Areila!" I almost dropped my stack of papers when the man looked up and locked his gaze with mine.

It was him. Rafe, from so many nights before. My heart pounded severely in my chest, increasingly quickening in pace, and my mouth went dry.

Well there you go, Ari. He's not short, stocky, and balding. You got what you wished for.

"Uh..." my eyes flickered in the directions opposite of me, avoiding my boss and other boss...? "Good afternoon, Mr. Russel. What can I do for you?" I asked, coming up to meet them half-way. Owen smiled broadly and waved his hand at Rafe.

"Areila, this is your new boss, Rafaello Geovani." I turned to Rafe but couldn't seem to look him in the eye, so I settled on his nose. I held out my hand.

"Mr. Geovani, I'm Areila Carson. I love the job so far and look forward to working with the company farther." He didn't shake my hand, not at first. But when he did, sparks of electricity raced up my arm. I faned indifference.

I glanced at his face and realized his expression hadn't changed since when we first saw each other. It was mostly blank, but searching. He was trying to read me.

At least he recognized me.

"Yes, well, I am a fairly busy man and I should not burden you with long hours, but to be my secretary, I expect you to be most in depth with your work." I nodded and listened silently for all he had to say. And then---that feeling.

"Excuse me," I gasped, and ran for the restrooms. I got into a stall just in time before I puked out the very last of my breakfast. Dang. I thought I'd been getting better with the day time nausea. I was already seven weeks, I should be.

Guess I'm a special case. Yippee.

There was a knock on the door as I rinsed out my mouth and Owen's force came muffled through the heavy barrier. "Areila? Are you okay? Do you want me to call somebody?" I stepped out of the bathroom and shook my head.

"No thank you, Owen, it's just pregna---uh...food poisoning. Must've had something that didn't agree with...this..." I rubbed my hand over my belly. I ducked my head at the sight of Rafe standing off to the side, the inquiring look still hadn't left his face. "I should get back, my break's almost over." I hurriedly gathered the papers I'd dropped running to the bathroom and returned to my office.

Surprisingly, the day was over not long after, and I packed my things to go. I checked the time. It was only six, and Val's shop would be open until eight thirty. I needed to head down there. I needed some best friend wisdom.

"So, lemme get this straight." Val saddled up in our regular booth. "Your new boss is your baby daddy and he acted like nothing ever happened?" I shrugged.

"It seemed to work for him. I told you it was a good idea."

"'Course it worked for him, Ari, he doesn't have living proof growin' inside of 'im that says otherwise!"

"Well, now that I know he's...you know...who he is...should I tell him?" I asked hesitantly.

"I don't know, Ari, he kinda sounds like a jerk to me. Maybe hold off a little while, try to figure out if he's someone you want in your baby's life." Val answered honestly. My mind started reeling with the risks of telling Rafe he was an expecting father. He could take the baby from me, I knew he could if he wanted to. He'd be able to support it better than I ever could. But if he didn't? If he didn't want anything to do with the baby or I, I wouldn't tell the baby. I'd do anything to give it a happy future. I wrapped my arm protectively around my abdomen. Maybe, I could get away with neither of them knowing about either. Maybe, just maybe.

A week had gone by and Rafe had been civil, yet disclosed from me. Going on week two, and I was getting the nausea under control.

But this day was particularly stressful for Mr. Geovani. Some business colleagues were making it difficult to close a deal and I could tell Rafaello was wound tighter than a snare drum. He'd been gone since five, but Owen clued me in that he'd probably gone to get a stiff drink.

"Don't worry about him, Areila, just let him cool off. This deal big and he's blowing off some steam." He'd told me. It didn't help much with stiffling my nerves.

I had a few loose ends to tie up and stayed later than anyone that night. When I'd left my office to use the bathroom, I heard the ding of the elevator and guessed Rafaello was back.

Washing my hands before heading back, I dried off my hands and pulled open the door. Half the lights on the floor had been shut off at least an hour ago and the entire building seemed to be dead silent. But then a groan disrupted the silence.

I pursed my eyebrows and returned to my office before using the connecting door to Rafaello's. The sight I walked in on could have easily brought back my morning sickness.

Rafe stood at his desk, shirtless, teasing the naked body of a blonde woman sitting atop it. My stomache rolled and I let out a little gasp of surprise or hurt by accident. Rafe looked up at me and something flashed in his eyes. It had seemed time froze from just a moment, but the spell was broken when the blonde moaned again, oblivious to my presence.

I bolted from the door, grabbed my coat for the early October night chill and my purse, before racing for the elevator. A part of me wished Rafe would come running after me, shirtless and all, begging for my forgiveness, but he didn't. I didn't blame him. I had no right to feel...jealous. Was that it? Was I jealous of this woman being with a man I'd slept with once?

And created a new life with.

Selfish and uncalled-for tears welled up in my eyes as I banged on the button for the elevator car, wanting for it to take me down faster than it really could.

By the time I'd reached the ground floor, my minimal make-up was probably smudged and my brain was still on replay of what had happened in my boss's office. I'd just been another woman to him, as he'd been just a man to me before that test. But somehow along the way, I'd developed secret feelings for Rafaello. Why? Why did I? He was cruel in the work place, dominating every room, everything.

But he was kind and caring. I thought of the other day, when his sister---a very pregnant Shayla---and her husband had brought four little kids to the office. His nephews. They'd played in his private office, and then he took them out for ice cream while Shayla and her husband spent their last days of relaxation whining-free before the baby came. The four boys had been well-mannered and behaved themselves---to an extent---they were little boys ranging from 12 to 6 years-old after all. I remember the excitement in their eyes as they saw their uncle and tried to tackle him in a huge hug. Rafe had bellowed out a deep, throaty laugh that gave me goose bumps and wrestled with them all. He wasn't the heartless giant he presented himself to be...not with his family. He was obviously a family man.

That'd had my gears turning. Before this. Now, my gears had stopped cold, frozen in place and refused to turn that thought any longer.

I couldn't tell him if this was how he spent his time.

Screwing women.

Chapter Four

-Rafe-

It'd been two weeks since Ari started working for me, but she was out of reach, behind closed doors.

She tempted me every single day, but I had a policy. Don't fuck the employees, don't fuck the colleagues. It'd only complicated things.

So, I distanced myself from temptation---as much distancing a man can do from his secretary/assistant/former lover.

But the last few days had been even harder on me than avoiding Ari and her perfect body. My partners at Ship 'n Go were being stubborn and wouldn't let me close a deal. I was getting agitated and the only fix I wanted for that was behind locked doors.

I dialed Owen's office number and waited for him to answer. "Owen?" I said the moment I heard the beep indicating he picked up, "I'm going out. Don't expect me back anytime soon."

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do, Rafe."

So now I sat in a dark club, the Posioned Lily. It was one of those sex bars.

Perfect.

I scoped out the game from the bar, sipping on a scotch, until a tall blonde came up, barely dressed, trailing her finger up my stubbled chin. "Hey there big boy," She purred in my ear, "Do know how many licks it takes to get to the center of my Tootsie Pop?"

Good enough.

I wouldn't dare take a woman home with me, and I didn't care for taking the little prostitute to any of my fine hotels for a quick fuck. So I drove on autopilot and returned to the company building.

It was too late for anyone to see or hear us. It would do just fine.

I guided Bridget or Courtney---whatever her name was---to the elevator as she hung on my arm. Once the doors of the elevator closed, I grabbed her ass and crushed her to my growing hard-on as she sucked on my neck. I teased her nipples with one hand and cupped her between her legs in the other and she let out a moan.

She was no Ari, but it'd do for now.

At my floor, I stepped out of the elevator, kissing the blonde and guiding her backwards, toward my office. I didn't even notice a few of the lights were still on.

In my office, I lifted the hooker onto my desk and she tugged off my shirt. I felt her curves under my hands and began taking off her already minimal clothing.

By the time she was naked and I had her nipple in my mouth, I was ready to hurry things along and enter her already. A click in the room indicating my door was opening barely registered in my brain until I heard the unmistakable gasp of Areila in the doorway.

I looked up to see Ari, mouth ajar and eyes wide with hurt. My chest constricted slightly and I wished it were her sitting on the desk.

Tiffany moaned and the spell of silence was broken, Areila bolted from the doorway and back into the dim light of her office. "Wait, Ari," The woman moaned again and I heard the faint ding of the elevator down the hall. I was too late to catch her now.

Suddenly, I didn't feel like I needed that release anymore, much less from Brooke. I asked the blonde to collect her stuff and leave.

Moments later, from the ninth floor window of my office, I watched Ari exit the building and run to her car, pulling out wildly and speeding off into the night traffic. I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, feeling guilty in some way.

Chapter Five

-Areila-

I don't remember how I made it all the way home in one piece, but, thankfully, I did. I kicked off my shoes and threw my bag to the couch, stumbled into my small bedroom, and collapsed on my bed, curling inside myself. Sleep came quickly.

"Ari? C'mon, girl, open up or I'm coming in." I woke up to Val's voice outside my door, then the opening and shutting of the same door not two seconds after. "Areila Carson, what in God's name are you still doing in bed?" Val came to help me sit up, but I refused. "I have feelings for a fake man." I wailed into my pillow. I'm not sure why, but it felt good to have it out in the air. Maybe Valentine could help me distinguish these feelings. Val was quiet, and then I felt the dip in the bed under her weight.

"Oh, Areila," She sighed, "What did you and your innocent heart do now?" I knew perfectly well what she was talking about. It'd been the same since high school. I fell in love too easily and for the worst men. Look at Keith.

But Rafe isn't Keith.

No. Rafe is worse than Keith. Rafe had the power to make me feel things I'd never felt before along with feelings I'd forbade myself to ever feel again. "I don't know, Val. I don't even know."

"Look, Areila, if it's come down to this, I think you have two options. Either tell him and see what happens, or don't tell him, fabricate a whole lie on why you're pregnant and need to go on maternity leave, and then shorter hours so you can spend time with the baby, pulling favors left and right, leaving him out of the loop." Val knew I hated lieing. So she was telling me to go with plan A.

