I will tear Kip limb from limb. I don't care if he's my oldest friend. He's the biggest snake in this country and if he makes her uncomfortable again, I will end him. He already knows not to play with what's mine.
After a few pictures from her sister, I look over my shoulder to see he's grinning. I bare my teeth and he starts to laugh. Magdelena has managed to push out of my hold and she's drifting away from me but I want her at my side. We have a status to uphold and the only time to do that is during a function like this.
As I head for her, intent on forcing her to play along, her mother steps in my pathway. I almost bark at the woman to move until I realize who it is. I push a smile onto my face and wrap my arm around her while she gushes about the decor of the party. Magdelena's family wasn't supposed to attend, but I figured it would make her happy, and as I understand it, Ms. Reif hasn't been happy in some time. There are stories floating around of high stress, and though I don't witness it myself because I'm too busy to pay her any attention, I feel semi responsible for those feelings conflicting her. If she weren't carrying my child, I wouldn't give a damn. She chose this life. Who in their right mind would assume this would work out in their favor? Marrying an affluent stranger when you come from nothing.
My eyes scan the room while her mother rambles and they lock on Magdelena who's standing with her sister and my aunt. Her usually colorful hair is pale pink and her roots have grown in significantly. I'm happy to see she's at least not putting harmful chemicals on her body while pregnant. Her usual bronze skin seems flush and spotty and though she's smiling, she seems uncomfortable. I shove my hands in my pockets and continue to nod while her mother speaks, but the longer I stand here, the more irritable I get. Magdelena is discomfited and it's my duty to make her at ease. Her stress will affect my unborn child.
I turn toward her mother and smile. "I'm just happy you two came," I interrupt her then kiss her cheek and walk away. "Magdelena," her name rolls off my tongue and she goes stiff before her eyes drift toward me. "Perhaps you should take a seat, darling." I gesture to the couch and watch her scowl.
Her beauty can't be maimed though and I would like to take her to the bedroom and take what she wouldn't let me have last night. I know she's growing tired of our intimacy, because it's not intimate at all. That's how I plan to keep it. It's for both of our sanity. I don't need confusing thoughts filling either of our heads. That's another reason I choose to ignore her. I know too well how having something daily makes you grow accustomed to it. This isn't something I want or need, because in nine months she will be gone.
My eyes drift to her stomach and it's still flat, but I notice the minimal bulge. I felt it last night and a sense of pride filled me because that is my offspring inside her. I look back into her face and she's still scowling which is drawing concern from both Gee and her sister.
"You look tired," I mention and step toward her, placing my hand on her hip to pull her closer. My body is already reacting to the feeling of her and this is why I avoid her.
"I'm not."
"Can I get you something to eat or drink?" I offer, hoping food will bring peace between us because it's apparent she's not willing to play along today.
"Yes, thank you." She dismisses me by turning her back to me.
I grit my teeth and clench my fist but ultimately walk away because there is no other option. While I prepare her a large plate of food, I watch her, my gaze continuously drifting down to her ass. I'm insatiable when it comes to her and I know it's because I deny her her own pleasure. I can be a selfish lover but on a daily basis it's mundane and makes me feel unfulfilled. I want to feel her dripping for me. Squeezing around me. Moaning for me. I don't give her the time for any of that. I drill into her until I come then roll over and sleep. Perhaps tonight I'll add the intimacy. Once in a while won't hurt anything. She can't confuse her head if I remain cold toward her daily. As things stand, I'm not sure she'll allow me close tonight, so I need to work on it now.
One of the staff approaches me and attempts to take her food and drink, like they're supposed to, but I stop her.
"I'll handle this. Thank you." I nod to the woman who dips her head before walking away.
I place Mag's plate at the table then retrieve my wife. My hand slides around her stomach from behind and she jumps. Pushing her hair to the side, I press my lips to her neck and for a slight moment, it feels as if she melts into me, but seconds later she's stiff again. The crowd around is giggling and I shouldn't be acting this way in public, but I'm working toward something.