"You really think I should tell him, Valentine?" I sighed sadly. I was uncertain of this entire thing.

"I don't know. It's your call, girl. But then again, I could've been wrong in the first place." Val put her hand on mine and looked at me with sympathy in her brown eyes. "He deserves to know." She said softly. I nodded.

"I know. If our roles were swapped...I would want to know."

And that's how I found myself standing in front of Rafaello's office three days later.

Ten weeks pregnant.

I knocked. "Come on in," His voice sounded distracted, and as I opened up the door, I saw him staring down intently at several documents.

"Rafe." I shut the door. "We need to talk." Rafe looked up at me and I approached his desk. I hadn't called him by his first name let alone just Rafe since our night together. He waved his hand briefly at the chairs behind me as if it was the most natural thing I'd done it---or maybe he hadn't noticed---and I sat, back straight, legs crossed.

"What is this about, Areila?" His voice was devilishly sultry, cutting down some of my confidence. He'd noticed. I quickly righted myself.

"It's about that night we shared a couple months back." I stated. He steepled his fingers and leaned in. I caught a wiff of his cologne and I nearly swooned.

"If it's money you're after Ari, you can forget about it," Rafe's tone and accusation picked at the stitching in my heart. I involuntarily scrunched up my face.

"I don't want your money, Rafe. All I want is for you to listen because you have the right to know."

"Ari, if you---"

"I'm pregnant."

Rafe was frozen. Silent, and frozen. Brown eyes wide and muscular chest unmoving.

"When did you find out?" He asked after a long moment. I tensed.

"About a month and a half, two months ago." I squirmed in my seat before I stopped myself again.

"Two months?!"

Rafe stood from his chair and yelled at me angrily, "You've known this for two months, and you're just telling me now?"

"I didn't know what to do!" I yelled back, "I was scared and I had no idea how you'd react!" My voice softened as I added, "I thought you had the right to know,"

"You were scared? Well how is this for reacting, because I feel like I'm living up to your expectations!" His voice continued to raise and I refused to sit here and be abused. Again.

"I felt you had the right to know! Now stop yelling at me!" I jumped up and yelled right back in his face. Rafe took a step back and began to pace, running his hands through his hair. I watched him intently, the adrenaline still rushing through my veins.

Rafe sat back down in his office chair. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Ari." I nodded and avoided his eyes, but returned to my seat also. The silence stretched for a long time before Rafe spoke again.

"We're getting married." My eyes snapped up to his, and this time it was him watching me intently. Again.

"Excuse me?" I asked. My heart skipped. Did he really say he wanted to marry me?

"We're going to get married, for the baby's sake. No child of mine will grow up to be fatherless. It will have to happen fast, before rumors start spreading."

Before rumors start spreading.

This bastard! He only cared about his reputation! Before rumors start spreading, my butt!

"Look, Rafaello, I don't know who you think you are but---"

"And you'll have to quit."

"WHAT!? I will not quit! I need this job!"

"This job is too stressful, it's not healthy for the baby." He leaned back in his chair, hands clasped and index fingers tapping against his lips slowly. Whereas, I was leaning forward AND yelling again.

"Where will I live, what will I---"

"You'll move in with me, Ari. I don't want you out of my sight." I could tell I was fighting a losing battle, and flopped back in the chair, exasperated.

"Oh, so now you want to see me, not when I first started working here or when your were screwing your girlfriend on your desk---while I was just outside---but now."

"That's because I didn't know you were pregnant then." My jaw dropped and I stared at him.

"Oh. So I'm not the important part here, and it's barely about the baby. You just don't want people talking about the secretary you left pregnant. Is that it?" I stood from my chair and pulled my bag over my shoulder. "Excuse my language, but you are a selfish bastard, and I would never hope for a child to grow up with you as a father." I sneered, "Forget I ever told you, Rafaello, because I am not having an abortion and it's obvious the baby would only suffer with you," I walked to the office door and grabbed the knob, but before I could turn it, Rafe's deep, sex-oozing voice spoke up calmly from behind me.

"Either marry me, Ari, or I'm taking custody of the child." My heart stopped and my hand itched to wrap around my middle section, but I held it firm at my side.

I ripped the door open and left Rafaello's office.

I arrived at Val's shop half an

hour later, sobbing. I pulled down the visor to look in the mirror, inspecting the damage.

My eyes were red and mascara was smudged, but I simply didn't care anymore. I wiped at the mascara lines running down my cheeks and exited the car, walking into the building with my head down.

I knocked on Val's office door in the back. "One moment," I heard her voice and instantly felt slightly better. When she opened the door and popped her head out, I fell into her arms like a sad child. "Oh, Val," I sobbed, trying to tell her everything, but getting frustrated when nothing sounded anything like the English language.

"Shh, calm down Ari, what happened?" Val's voice was a mixture of panic and comforting. When still I couldn't get my mouth to form the right words behind my sobbing, I let out one on a hiccuping breath.

"Rafe." Val's arms instinctively wrapped around me tighter, rocking me slightly.

"God, what did that bastard do this time?" She asked, her tone soothing but her words were out to kill.

"He wants to get married," I sobbed brokenheartedly

"To another woman?" She asked hesitantly, not understanding. I shook my head. "Then why are you upset? I thought you said you were falling for him---if you haven't fallen already."

"That's not the reason!" I cry, tears now flowing down my cheeks like river rapids.

"It's all for his reputation, he doesn't even care about the baby." Val gasped and pulled me away at arms length to see if I was being serious.

Oh, I only wish I wasn't.

"I'm calling him." She said abruptly, reaching for the phone dock on her desk.

"No! Val!" I yelled, trying stop her, but she'd already dialed the number for the company. I tried to grab it from her, but she twisted away from me and listened to the receptionist. It was probably Tom from our floor, he was peppy and happy and half in love with Rafe. The last time we spoke, he joked about stealing Rafe from me if I didn't make a move soon.

©Birdy Stewart, 2013

**A/N I will be uploading now by every one or two chapters in order to get it out to my wonderful readers faster. Thank you for reading. Feel free to vote for this book, comment your thoughts, feelings, and feedback, and share!**

~Birdy

_____________________________

- Rafe -

I sat in my office, running my hands through my hair and staring unseeingly at the work in front of me. I'd come in early so I wouldn't have to face Areila at breakfast, where I was sure she'd yell at me for taking her to my bed last night.

I don't know what possessed me to do that, let alone wake up and kiss her neck, but it'd obviously been the wrong move. She didn't return the feelings I had for her.

I'd yell at me too.

All morning I'd been torturing myself over memories of last night and this morning, but I knew it was out of my control. Ari was only with me for the marriage deal and the baby. The same way I should be.

I scrubbed my hands over my face, disgusted with myself, before looking at the time on my phone. It was four thirty-eight. I groaned, wishing it'd ring with the familiar melody I set for her phone I got her. She always called at four p.m. No later.

I deserved it. I crossed a line that I don't think we could step back from.

Suddenly, my phone rang and my body tensed although I knew it wasn't her. I looked at the caller ID.

Valentine White is calling. . .

It read.

I was annoyed it wasn't her, but I answered anyway.

"Look, Valentine, I know I fucked up, but I'm not in any mood for your---"

"Areila was almost kidnapped!" Valentine's sobbing voice came through the other line, and where I sat up straight at Ari's name, I was out the door of my office at the word kidnapped.

"I'm coming." Was all I said before calling Owen and bolting to my car.

"Valentine!" Owen yelled when we got into the waiting room. Areila's best friend turned at his voice, revealing a bandage on the side of her face. Owen quickly grabbed her arms and knelt to his knees so he could be eye-level with her seated form.

I, on the other hand, ran straight to the desk, "Where is she?" I demanded, "Areila Carson, where is she?" The woman in scrubs at the desk stood, holding out her hands for me to calm down, but I wouldn't.

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's family members only right now, so I'm going to have to ask you to calm down or leave before I call security."

"She's my fiancèe so tell me where the hell she is!"

Room 106, down the hall and make a left. Room 106, down the hall, and make a left. Room 106, down the hall...

I spotted the correct room number and opened the door as quietly as I could. My heart clenched painfully as I saw her small, sleeping body under the dotted covers of the hospital bed. She had a dark bruise taking over the side of her delicate cheek bone and her ankle was in a wrap, propped up by and extra pillow.

I collapsed in the bedside chair, just staring at her beaten body, speechless, before the anger could start boiling again.

The door opened quietly and a male doctor dressed in blue green scrubs and a white lab coat entered, his eyes trained on the clipboard in his hands. He looked up and I could tell he was surprised to see me, but he continued smoothly with what he'd come in to do.

"I assume you know Ms. Carson?" He asked without looking at me. I nodded my head nonetheless and watched him as he inspected the monitors connected to my fiancèe.

"We're getting married in two weeks." I answered dully. The doctor nodded and held out his hand.

"Dr. Hanson," He greeted, "Did you happen to be with your fiancèe when all of this occurred?" I told him my name in return and shook my head.

"We'd fought this morning so I left for work early. I'd been waiting for her to call when her friend called me instead." I explained, feeling guilty. Dr. Hanson nodded again.

"I see. Well, to my understanding, your fiancèe was attacked during her break at the coffee shop she works at, according to Ms. White outside, Areila knew this man personally and was well aware he was dangerous. As far as her injuries go, the man had punched slightly above her right cheek bone and, you can see by the bruising, that it was bad but could have been worse. A few minor scrapes and bruises along her arms and waist where he handled her will heal quicker and should cause no worry. She also sprained her ankle in which, provided she allows it to heal properly and uses crutches, should be fine to walk on next week. I do suggest she stays off her feet, though, and ups her iron intake." Dr. Hanson paused and then smiled. "And yes, your baby's fine."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and leaned back in the chair, thanking the doctor.

"It is a little early, but if you and Ms. Carson would like, we can give her an ultra sound---assuming she hasn't had her first yet?" I looked up at the doctor who had to be in his late thirties, early forties, and watched me for my answer. I glanced at Areila, wondering if she'd want me to be with her or not when she first got to see our child. Probably not.

"Yes, please. Thank you, doctor." I answered softly, knowing he'd probably pick up the sadness in my voice. He nodded and quietly exited the room, leaving me alone to clutch onto Areila's small, cool limp hand.

_____________________________

- Areila -

I awoke to bright lights, a white room, and disgustingly sterile smelling air. My cheek was sore and stung slightly and my head throbbed. I tried to shield my eyes with my hand but both of them were restrained. One with needles and tubes poking in and out of my skin and the other wrapped in a larger, male hand. My heart beat rapidly at the thought of Keith taking me to some secluded hospital until I saw Rafe's sleeping face and I realized where I was. I looked around, everything looked new and high-tech, fitting Rafe's lifestyle perfectly. I think I remember a new hospital opening near by Rafe's large home. It must be where we are now. I looked back at Rafe and choked back my tears.

The man I loved sat, looking rather uncomfortable, in a chair that was pulled up to my bedside, his hand enclosed around mine as if hanging on for dear life.

When I regained consciousness again, the first thing I sensed was two people speaking in low voices. One spoke deep and sexy, and I knew it to be Rafe, although the other one was foreign to me. I groaned at the soreness of my ankle and shifted.

"Shh, she's waking up. We'll talk about this later." Rafe's voice washed over me and I instantly wished he was holding my hand again.

I opened my eyes to see Rafe standing near a man with slightly graying hair dressed in scrubs and a white coat. He was a little stocky but well in shape. He walked up to my bedside with a clipboard in hand.

"How are you feeling, Ms. Carson?" He asked as he shined a light in my eyes.

"Fine, thank you," I said, my mouth dry. "How long was I out for?" The doctor handed me a cup of water and I forced myself not to drink it greedily.

"Roughly three hours since you've arrived." He turned to Rafe and spoke with a polite smile, "Just call in the nurse when she's ready. The sonographer is ready when you are."

Rafe nodded and stepped back to let the doctor out of the room.

"Ready for what?" I asked suddenly. Rafe returned to the chair by my side and rubbed his face tiredly. He had worry lines etched into his handsome face and darkening circles under his eyes.

"An ultra sound for the baby. Dr. Hanson offered, although it'd be a little earlier than usual. At first he thought you were in your second trimester." Rafe told me with a ghost of a proud looking smile on his lips.

"Am I really that fat?" I groaned, throwing my head back.

"You're not fat, Areila, you're pregnant." Rafe corrected sternly. I looked over to glare at him but stopped when I saw the restraint evident on his features. What was he restraining from?

I thought of the ultra sound. Would he be coming in with me? Probably not. He probably didn't care about the baby anyway. He's probably realized that he bit off too much he cared to chew and give me and the baby up. I'd be on the streets with no money and possibly a crazed alcoholic after me. What if I can't do this? What if---

"Areila," Oh that voice could do some many bad things to a hormonal woman. My eyes snapped up to his dark brown ones. "Tell me what you're thinking, tesoro." I wonder what that word even meant. Probably something along the lines of bitc---

"I'm scared," I said in a wobbling voice, tears brimming my eyes.

Rafe had me in his arms instantly, "Scared of what, tesoro?" He questioned as I let out a little sob.

"I-I... will you come in with me for the ultra sound?" I asked quickly. Rafe tensed and so did I. Did I really just ask him to come with me? Because I was scared? I knew he didn't want to. I shouldn't have asked him.

Rafe sighed heavily, sounding relieved, and squeezed me tighter. "Most definitely, il mio bellissimo amore." I refrained myself from sighing with immense relief that I felt, but I did closed my eyes and let out a happy tear. I loved it when he spoke Italian. It was so sexy and strangely comforting.

A small knock came on the door a moment after Rafe had gotten back up to his feet, and a nurse stepped in to see him holding my hand almost like he didn't want to let go. "Ms. Carson?" The blonde nurse asked, "Are you ready for your ultra sound?" I nodded at the woman and just when I wondered what I'd do about my ankle, she brought in a wheelchair. She helped me in and when I was finally situated, she led Rafe, who had insisted on pushing the wheelchair, down several corridors and up a few floors in an elevator.

Now Rafe and I were in a dark room with a different woman who'd introduced herself as Cindy. She instructed me to lay back on the table and pull up my shirt. The only problem being I was in a hospital gown and completely naked underneath it. I forced myself not to look at Rafe, not wanting him to see the fierce blush that took over my cheeks. Thankfully, the woman brought in a blanket when she noticed my hesitation.

She squirted a cool gel onto my abdomen and my muscles automatically tensed and retracted. "Are you ready?" Cindy asked. I instinctively grabbed Rafe's hand and he squeezed mine in return. I looked up to see him staring at me intently, his eyes shining with something indecipherable.

I turned back to the sonographer and nodded.

She guided the rectangular device over my belly and we all stared at the blank screen until, suddenly, it came to life with a greenish blue light that seemed to make a picture, but I wasn't sure what of.

Cindy pointed to a little thing shaped like a peanut and smiled, "There's baby A," She said, but before she could continue, Rafe jumped in.

"Baby A? What's the A mean?" He interrogated. She chuckled.

"It means this is baby A, and this," she pointed to a similar shaped spot, "is baby B." Cindy's smile only increased. "Congratulations. You're having twins."

___________________________

Twins. Twins. I'm having twin babies, carrying them within me. Two of them. It was an understatement to say I was shocked.

I looked up to see Rafe smiling with glossy eyes. When he caught me staring he squeezed my hand and met my gaze. "Twins," He breathed, and I nodded. I knew exactly how he felt.

"When can we know the sex?" I asked anxiously. Cindy scanned the monitor again before answering me.

"It's hard to tell right now. I'd say you're just over eleven weeks, correct?" She answered with a question. I nodded,

"I'm twelve weeks tomorrow," I said. Cindy nodded her head, taking in the information and watching the screen again.

"I see. Well," She turned and smiled at me, "Come back in about two weeks and we'll be able to tell much easier. At fourteen weeks, you'll be entering your second trimester and then you'll really start to show," She winked.

Everything after that kind of slipped by in a blur. I was checked out of the hospital and Rafe took me to his car. I climbed in and stared out the windshield with a silly grin on my face.

Rafe sat in the driver's seat and buckled his seat belt before looking up at me and seeing my goofy smile. He grinned as well. "What are you smiling at, tesoro?" He asked huskily. I didn't even turn my head and my smile split wider and I breathed out one word.

"Twins." I gently rubbed both hands over my expanding belly as tears welled up again. "I'm having twins."

To my surprise, placed his own hands over mine and leaned down, whispering "We're having twins." and laid two kisses on my abdomen.

One for each baby.

When we arrived home, I was amazingly tired all of the sudden and slowly dragged myself from the car. I leaned up against the side of the black vehicle and closed my eyes, not even realizing I was dozing off standing up. I felt Rafe's strong arms wrap around me, holding me in the safety of his embrace and to the warmth of his body. It felt too good for me to care, and even if I did, I was too tired to do anything about it.

He held me bridal style and carried me slowly into the big house. I'd closed my eyes and laid my head on his shoulder but being here, it just felt right.

It even smelled like home.

Up the stairs we went as my eyes grew heavier even though they were closed. He walked me down the hall to our rooms and opened a door. I saw it happen behind my eyelids, half dreaming, half subconsciously knowing where we were.

In the room, which I pictured as Rafe's, he laid my partially sleeping body onto the soft matress and comfy bedding and I instantly fell into a deep, deep sleep.

The bed dipped and he whispered in my ear softly, "Riposare ora, il mio amore." My eyebrows knotted together slightly.

"What does that mean?" I asked curiously.

"Rest now, my love." He repeated in English. I snuggled in closer to his warm, hard chest.

"I love it when you speak Italian, Rafaello," I told him with a sleepy smile. Rafe wrapped his arm around our babies and held on protectively, locking all four of us in a warm, loving embrace.

"I love speaking in Italian to you, tesoro."

"What does that one mean?" I couldn't help it. I loved his heritage. I loved his accent and the way he spoke in a language that was so foreign to me, but made me want to know every word of it.

"Tesoro?" He asked. I nodded. "It means little treasure, but it's also the same thing as cara; dear or darling." I grinned goofily, recalling a memory.

"I know that word. You called me that the first day I moved here." I smiled fondly before a small frown creased my forehead. "Sorry I yelled at you. I thought you were already..." I paused, "I thought you'd cheated on me already," I added in a small voice. Rafe held me even tighter, if that was possible.

"I never have," He said in a soothing voice that made me melt, "And I never will. I can't get enough of you, cara. You're my world. You and our babies." He kissed the sensitive skin behind my ear and I melted even further into his chest.

"Buonanotte, bella." Rafe whispered before softly repeating it in English for me,"Goodnight, beautiful."

Chapter Nine

- Rafe -

I woke up, my arm wrapped around Areila and our child.

Children.

The thought made me smile and pull her closer to me.

Twins.

Two little me's---two little Areila's running around.

Ari moaned in her sleep and her round behind wiggled closer, waking up two parts of my body that I immediately wished hadn't. Both my cock and my conscience.

I was laying in bed. With Areila. No, worse, I was in Areila's bed with Areila.

Carefully, I removed my arm and stood from the bed, reluctantly slipping from the room. I needed a cold shower.

With my lower body calmer now, I tip-toed downstairs to make a late dinner. I'd left her room at nine, so I'd probably only slept a little over an hour in her bed. I just hoped she didn't know.

Relax. She was asleep, she won't know you slept with her for an hour, I tried to convince myself, then finally stepped into the kitchen Ari loved so much.

I saw Ari in every corner, at every appliance, eating with her gorgeous smile on her face, making a meal and humming a tune, sneaking things from the fridge while talking to the babies growing inside her.