"Stop," she whispers and tries to push me away, but I don't let her go.
"Ladies, please excuse us." I smile at the group of blushing women and they all step back, allowing me to pull her away.
"Callum," she growls quietly.
"You don't look well," I tell her, guiding her toward the empty table. "Just eat something. For me."
"For you?" she snickers. "I wouldn't extinguish my burning body for you."
"Always with the dramatics, Mag." I roll my eyes and pull her chair out. "For our baby then." I gesture to her stomach and she huffs, sitting. "Are you feeling well?"
"I was until you started bothering me."
"You know we have to sell this in a crowd, Magdelena." I clasp our hands over the table. When she tries to wiggle free, I tighten and she huffs, picking up her fork with her right hand. "You look stunning in this outfit, but aren't you cold?" My eyes flick to her breasts, but her nipples aren't erect. It's twelve degrees outside and she's in a thin strapped one piece with no back.
"I've been feeling flush the past few days. Hot flashes," she says, glancing to my face before looking at her food again.
"What does Dr. Chen say about that?" I shift and scoot my chair closer with worry.
"Nothing. It's natural, Callum. Don't worry about it. You haven't been worried about my pregnancy this far."
"Come now." I chuckle and grip her hand tighter, rubbing my thumb over her soft skin. "I care, but do you actually need me present when you see the doctor?"
"Not at all." She smirks cruelly, her gaze not leaving her plate.
"You look beautiful carrying my child."
"Don't," she snaps and an angry glare lands on me. "I won't play your games today."
I meant that comment, but I can understand how she would think it's for the party.
"You must, Mrs. Carbon."
"I hate you," she whispers and dips her head, taking a bite of food.
"You're meant to. It will make it easier for you to run when the time comes." I glance around and smile at a few people who look our way. Looking at her again, I can't see her face but I see a tear fall to her plate. My stomach cramps and my chest tightens. I'm not sure what's more concerning, her crying or my reaction. "Magdelena." I release her hand and move to the chair next to her, wrapping my arm around her and pulling her closer. Her head lands on my shoulder and I feel her body bounce while she cries. Why is she crying? She's much stronger than this. "Eat, please." I lift the fork to her mouth and she opens. Pushing the hair from her face, I tilt to look into it, noticing her swelling eyes and realize I've seen her look like this almost daily. I never realized it was due to her crying. I just assumed she was tired. "This pregnancy is taking a lot out of you." I pull her close enough to kiss the side of her head but she abruptly stands.
"You. You take a lot out of me," she hisses and thankfully storms toward the connecting room so the guests don't see she's in tears.
"Callum," Gee says, grabbing my arm when I stand. "Is she okay?"
"Morning sickness." I smile at her, gathering the plate. The look on her face tells me she doesn't believe me but I push on a smile. "Let's begin the festivities, shall we? I don't believe she's feeling well and I'd like to have people on their way soon."
"I'll find Susan."
The woman responsible for this elaborate party. The reason I can't know the sex of my child, though it's been discovered a week ago. I almost tore this place apart looking for the proof of my child's gender, but then I was told it only traveled from Dr. Chen's mouth to Susan's ears. From there, she finished the prep of this reveal and apparently a color will inform us what we're having.
"Magdelena," I call to her when I enter the study she slipped into. She's slouched in a chair crying into her hands. "Your guests will know you've been bawling," I inform her.
"But they'll never know why, so you're safe, Callum," she snarls at me through hiccupping sobs.
"Please stop with the dramatics." I reach her and pull her to stand.
"Leave me alone!" She shoves me but I don't budge. "Go play pretend for your guests. Please just leave me alone. You're only in here because people saw me run out. Go tell them I'm fine. I'm getting sick and I'll join them soon." She tries to shuffle away but I grab her hips.
I don't like her tears. I thought I was in here because people saw her run out, but it's actually because I don't want her crying.
"No." I thumb away her tears. "Not until you've calmed down will I leave your side."