I sighed and began taking things out of a cupboard and the refrigerator for soup.

Thirty minutes later, I quietly knocked on Areila's door before letting myself in with a tray holding warm soup and a triangular piece of grilled cheese. I sat it on the bedside table before gently shaking her shoulder. She awoke slowly, and before her long lashes fluttered open to see me with those big, tired blue eyes, I noticed a small tear was dried to her cheek. "Rafe?" She questioned quietly.

"I brought you a late dinner, since you haven't eaten yet." I helped her sit up and placed the tray across her lap. She smiled a small smile directed my way before staring back down at her food.

"I didn't know you could cook, Rafe." She said quietly. I nodded and held back from smiling at her delicate form. She seemed so innocent when she was asleep, and apparently, she was still so when she woke up.

"It's only soup and grilled cheese, but, yes, I do indeed cook." I let the smile pass to my lips as I spoke, "My mama raised me right; told me if I ever wanted a woman to love me, I had to know how to feed her." Ari chuckled softly before picking up the sandwich and tearing off the corner, dipping it in the thick soup and slowly bringing it to her mouth.

I watched her intently for a long while before forcing myself to refrain from kissing her nose and left the room.

Just as I was closing the door, I remembered what she'd said earlier and told her, "Buonanotte, bella."

She was half asleep when she was told me she loved it when I spoke Italian to her, I knew the phrase would go over her head just like it had every time in the past, but I stiffened when she whispered, "Goodnight, handsome."

___________________________

I was staying with Areila today. Not because I wanted to be with the woman I loved who didn't return an ounce of feelings back to me or anything, but because I wanted to make sure she was okay getting around the house and everything with her crutches.

"Rafe," Ari protested, definitely not sleepily innocent anymore, but still beautiful as ever with her toussled hair as she sat at the little breakfast nook as I made her eggs, "I don't need a baby sitter. I'm perfectly fine. The babies are fine. And you're going to work." A little ray of happiness sprouted in my chest at the mention of my kids, but I shook my head at their mother.

"I'm not baby sitting, cara, simply making sure you and the babies are okay."

"You know you could check on us during your breaks. Call me or come down or whatever you want to do, I don't care, but you do not have to waste the day away with me." She said before struggling up to her crutches. I rushed to help her. "I'm fine, Rafe." She stated with a cold glare my way. I held up my hands in sign of surrender.

"I wouldn't be wasting the day with you, Ari." I insisted after she got to her feet and hobbled to the den. I followed after her.

"Trust me, Rafe, you'd rather be sitting in a meeting barking at innocent accountants like usual than dress shopping with your mother and I." Or would I? "Besides," she added smugly, "This wedding may not be traditional, but you still can't see me in my dress."

A small pain split through my heart when she spoke of our wedding like that, and I forced myself to not correct her that it was completely traditional and all for the right reasons. Because it wasn't. I loved her, but she could never love me back. Although I wouldn't admit it out loud, I was hurt. I sighed.

"I need to go shower. Will you tell me if she's here before I get out?" I looked up to see her blue eyes and my soul melted again---just like it always did.

"Yeah, sure, I'll make sure to."

I watched Ari wobble away and struggle up the stairs before plopping down on the suede couch. The woman was going to be the death of me.

Half an hour later, Areila still hadn't come down and I was still reclined on the sofa with my arm over my eyes, lost in my thoughts. The sudden dong of the doorbell rang out and echoed through the house and I stood to answer the door. Pulling it opened, I smiled at my mother before she pulled me into a hug. She was a beautiful woman in a motherly way, in her early fifties with few wrinkles around her eyes and laugh lines around her mouth.

"Hello, madre, di benvenuto." I said, welcoming her.

"My boy, what are you doing here? Did Areila not tell you we are shopping for her vestire today?" She asked, shocked of my presence in the house. I nodded and led her to the den.

"Of course she did, but I wanted to stay with her after---" I sensed Areila entering the room and turned to see her the same moment my mother let out a horrified gasp.

"Mia figlia, quello che è successo--- What happened?!" Mama rushed to Ari and held out her hands to Ari's thin arms without making contact, in the way all mothers do when checking frantically for injuries. It brought a small smile to my lips to hear my mother call Areila her daughter and rush to her aid.

"I'm fine, Teresa, really." Areila soothed shyly before letting her next words slip off her tongue without even flinching, "I just tripped going down the stairs."

He'd done this to her before, I thought angrily. He had to, or else she wouldn't have lied so easily to the woman clearly fussing over her sprained ankle.

"Do you still want to go out for your dress, figlia?" Mother questioned. Areila nodded and smiled brightly.

"Yes, of course, you've driven all the way out here already, Teresa. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." My mother nodded her head skeptically before turning to me.

"You. Either you sit and wait in the bridal shop or leave us to it, young man, but don't think you'll be breaking tradition now." I rolled my eyes and smiled. It must be a woman thing.

Girls and their wedding traditions.

"Madre, I am not leaving Areila today. I've already called Owen and my temporary secretary that I'll be out for the day, so you can't get me to go back."

"Fine, fine, child." My mother turned back to Areila, helping her exit the room with her crutches and her murmur sarcastically to Ari, "He's just as stubborn as his father."

And that's how I got stuck sitting on a plush couch flipping through a magazine featuring half naked male models wearing tuxes from showy brands, waiting for Areila to come out in another dress I wasn't allowed to see.

My mother leaned in close to my side, talking a hushed tone so the attendant wouldn't hear, "Did Areila really fall down the stairs?"

I stiffened but nodded. "Child, you better not be lieing to your mama. Tell me the truth, because I know that is not it." She demanded quietly. I snuck a peek at the curtain Areila was changing behind before opening my mouth.

"She was attacked." I said in an equally hushed voice after a moment and then paused again. "A crazed ex-boyfriend or something. He stalked her at the coffee shop she works at before attempting to kidnap her during her break." My mother gasped.

"Rapito dentro!? Come hai potuto lasciare che qualcuno ha messo una mano sulla donna? Perché è stato il tuo fidanzato incinta lasciato solo?" (Kidnapped!? How could you let anyone put a hand on your woman? Why was your pregnant fiancee left alone?) Mother whisper-yelled. I stiffened. She knew about the baby?

"Come hai saputo di essere incinta?" (How did you know she's pregnant?) I asked roughly, afraid of what she would think of Areila now. My mother huffed, obviously exasperated with her only son, and sat back in the couch cushions.

"Bambino, una donna, anche la mia matura età sa quali una donna incinta si presenta come." (Child, a woman even my ripe old age knows what a pregnant woman looks like.) Mother snorted. "Inoltre, non ha nascosto molto bene." (Besides, you didn't hide it very well.) I sat silently, waiting for her to say something, waiting for her to voice her comments about Areila the role she actually plays in my life.

My love and my children's mother. Only to her, I was just a sperm donar. Never to be anything more.

"Rafaello, Perché non ce l'hai detto?" (Why didn't you tell us?) My mother huffed.

"Because, I didn't---"

"Il matrimonio? È solo a causa della...? Oh, Rafaello, lei ha sollevato di meglio!" (The wedding? It's only because of...? Oh, Rafaello, I raised you better than that!) Mother's volume had risen and she was now yelling in fluid Italian.

"Bene, cosa ti aspettavi, madre?" (Well, what did you expect mother?) I shouted back. Mother pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Giuro, se hai ferito i sentimenti di questa ragazza---" (I swear, if hurt this girl's feelings---)

"I---um..." I turned to see Ari standing only seven feet away from me, looking uneasy. I was slowly realizing she was uncomfortable with my mother and I arguing in Italian, leaving her out of everything. But what I did realize right away was that she was absolutely stunning.

She stood before me in a pure white dress, fitted around the bust before letting the rest of the soft, lacey fabric fall gently and freely over her body.

And the best part was the baby bump curving the front of the gown, exposing my children to the world where they were held in my fiancèe's womb. A sense of pride washed over me and I stood, approaching her. "Areila, you look...beautiful." I gently took her hands in mine as I spoke and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"You like it?" She asked quietly.

"Like it?" I repeated, looking her up and down exaggeratingly before smiling adoringly at her. "I love it."

"You really shouldn't have been there, Rafe. I want my dress to be a surprise." Areila sighed, walking in the front door with a bag of new maternity clothes my mother bought her in her hand. I shook my head and let my mother walk in after her before shutting the door behind us.

"Ari, I only saw a couple. Mother made you try on the whole store. Which ever one you pick will be a surprise, I promise." I said soothingly. Maybe it was the way I said it---too fond---too lovey-dovey---but Areila turned around and stared at me for a long moment with a small spark of what looked like hope in her eyes. "Areila?"

She shook her head and blinked. "I, uh---thanks." She turned to Mama and smiled. "Teresa, would you like a cup of tea?" Mother smiled back and nodded her head.

"That would be lovely dear, thank you." She responded kindly. While Ari and my mother headed to the kitchen to start a pot of water, I headed to my home office. I needed to check on a few things and called Owen.

**A/N Wow! 108 readers already? I only believed I would get a couple reads and a few bad comments! Well? How are you liking the story so far? Leave your thoughts in the comments, or Inbox me, I love your feedback!

Should I continue with the story?

Change some things?

Stop and forget the whole thing?

I promise, I won't be too chatty with Author Notes, only occasionally!

Thank you, my wonderful readers, you're all great.

~Birdy

© Birdy Stewart, 2013 

- Areila -

I stood in the kitchen with Teresa, Rafe's big footsteps fading up the grand stairs to his at-home office. I'd placed the tea kettle on the stove and turned at Teresa's voice behind me. "Dear, come, sit with me. I'll take care of the tea when it's done." Before I could protest, she waved me forward with her arms extended widely, "You'd best stay off your feet, figlia. If that baby is anything like my fat boy, you'll be lucky to walk down the stairs before your third trimester." I chuckled and shook my head as I took a seat across from my fiancée's mother at the breakfast nook, propping my crutches next to me on the chair.

"Was Rafaello really that chunky?" I asked with another laugh. Teresa shook her head,

"No, he wasn't just chunky, he was huge. A big fatty, that boy was." At that, I suddenly broke into loud, bellowing laughter. Rafe was nothing but muscle, it was hard to imagine him as a chunky kid. "Of course, he thinned out as he grew up," Teresa continued before winking at me, "Those rippling muscles came after he graduated high school." I blushed and adverted my eyes from his mother's face as my ears and cheeks increased in temperature. Teresa only chuckled, bemused.

"Well, figlia, have you two thought of any baby names yet?" She asked suddenly. I quirked my head to the side, realizing that, surprisingly, the thought hadn't really crossed my mind until now. I shook my head.

"No, actually," I said, "But I'd like to know gender before I get too serious about names." I added with a little laugh. Teresa smiled and nodded agreeingly,

"Yes, yes, of course. You know," She said a silly grin on her face, "I let Rafe's father, Toni, name him. He'd been so nervous and over protective during the pregnancy that he hadn't even thought of a name until the doctor set that boy in his arms."

"Mother! You always told me you two'd carefully picked out that name after an endless list!" I turned to see Rafe standing in the entryway with a look of mock-hurt on his face, and couldn't stiffle my laugh in time.

"Il mio ragazzo ingenuo, I told you that when you were five after you asked why your father was making such a big deal of picking out a name for your sister." Teresa said, flipping her hand dismissively with a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

"I may have believed it, but I am not gullible, Mama. I was five." Rafe defended before sending me a fake glare as I could not stop my fit of giggles. "I'm naming them." He stated simply. I gasped and hit his arm,

"Don't even think about it!" I exclaimed firmly, although my wide smile gave away my true feelings. "If you're anything like your father, my babies will end up with last minute names like Billy and Billy Joe." Rafe laughed and sat next to me at the cozy nook. We both saw his mother's puzzled, almost shocked, expression that had taken over her features.

"Them?" She questioned, "Babies? Are you telling me there's...?" Rafe glanced at me before smiling and nodding to his mother.

"Surprise," I said hesitant smile, "there's two of them."

Teresa's hand went up to her mouth as she gasped and smiled in surprise. "You're having twins?" She asked me, and I nodded happily. Her face and tone suddenly became scolding as she smacked Rafe's arm.

"Ow!" He whined, rubbing the mark, probably not even hurt, "What was that for?"

"Why didn't you tell your mother you're having twin babies?!" She snapped. I hid a giggle in my hand and looked at Rafe, anticipating his answer.

"Maybe because we hadn't even told you Ari was pregnant." He said teasingly, his arm forgotten. The tea kettle slowly started whistling then, signaling that it the water was ready. Teresa stood and made her way to turn off the flame and fill two mugs with the piping hot water before plopping two tea bags inside.

Minutes later, Teresa and I were blowing on our tea as Rafe sipped on his own mug of black coffee. So stereo typical of him. I giggled and Rafe smiled warmly at me. I looked at the scene playing put before me right then.

What had changed? When we first met up a few months ago at Geovani Enterprises, it been tense and complicated.

When I moved in, Rafe had softened towards me, but everything was still complicated.

And then when he took me to his own bed. Was that really only two nights before? That morning---even without him here---it had been overly tense and complicated.

But in the hospital. At the ultra sound. After the hospital. Even at the bridal shop---he was so caring and soft, and if I didn't know any better, I would say that sparkle in his eye when he looked at me was...love.

And it was still complicated.

After another hour of visiting, Teresa finally decided to leave for the night, reminding me to book a place for the wedding soon before they were all taken.

Ugh!

How could I've forgotten? I thought angrily, mentalling slapping myself in stupidity before Rafe had spoken up. "No worries, madre," He wrapped an arm around my waist and I let out a surprised gasp as he nuzzled my hair, "She'd told me I could pick the place, and I'd already given the planner my preferences."

A church. We were getting married in a church. Rafe had told me after his mother left and we turned towards the stairs to our rooms. I staggered slightly, unused to my clumsy crutches, but Rafe grabbed my arms tightly, helping me balance my weight back onto my good ankle. "Thank you," I mumbled quietly as he removed his hands and stuffed them in the pockets of his pants, slightly wrinkled from the day's activities.

"You don't have to thank me, Ari." He said. I nodded unsurely and continued up the steps with the gray stilts digging into my armpits---which were surprisingly too tender for this kind of abuse.

I made it to my room, slower than usual, with Rafe close behind me. I opened the door and stuck out my crutch to push it further, hobbled in, and began to shut the door before I turned around and looked back at the still-remaining Rafe.

"Rafe, I---" I cut out mid-sentence, before trying again, "Rafe, would you---"

"Yes, Areila?" His eyes were dark, his voice tense. I flinched away, seeing Keith or a second.

"I, um, nevermind. I...forgot." Please just read my mind. I want you to come in and sleep next to me. Hold me safe in your big, strong arms. I want you to want me. Not just because I'm the stupid secretary you got pregnant. Please show me I really am worth something.

"Okay, then. Goodnight, Ari."

"Good night, Rafe..." And with that, I slowly pushed the door closed, my eyes downcast.

The day scientists come up with mind-reading technology, sign me up on the Pre-Order list.

The next day was uneventful, other than Teresa helping me with the last-minute alterations for the dress I'd finally picked out.

Thankfully Rafe had gone back to work, although I did miss him dreadfully, it was probably for the best. I couldn't be chauffeured around by the man I loved as he stood there like a stone statue. Plus, he couldn't neglect his business because of the babies.

The next day, however, Rafe'd claimed to have a short day and called me to pick out a movie, any one that I wanted, and make some popcorn and other little snacks. If that was the case he'd be getting off just about the same time I would be just getting home. Well, I suppose it would work out fine.

So, there I was, waiting in the kitchen, glaring at my hateful crutches, bathed and fighting the urges to dig into the popcorn that was waiting on the counter, off to my side. It was now seven p.m.

I'd put everything off for as long as I could, but with the two growing monsters inside me, my food in my stomach disappeared quickly and I ate a small dinner by myself. He would be getting home even later than usual.

So much for that early off.

I popped two pieces of fluffy, heated corn kernals into my mouth, about to put it away as I watched the stove clock go up another digit, when I heard the front door open as softly as the huge, grand door could, from down the hall. By the time I'd turned around to face the entrance of the kitchen and saw a tired, slightly disheveled looking Rafe.

"I'm home, honey," He breathed. I assumed he enjoyed teasing me with that line everyday, because he definitely made a habit of it, but he didn't know how much it destroyed me to hear him say that without any real feelings behind it. Not the same feelings I felt when I replied like usual,

"Welcome home. We missed you."

A small smile tugged at his lips before he motioned me to come to him,

"C'mere, Ari," He said softly. I grabbed my crutches and expertly made myself over to him before he took me in his arms and breathed in my honey scent. I melted into his embrace immediately and dropped the crutches, wrapping my arms around him and holding on tight as he softly kissed my hair.

"Sorry I got off later than I said, tesoro. I had a long meeting with several different companies and I just wasn't given the chance to leave." He breathed in my aura again and, strangely, it soothed me, melting me further into his arms.

"All that matters is that you're here now," I said before I could think about the meaning of my words. Rafe squeezed me one last time before picking up my crutches from the floor, and sent me off to the den, where I had a movie waiting. Rafe came in a moment later with the bowl of popcorn and the other assortment of snacks.

Chapter Ten 

- Rafe -

The movie ended with soft music, slowly turning the screen black and darkening the room. Ari had been sitting next to me when it started, until I pulled her closer with my arm around the back or her shoulders, and now she had her pretty little head resting in my chest, her hand delicately laid in my lap. She had fallen asleep before the middle of the movie and I couldn't help but watch her rest with the hint of a smile on her lips, her eyelids fluttering slightly with dreams.

I sat there for long moments in the darkened room. She was breathtaking, her ever sleep-induced innocent aura surrounding her. I brushed her hair from her eyes and kissed her forehead.

"My love, you are too beautiful for your own good." I mumbled sadly. She shifted, cuddling closer to me and to my warmth, and I knew I had to take her up to bed.

Gathering her up in my arms, I slowly lifted myself from the sofa and carried her down the hall, up the stairs, and into her room. Carefully laying her on the bed, I pulled the covers up to her chin and kissed her forehead again. "Buonanotte, bella." I whispered while caressing her cheek gently.

Areila suddenly whimpered in her sleep, grabbing for my hand and holding it tightly in her's. "No, no, Rafe, don't leave me! Don't leave me with him," Ari cried out unexpectedly. I tightened my grasp on her hand and tried shaking her shoulder.

"No, I'm right here. Wake up, Areila, wake up!" Tears were now slipping from her clenched eyes as she began thrashing her head around, her conscience refusing to let her awake.

"No! Keith! You can't have them!" She screamed, "Rafaello, do something! Not my babies! Give me back my babies!" I finally took both her shoulders in my hold and shook her. She was scaring the hell out of me, almost making the protective beast inside me believe something really was wrong with my children, my Ari being tortured.

"Areila! Wake up!" I yelled, my chest contracting painfully. Ari suddenly jerked awake, staring at me with huge blue eyes for a long moment, before tugging me to her and sobbing into my chest. I gathered her in my arms and rolled her on top of me on the bed, holding her as tight as I could.

She's fine. It was just a dream, I thought, trying to convince myself, she's safe now.

"Shhh," I whispered softly, trying to sooth her while rubbing circles in her back, "Shhh, era solo un sogno, love; only a dream." Ari only continued to cry.

Her sobs slowly faded into whimpers and hiccuping breath, but I never loosened my grip on her small body.

"Rafe," She said so softly I almost didn't hear it.

"Yes, amore?" I replied almost as quietly.

"He tried to take them. Our babies..." She fisted my shirt in her hand and buried her face in my chest, "Don't let him take them away from me, Rafe." She whimpered. I kissed her forehead and squeezed her close again.