"You're why I'm not calm!" she shrieks. "Leave me alone so I can calm down."
"This is my fault. I'd like to apologize. We're going to find out the gender of our baby, Mag," I softly say and slide my hand over her stomach. "Aren't you excited?"
"Yes," she whimpers, nodding her head she won't lift to look at me.
"I am too." That's truthful, but I'm also worried.
"Callum, please. Don't think for one second you can fool me. Those people have no idea who you are, but I do. I know exactly who you are."
"You do." I nod, gripping her hips and start walking her backward.
"You're a vile man who only loves himself." She looks up at me with worry and confusion as she grips my arms to keep from falling as I guide her toward the couch.
"That's a little harsh. I'll love my child."
She scoffs and rolls her eyes before looking behind her then snaps, "What are you doing?"
"Attempting to help you relax." I push her to sit.
"Callum." She tries to stand but I stop her and drop to my knees.
"You will relax before we leave this room, Magdelena."
"I'm relaxed. Just stay the hell away from me and I'm relaxed. We have to go find out the gender." The frantic look on her face is making me hard. Like a trapped animal.
"Soon." I nod and softly pull the strap off her shoulder.
"Callum!" She tries to stop me but I grab both her wrists in one of my hands and continue to push her straps down. When they fall, they expose her bare chest and I grunt, pushing her back to get my mouth to her tits. "Callum, please don't," she moans, not meaning a word of what she's begging for, but I like her begging. I suck harder and lap at her nipple until her flesh turns hot. "Don't do this. I don't want this," she pants, but when I let her wrists go, her fingers slide into my hair and she holds me to her chest. "Oh god." Her moans may be loud enough to draw attention but I can't seem to care. I've been depriving myself of this. My hands work her one piece down and she lifts her hips, allowing me to slide the material off. "We are having a party," she scolds through her moaning.
Continuing to ignore her, I shove her legs open and land my eyes on her pink thong that has darkened at her pussy from already being wet. I dive for her and she yelps, but pushes my face harder against her. I suck the fabric of her underwear, feeling a calmness come over me when I taste her. Letting out a grunt, I position her so I can pull the fabric aside and slide my tongue inside her. Her swollen clit is begging for attention while I tongue fuck her. Her hips rock while she tries to fuck my face. I shouldn't have waited to do this. I've never tasted her in this way. I have never once had my face between her thighs and now that I'm here, I sorely regret that, but I'll make up for it. Especially because this can't happen too often. Now that I'm here though, I'm not sure how I'll be able to stay away. She's like a potent flower and I'm the bee. But this is for my pleasure and I hope she realizes it. Her pleasure is mine today. I suck her hard clit between my teeth and she bursts. A scream belts from her and her body erupts into trembles. That was too soon. I've only been down here a couple minutes and she's already coming. I continue to suck until she rocks away from me, so instead, I drink her in until I'm drunk. Sliding up her body, I'm on a path for her lips and I can't rationalize why. There's no sense in kissing, but that's where I end up and I kiss her like we're at the bottom of the ocean and she's the oxygen.
"Callum," she moans my name, rocking against my throbbing erection. "Fuck me." She grabs my face and I lock my eyes with her. "Fuck me." Her tongue swipes over my bottom lip and her eyes roll back as they close. She tastes herself on my mouth and she likes it. I could explode right now, but I don't. I fight myself free and I guide her legs to wrap around my hips while I sink inside her. "Oh god," she moans, her head thrown back.
Sliding my hand into the back of her hair, I lift her head to look into her face and when her eyes focus on mine, I thrust again. Her eyes flutter, but open again and she's staring into me like she can read my thoughts. Thankfully she can't. I break our eye contact to look at her mouth before kissing her again, rocking my hips too quickly. I feel my release coming on, but this is the friction she needs.
"Callum." She gasps loudly and I look into her face, not sure what I've done but it only takes a second for me to realize she's going to have another orgasm. I push harder and faster. "Oh god, don't stop," she whimpers and bites her bottom lip.