"No, il mio amore, never will he ever get close to my kids."

I waited until Areila's breathing slowed and she fell asleep before I tried to disentangle myself from her warm body. Trying to make the least amount of noise I could manage, I slipped my feet onto the ground. Just as I was about to stand, a small hand shot out and grabbed the back of my shirt.

"Don't go. . ." I turned around to see Areila's body curled up under the covers, her big eyes pleading me to stay. "Please. . .stay with me." She seemed uncertain; hesitant, and I worried what she'd think in the morning, to find me sleeping on her side, but something possessed me to nod my head and climb back under the covers with Areila curled into my body.

It felt so right to have her there, especially with my hand automatically going to her expanding belly, as if I could protect the two little infants growing inside her with just my touch. I fell asleep watching Ari breath softly as she finally rested dreamlessly.

__________________________

In the morning, I awoke to the glorious feeling of having Areila in my arms, sleeping soundly. When was the last time I'd held her like this without instantly fleeing the scene?

Our first night.

More like our only night. . .

Ari moaned sleeply and I held her tighter into my embrace, making her giggle softly. "Good morning," she murmured, turning to face me and pecking my lips. I subconsciously smiled, dumb struck.

"Buon giorno, la mia bella ." I replied softly.

"What does that one mean?" She asked, her voice and smile still sleep-logged. Before I could answer, she turned in my grasp, her body now facing me, and smiled brighter. "No, wait, let me guess." I couldn't keep my smile from widening and a chuckle slipping out. She was almost like a sleepy child on Christmas morning.

"Is it. . .good morning?" I nodded and she grinned before mumbling the words again to herself, trying to decode them. "Bella means beautiful, right? Is it 'good morning, beautiful'?" She asked. I nodded and chuckled again softly,

"Close. It means, 'good morning, my beautiful.'" I told her. Her smile turned shy and she hid her blushing face in my chest. She looked adorable.

A rumbling noise from under the covers reached my ears and I saw Areila blush violently. "Come on, il mio amore, let's go feed those little beasts." I took her hand and helped her out of bed. I remembered I'd left her crutches downstairs, leaning on the couch, so I swiftly swept her up in my arms, earning me a surprised gasp but she didn't protest.

I carried her down to the kitchen and sat her at the breakfast nook. "What are my little Rafe Jr.'s in the mood for this morning?" I asked with a wink as I made my way to the counter. Her stomach growled again and she tapped her fingers against her chin.

"Potatoes. Home fried potatoes. And eggs. Lots and lots of eggs," She giggled as her belly begged for food again and again.

"Coming right up," I said happily, pulling out the egg carton and three potatoes. She rubbed her hand over our kids before quirking her head to the side.

"Do we have any pickles?" She asked suddenly. I looked up from the bowl full of the pale yellow egg yokes, milk, salt, and pepper mixture I was whipping.

"Pickles?" I questioned. Pickles with eggs and potatoes?

"Yeah. Fresh out of the jar pickles. With chocolate. Hmmmm, how good does that sound?" Ari inquired before laughing at the mortified look that had taken over my facial features.

"Not very." I answered, turning back to the more appetizing food.

"We must have it somewhere," She said before plopping her chin in the palm of her hand in stubborn defeat, obviously remembering where her crutches were.

"Have what, Ari?" I asked, pouring the eggs into the frying pan on the stove.

"The chocolate syrup. Are you sure we don't have any pickles?" I rolled my eyes and smiled. She was so persistent with this disgusting-sounding mix, I couldn't help but grin.

"I'll get some on the way back from the office today if you want, tesoro." I offered. Ari's face instantly brightened.

"Oh could you? That would be perfect!"

Moments later, I had a plate of potatoes and scrambled eggs in front of both Areila and I. I chuckled, Ari was shaking more salt over her food before picking up the pepper and doing the same.

"You know, they say if you crave salty foods, you're pregnant with a boy." I said, scooping my own eggs into my mouth. Ari did the same,

"Yes, but I'm also craving chocolate covered pickles. That's tangy and sweet. So maybe we're having a really sassy girl."

"She'd be just as stubborn as her mother," I teased lightly.

"No, she'd be just as stubborn as her father," Ari quipped. I let out a laugh that rumbled out from my chest.

"Of course, of course. But there're two of them, remember?"

"Then we're having tomboys."

"Or boys."

"Don't be ridiculous. You're the only boy in your family, and I'm an only child. Genetics can't be changed, Rafe. We're probably having girls." Ari laughed and I basked in the sight of her face brighten with glee.

We ate in silence after that, eating our breakfast across the table from each other. When both plates were empty, I stood and began clearing the dishes, taking them to the sink to rinse them off.

"Rafe?" Ari asked as I was drying off the silverware

"Sì?" I responded without turning around.

"Have you. . .I don't know, thought of any names yet?" She inquired. I turned to face her, leaning against the sink and drying my hands off on the dish towel.

"No, not really. I mean, I've heard a couple that I found to my liking, but I wasn't sure if you wanted to name them or not." I answered.

"What were they? The names, I mean." She questioned.

"Well, most of them are Italian but---"

"I'd love for them to have Italian names, Rafe. I love your heritage. It intrigues me." She cut in wistfully. I smiled and came to sat down with her at the nook.

"Sabrina," I said, "for a girl. Sabrina, or Rosalina, Sofia, Gabriella, or maybe even Lia."

"I like Lia," she smiled softly, "Lia and Gabriella." Ari paused before smirking and crinkling her nose at me, "But what if you're right and they're boys? What would we name them then?" I smiled,

"There's always Rafaello Jr." I quipped.

"Or just Raphael," She giggled.

"Daniel, or Luca, or Leo---"

"Antonio!" Areila bounced in her seat, "I love Antonio!"

____________________________

What do you think the babies' names will be? Antonio? Luca? Gabriella? Lia? Something else? Discuss it in the comments!

Don't forget to vote and comment, if you like this story, or even Inbox me. I will always reply.

Happy reading my little humming birds, until next time, 

~Birdy

© Birdy Stewart, 2013

© Birdy Stewart, 2013

One week.

One week and I'll be a married man.

Honestly, the thought of no longer being the bedding bachelor didn't upset me as much as it did a few months ago.

I was so taken with Ari, she really was becoming my universe.

I smiled softly, studying the famed picture I held in my hand as I gently swiveled my office chair from one side to the other. I'd finally proposed to her, the night after we'd been discussing baby names. We had been getting along so well that day, she was so open, so heartfelt and comfortable with me.

"Ari," I'd said to her as we finished our dinner, not waiting for her to look up at me with her ocean blue eyes before continuing, "you know, I'd been thinking---about what you said a while back, about the wedding not being traditional or anything. . ." I'd chuckled and shook my head, keeping my eyes at my plate instead of meeting her gaze, "And I thought, how odd would it be for a woman to show up on her wedding day without even being proposed to? So. . .I, uh," I'd pulled the small box from my pocket, where I had been keeping it since I'd bought it, slowly opened it, and met her eyes for the first time. I couldn't help but smile at the look in her blue irises. "I was wondering if you'd agree to marry me---with a ring this time, of course," I chuckled and held out the sapphire-jeweled ring in front of her.

Ari's jaw dropped slightly and her eyes widened, looking between both the ring and I, her eyes saying "please don't let this be a joke," before she smiled tearfully and raised her left hand, allowing me to slip the platinum band onto her slim finger. A perfect fit.

"I'll take that as a yes?" I asked, and she laughed. A real laugh, unlike other women. No, her's were always from deep in her throat or in her chest, full of humor and joy.

"Yes, I'll still marry you, Rafe," she continued laughing, nodding also, "with or without a ring."

We'd taken the picture I was holding now, Ari had insisted. "For scrapbooking or something. . .for the kids," she'd explained. I nodded. If she hadn't suggested the picture, I would have taken one of her myself, wearing my ring for the first time.

I stared at her beautiful face, the photo just barely doing the light in her eyes justice. Looking back on the previous months I realized how much of a boy that woman made me feel like; always stumbling on my words; looking up and smiling at her just because I loved the gleam in her eyes. There was suddenly a knock on my door. "Come on in," I called, putting the picture back on my desk after another beat. Owen entered my office stiffly, closing the door behind him.

"We have a problem." He stated.

"What? What is it? Please don't tell me it has something to do with Edward from shipping." Owen shook his head and flopped himself down on the chairs in front of my desk.

"No. Valentine is in the wedding." He huffed.

"Yes. This isn't news to me, Owen. Did you really not know?" I asked him seriously.

"No, I knew she was in the wedding. Just not in the wedding. We can barely be in the same room as each other, Rafe, much less in a five foot radius for a forty-minute ceremony."

"What do you want me to do about it, Owen? Valentine is Areila's best friend, I would never tell her she can't have what she wants. And for this wedding---she wants Valentine as her maid of honor." I stated with finality before standing up with a stack of paperwork in my hands. Owen came around with a sudden change of attitude and slapped me on the shoulder.

"Well aren't you just the biggest, softest marshmallow in the bag now?" He quipped, his teasing laughter filling my large office. "Areila's definitely gotten to the black rock you used to call your heart. It's all moosh for that woman," my best friend winked at me, but I glared in response.

"And how do you figure that?" I nearly growled, causing Owen to laugh harder.

"Look at yourself, Rafael. I mean, do you even hear yourself?" Owen exclaimed with a large smile. "'I would never refuse Areila of what she wants!'" My best friend mocked. "I thought I'd die before this finally happened!" I wanted to throw something.

"What is that supposed to mean? Do you think---"

"You love her," He stated simply.

"Of course I love her! She---" I caught myself too late. I'd confessed it now. It was true, I did love her, and yes, he was my best friend, but I'd actually confessed it to another person that woman'd stolen my heart within a matter of weeks.

She'd stolen it that first night.

I sighed and sat back in my chair, my hand over my face. Owen smiled down at me and sat on my desk. "It's a good thing you did fall in love with her, Rafe." He told me. I picked up my head just enough to look at Owen.

"Yeah? And why is that? You're glad I didn't end up with the whores we usually sleep with?" I asked emotionlessly. Owen nodded,

"That, and," He said getting up from the desk, "Areila's a good woman who can put you in your place, soften you up a bit from time to time." He cupped my shoulder before walking to my office door, probably forgetting he'd walked in upset. Before he could leave the room, he turned back and smirked. "Besides," He quipped, "if you didn't fall in love with that little beauty, I would have."

___________________________

"Honey, I'm ho---"

"Shh!" My habitual announcement was stopped by the beautiful Hispanic woman walking towards me. "Ari's sleeping in the den." She hissed quietly. I held up my hands in surrender while chuckling softly. "Sorry, I didn't know. Nice to see you around, Valentine. Ari's missed you." I told her as I walked passed her, down the hall towards the kitchen.

"Yeah. The shop got pretty hectic after what happened with Keith. I just got everything down to a dull roar a couple days ago." Valentine said mindlessly as she followed me. She propped herself on the counter as I uncharacteristically filled a glass with apple juice. "So," she asked, "how's it been holding up in the Carson-Geovani household? The babies doing well?" I nodded in response.

"Ari has an ultra sound scheduled two days after the wedding, and then we'll know the babies' gender." I watched as Valentine poured herself a glass of juice, taking a hardy drink before grinning at me.

"What do you think they'll be?" She inquired, quirking her eyebrow.

"I think they'll be boys. Ari thinks they'll be girls, but I know they'll be boys. Even my mother suspects two mini-me's inside of Ar," I added wistfully.

"They could be fraternal." Valentine commented casually, taking another swig of juice.

"Fraternal? Like a boy and a girl?" I questioned and Valentine nodded. I shook my head, doubtfully.

"No, it's a miracle she conceived twins. They'll be identical, Valentine, I'm sure." I said, finishing off my juice before Ari's best friend gave my a searching look.

"A miracle? I thought they were a burden, just another secret to be kept from the press." She queried. I hesitated a moment, wondering how I should respond.

Should I tell her best friend how I really feel?

I decided against it and shrugged, placing my glass in the sink. "I never said they were a burden." I said roughly with my back to her.

"Oh really? Because that's how it seemed when this whole issue came to surface," Valentine sneered, her voice closer now. I turned to find her right next to me, her arms crowned and a frown crossed her lips.

"Yes, really, Valentine. Neither Areila nor my children would ever be a burden to me."

"Yeah right, Rafaello. You were born to be a player, you'll probably die a player. I've seen what they say about you in those magazines, Geovani. You go through women like no one's business, whether she's your girlfriend of two months, or just a bed partner for a lonely night. Areila has been through hell with that man if you haven't noticed already, and unfortunately I didn't know my best friend had been beaten by that bastard until only a couple months ago. That's when I convinced her to come live out here with me. She was finally healing---free, even. And then you came along. You just had to have Ari. And for what? One meaningless night? She meant nothing to you, and yet my innocent friend babbled on about you for weeks."

"She. . .talked about me?" I asked hesitantly. How many times had I bent Owen's ear with the memories of Areila's perfections? Too many. Valentine threw up her arms.

"Is that really all you heard out of all I just said? Of course she talked about you. She said you were like a damn sexgod that night and I would've thought she was in love with your cocky ass if I didn't know you'd only spent one night with her. And then she got that pregnancy test." Valentine scowled and I quickly hid a frown.

Did Areila regret our love-children? Had she not wanted them at first? How could she not have wanted to be pregnant with a multibillionaire's children?

Because Ari's different.

And that's what I loved most about her. She was different from the fake blondes I'd fuck, or the flirtatious redheads I'd date. She didn't want me for my money and that was one of the most attractive things she possessed that I could ever ask for. The words I was about to speak were stopped by a groggy yawn and a slightly disheveled Areila entered the kitchen.

"Rafe, you're home. I didn't hear you come in," She said softly, also smiling at me sleepily. I glanced at Valentine before smiling gently back at Areila.

"Yes, tesoro, I just got back. Valentine and I were just. . .discussing things." I responded. Ari rubbed her eyes and approached us.

"About what?" She asked innocently and I couldn't help but pull her to my chest and kiss her temple.

"Nothing, just baby names. I think I'm warming up to Antonio and Luca," I winked at her and she hit my chest playfully.

"I still want Gabriella and Lia," she giggled before turning in my arms to face her best friend. "What do you think, Val? Antonio and Luca or Raphael and Leo for boys?" Valentine eyed me with a searching look, obviously trying to figure me out, before smiling half heartedly to Ari.

"I don't know, you know I'm not good with naming things. Remember my first dog, Toothpaste? I don't think I'm qualified to have a hand in naming your kids." Ari let out a husky laugh at her best friend's humorous response, bringing a smile to my lips at the sound of it. "I'd better be going. It was good to see you again Ar, I'll come by soon to help with the finishing touches for the wedding." Valentine kissed Ari's cheek and waved as she existed the kitchen, the echo of the front door closing followed soon after.

_____________________

Areila snuggled into my chest and I nuzzled her hair. The temperature had been dropping lower and lower with each week as we approached Thanksgiving. "Come on, cara, it's time to get up," I urged but she only snuggled closer.

"It's cold." She complained into the warm skin of my chest.

"It's not that cold, Ari, but your toes are definitely freezing." I said, teasingly pulling my legs away as her feet searched the warmth of mine. Ari grumbled before smiling slyly.

"Parenting lesson number one; never let your baby get too cold. Even if it means a couple treatorous moments of feeling icicles on your skin." She declared before poking both her feet between my thighs, fortunately just above my knees. I laughed and crushed her closer to my chest.

We'd made a habit of sleeping in the same bed and I was grateful for it. I hated sleeping alone, knowing she was only a few rooms away. Every morning I'd wake up with Ari in my arms, and I couldn't help but smiled at that. "Never let them get too cold, huh?" I asked, a more devious smile playing on my lips now. She nodded. "So, doing this---would be a bad idea?" Before Ari could respond, I jumped up and tore the blankets from her small body, watching her instantly curl up into a little ball to contain the rest of her internal heat.

"That was just plain cruel," She scolded once she retrieved one of the covers and wrapped it around herself. I laughed to myself as I walked to the bathroom connected to my bedroom.

"Sorry, amore, I'll try to remember lesson one before Raphael and Leo are born." I called to her. Ari quickly joined me in the large bathroom, only one of my large t-shirts covering her curvy body. She grabbed her toothbrush and smeared a glob of toothpaste onto it.

"Don't you mean Sabrina and Lia?" She asked evenly with a spark in her eyes. I laughed and shook my head, copying her actions with my own toothbrush.

In the kitchen, I watched as Ari bustled around. I remember when she first got rid of her crutches and was able to walk by herself again. She had wanted to cook a whole feast just to show she'd been moving around without the slightest bit of mishap. I'd chuckled and insisted she make spaghetti that night.

"Rafe, are you coming home late again tonight?" Ari asked, glancing at me before turning back to the stove. I loved the way she referred to my house her home. To be honest, she made it feel like a home.

"No, I should be back just before dinner. Just like always, il mio amore." I stood and went to kiss her cheek before leaving for work, but Ari quickly ducked out of my grasp and ran to the large window situated in the kitchen.

"Look, Rafe!" She exclaimed, looking back at me with big eyes filled with giddy. "The first snow of the year!" I gazed out the window like she said and indeed caught sight of the first flurrying snowflakes of the season. I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her body, my thumbs rubbing her expanding stomach. Ari rested her head back on my shoulder and sighed wistfully.

"Isn't it beautiful?" She softly asked in a daze. I nodded, looking down at her.

"Yes you are," I answered even quieter before pressing my lips to her hair.

"I can't wait until our babies see snow for the first time," She whispered, probably missing what I'd said, "It's so magical." I nodded in agreement.

"I'm sure they'll love it just as much as you do, tesoro."

______________________________

Just a lengthy Chapter 10 entirely of Rafaello's point of view for all of you my dear readers :)

Stay updated on BTFB on my Twitter @Birdy_Stewart

I'll be getting to the wedding and the ultra sound in Part Six! Don't forget to comment baby names!

Would anyone be interested in making a new cover for this story? Post it on my Twitter if you do! I'll be picking the one that best suits the story!

Happy reading my dearest humming birds, until next time,

~Birdy

© Birdy Stewart, 2013

© Birdy Stewart, 2013

Chapter Eleven 

- Areila -

I marked another space on the calender I'd recently hung in the kitchen and allowed myself to smile freely.

Three more days.

Three more days and I'll technically be Mrs. Rafaello Geovani.

The days were going by so fast, the wedding was approaching quickly, and my stomach expanded little by little as the time past.

Rafe refused to tell me where we were getting married, other than the fact that it would most definitely in a church. I only hoped he'd keep it small like I asked.

"So," Val asked as she flipped through my many cook books I'd scavenged over the years, looking for wintery desserts. "Besides the fact you have no idea what's going on at the wedding other than knowing I'll be standing in a beautiful deep red dress next to the alter, your soon-to-be, and your soon-to-be's aggravating best friend, and what you'll be wearing yourself, has Rafe told you anything about your honeymoon?" I looked up from the red hot Cheeto's I was eating and sent my best friend a nervous look.

"Honeymoon?" I'd totally forgotten about a honeymoon. We probably wouldn't have one, considering the circumstances. . . I shook my head finally, "I don't think a honeymoon was in the contract when I signed over my life," I said sarcastically, although there was a mix of sadness behind my voice.

"I don't know, Ar, something tells me you mean more to---"

"Tesoro, sono a casa!" Rafe's deep, rich voice sounded out over Val's and I giggled as the now familiar shivers ran down my back whenever I heard his soothing sound.

"What did he say?" Val asked before Rafe strolled into the kitchen in all his work-rumpled glory. He walked up to me, wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed the back of my hair out of a newly developed habit before pulling away and grabbed the handle for the fridge.

"'Honey, I'm home.'" I answered proudly, popping another hot Cheeto in my mouth. "He's been teaching me Italian," I giggled.

Sadly, that phrase is about all I could get the hang of.

Val eyed Rafe accusingly as he pulled out ingredients for a sandwich. As I went to grab another spicy hot fry, Rafe quickly snatched the bag away.

"This is more than enough proof that you're pregnant with boys," He accused jokingly as he rolled up the bag and placed it on the top shelf of the pantry, out of my reach, before turning back to his unmade sandwich. I frowned and bunched my eyebrows.

"I can make that for you," I insisted, knowing that today must have been another stressful day at work, but Rafe shook his head and pulled away the sandwich, grinning teasingly.

"No thanks, Cheeto Fingers, I'd rather not get any red flavoring on my turkey sandwich." When I pouted, Rafe only let out a hearty laugh and kissed my forehead. "Wash your hands, tesoro. I'll make us a small dinner, you look tired. You haven't been standing around all day, have you?" He accused and I shrugged.

"Maybe, maybe not. But I was perfectly fine with my hot Cheeto's. You've taken them from me and I fear I'll faint from withdrawal," I said dramatically, placing my wrist over my forehead and starting to bend back as if I were passing out.

"You'll live, cara." Rafe chuckled before asking, "Would you like to stay for dinner, Valentine?" I turned to see Val's reaction and watched as she shook her head and grab her coat off one of the island's chairs.

"No, I'd better get going. Here, Ar, I marked all the recipes I want to try this season. I'll see you in a couple days." She responded.

"You're not coming to the rehearsal?" I asked. Our wedding rehearsal was tomorrow, and then I'd just have to wait two more days after that.

"No, I have something going on then. I might be able to catch the tail-end of it, but don't get your hopes up." She replied, continuing bluntly with a smile, "No worries though, I'll be helping you on the morning of this loveless marriage." Val kissed my cheek and waved goodbye, "I'll see you then, Ar. Bye, Rafaello."

When I heard the slam of the front door closing, I sat forward and stared unseeingly at the counter top.

Loveless marriage.

Leave it to Val to put everything in black and white for you. I held back a sad sigh.

Loveless marriage, I repeated to myself. Would it really be loveless? I loved him, but could he ever love me back? I thought surely he'd love our children, but then again. . .

Men like Rafe didn't settle down. Ever. Men like Rafe didn't have children. Singular, or plural, the playboy life meant no offspring, period.

Rafe was only in this marriage trap to protect his image.

I suddenly grew angry.

It was true. He only wanted to keep the scandalous former secretary from blabbing her mouth to the press.

I stood, the stool jerking out from under me, and sent Rafe a look of fiery daggers before stomping out of the kitchen.

"Tesoro? Tesoro, what's wrong?" Rafe called from behind me. He knew exactly what was wrong. "Areila?" His voice was now closer as he followed after me, quickly grabbing my arm and pulling my to face him. "Don't ignore me, Areila! Tell me what's wrong, talk to me!"

"As if you don't know," I spat. Rafaello gave me an incredulous look, like he had no idea what I was talking about.

"No, obviously I don't Ar. So tell me what's wrong. You were perfectly fine a moment ago, what changed? Is this the beginning of those mood swings the doctor warned me about?"

"I can't believe you! This is so not a mood swing, I am not hormonal, and this damn pregnancy has nothing to do with my current mood!" That probably wasn't one hundred percent true.

"Then what happened, Areila? Please help me out here, Ar, because I'm lost." Rafe yelled back at me.

"What happened?" I repeated, "What happened? You happened, Rafaello! You couldn't have just left me alone. No, you just had to watch me at the bar while I was filling in. You just had to get me to sleep with you that night. Is that really all I am to you? Some conquest?" Before he could answer, I continued. "And to your misfortune, this conquest came with consequences. Consequences you had to keep from the press. You force me into this hell because you didn't want the slutty receptionist announcing to the world that the high and mighty Rafaello Geovani got her pregnant. You just want to protect your image. You don't care for me like a fiancèe should. You don't care for our children like a father should. You just care about yourself, and that's what my attitude's about." And with that, I ripped my arm away and stormed up to my room. My own room.

__________________________

Letting the door slam shut behind me, I let out a huff of air through my nose. "Mood swings the doctor warned you about," I muttered angrily. "Mood swings! As if he could even fathom what it's like to be pregnant, and he's going off about mood swings." I stalked over to my closet, half-wishing I could curse him in Italian, and started rummaging around.

And to think we'd slept in the same bed! I thought bitterly before pulling out a winter coat; the fur on the inside soft and cozy. I shrugged into it and slipped my socked feet into a pair of boots sitting near the corner of my bed.

I stomped out of my room and hurried down the stairs, the unexplained anger still bubbling and seething within me as I passed the kitchen entrance.

"Ar? Ari, where are you---" Rafe's voice came from behind me, following me again as I made my way to the front of the house. "Areila, where are you going?" He boomed, but I was too angry to flinch; to care that his temper could snap just as fast as mine did.

Just as quickly as Keith.

As Rafe rounded the corner to the foyer, I gripped the knob of the front door and pulled it open roughly. "Areila!" He was angry. I knew he was. Something told me he wouldn't dare hit me, though, and I believed it.

I turned towards Rafe, seeing his beautiful face etched with fierce worry and concern rather than the fiery rage I had expected to see. "I need some space." I stated before pulling the door shut behind me.

I stepped away from Rafe's grand porch, my boots meeting the fresh, powdery snow as I trudged down the driveway. Pulling the door to my car open, I let my body fall heavily into the seat before I started up the engine and pealed down the drive; away from his house.

I didn't want to be near him. I didn't want his stupid accusations. I didn't want him pretending to be responsible; taking the kids and I in. He didn't care about me, our children, or the marriage deal. Thank God Val brought it up again, or I would have blindly agreed to marry that heartless bastard.

I pulled the car away from the large house, heading for the coffee house. Hopefully Val would be there.

_______________________

"Sorry, Areila, she only checked in about ten minutes ago. I think she went back home for the day." I nodded at the young woman standing at the cash register,

"Okay, thanks, Katie." I left Val's coffee house with a frown and started the engine to my car once more. Although Rafe had bought a new one for "my safety", I'd insisted I kept my own car, no matter how big of a mistake it could turn out to be. I knew my car wasn't very reliable, but he didn't need to know that. I could only blame it on my pride that I refused to let the piece of breaking-down metal go.

I slowly navigated my unpredictable vehical down the slushed and icy roads. It was past six, but the sky was already mixing from wintery dark grays to the night's dark blues, the snow coming down faster now. I'd never seen it snow so hard before Thanksgiving, but it must be a small snow storm, indicating a heavy snows this winter.

By the time I was only a few miles away from Val's familar apartment complex, my anger at Rafaello had dissipated, but once again, it was my pride keeping me from going back.

Turn back. He looked so hurt when you left.

Exactly why I can't go back. What if he's like Keith? The hurt is just a mask while the anger boils.

He's not.

He could be.

I pulled up to a lone stop light as my internal battle raged on, my headlights casting out into the darkness like a spotlight in the fog.

He could care about you.

He doesn't.

And that's why he treats you differently than everyone else? That's why he's not as cold with you as he is with everyone else? Because he doesn't care?

He doesn't treat me differently. He's just as closed off to me as he is with everybody.

The traffic light flashed dully, changing from bright red to neon green, and I pressed on the accelerator. Only, the car didn't move.

My heart thudded, silently cursing myself for jinxing my car only an hour before, and shut off the engine before restarting it. The car coughed and sputtered to life, turning on normally. I hit the gas again, harder this time, yet it still didn't move.

Oh no.

I grabbed my phone from the passenger seat and used my thumb on the unlock button.

Dead.

Great.

I looked out the windshield as I began to panic. The early winter storm was quickly worsening and I could barely make out the trees to my right and left sides.

Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no, please, this can't be happening.

I sat there as the minutes passed, my panic and anxiety raising to whole other levels of disbelief.

It wouldn't be smart to get out and try to find a phone, the town Val lived in was four miles out and, although I dressed warm, it wasn't appropriate for a snow storm. I would just have to wait here until a car possibly came to pass by.

I hunkered down in my seat, wrapping my arms around me for warmth and rubbed my belly. "It's okay, babies," I whispered, starting to shiver, "Mommy's got you."

Minutes passed and felt like hours, and despite the cold, I felt my eyes getting heavy. The traffic light flashed above me, softly covering me first in red light like a blanket, and then drenching my body and car with bright, flickering green. Red and then green, red, then green. The slow flashing lulled my eyes closed.

I had just drifted off to sleep when I heard a faint noise. Groggy and tired, I ignored it and wrapped my arms tighter around my midsection, trying to tune it out with welcomed sleep. With the babies growing bigger, I hadn't gotten many good nights' sleep.

But the noise persisted, gradually growing louder and closer. I slowly opened my eyes, slightly straining them as I was flashed in green again.

Wait. . .

Was that a. . .truck?

All the sudden, the sound seemed too close, and with another flash of the light, my head rammed into the steering wheel as a great force swerved my small car to the left, crashing it into a steady tree.

Everything went black.

________________________________

My dearest humming birds, if you've gotten this far, it means you haven't given up on me and I thank you. I had a tragic loss in my life this passed month and had no desire to continue my writing, but thanks to your lovely comments on how much you enjoy this book, I worked, slowly and unsteadily, for this chapter. I also thank my editor and sister who said "You can never leave a book unfinished and half written."

Anyway, comment your baby name suggestions! I always love to hear your ideas! Follow me on Twitter for updates on BFTB! Would you like to make then new cover for BFTB? Post it on my Twitter! @Birdy_Stewart

Until next time, my dearest humming birds, love always and happy reading, 

~Birdy

© Birdy Stewart, 2013