"Look at me," I demand when her eyes close. Her pleasure is mine, she's going to give me what I want. "Look at me, Magdelena. Look into my face when you come on my dick because I'm the one that's done this to you. I'm the one giving you a pleasure you'll remember forever."
I know for a fact she's never had an orgasm this way, unless she's been cheating on me since we've been married. I devirginized her in terms of human contact, but never properly showed her what that means. What doors it opens when it comes to sexual pleasure. She bites her lip and starts to whimper, her eyes watering while she tries to keep them open and stay focused on me. I can't take it and when she becomes so tight around me that I have to use more force, I begin to orgasm with her. Her head falls back, she screams for mercy, her body locks around me, making it hard to keep thrusting, but I manage and I feel everything. I feel myself empty inside her. I feel her muscles flexing and twitching. I feel her clammy flesh under my covetous grip. I haven't actually felt her since the first time I claimed her.
"Magdelena," I breathe her name and her grip starts to loosen until she goes limp and I slip out of her. "Fuck," I whisper, staring down at her perfect body and begin to get angry. I can't justify why I'm angry, but anger makes me move away from her and I adjust my pants. "Get cleaned up and join our guests. I want to know the gender of my child." I leave her laying on the couch, and she doesn't stop me or even make a noise.
When I enter the room our guests are in, her sister approaches me. "Where's Magdelena?" she has so much accusation in her tone I smirk.
"She's relaxing." I gesture to the door. If her sister wants to go in there and witness what I've done to her, I welcome it. Nosey bitch. I move around her and find Susan to tell her to prepare the reveal. When I discover we'll be outdoors for the announcement I furrow my brows. "Whose idea was that?" I snap at Gee.
"It's a huge reveal, Callum." She giggles excitedly. "We're all excited. Now where's Mag?"
I walk away to find her first. She's not dressed to go outside. I fetch my coat because I have no idea where one of her coats are. I find her as everyone begins to gather out the back door. There are two cannons in the middle of the vast yard. Several men are adjusting what looks to be fireworks perhaps. I would have been content with a verbal confirmation she will have my son.
Finding Magdelena, I drop my coat over her shoulders and she startles, making me scowl. I'm not sure why she's so jumpy today.
"Are you alright, Magdelena?" I snap at her and her brows furrow.
"I'm fine." She walks away from me and heads for the doors. There is no way in hell she's keeping her distance right now.
I step outside and grit my teeth at the brisk air. There is snow on the ground and the sun is behind the clouds.
"It's cold," I mutter, wrapping my arm around her and rub.
"It'll be fast," she assures and shifts, trying to wrap the jacket around me as well.
"I'm fine. Keep yourself and my child warm." I glance down at her and notice she recently had another cry. Probably because I left her the way I did but it was for the best.
"What will you name him?" Kip asks, appearing at my side and I smirk.
"I haven't decided yet." I watch the people on my lawn, moving quickly. We're all turning to ice.
While Kip distracts me, I realize Magdelena slipped away. She's surrounded by her mother, sister, and most of the women in my family. It appears they're all taken with her. Which is understandable. She's nothing like them and they probably find her entertaining.
"Pull your eyes from her, boy." Kip laughs, giving me a nudge and I chuckle.
"It's not like that," I confide in my oldest friend. "She hates me." When I look over at him and smirk, his brows dip.
"How do you mean? You're very attentive."
"In public." My lips lift on one side as if I'm regretful, but I'm not.
"Callum, what are you doing wasting your time? Have the bitch taken care of and move on with your life."
"Don't talk about her like that," I warn and lock eyes with him. "She's still my wife. I'm biding my time. Nine more months."
"And the child?"
"I'll keep the child. He'll be my heir. He'll need to stay with me."
"Does she know this?" His eyes drift to her and I think there's a trace of sympathy, but that's not like Kip.
"More or less. Once she bears my son, she'll soon be on her way." I nod. "It's forced. We—"
"Here we go!" someone announces and I end the conversation.
The women huddle closer to Magdelena and I focus on the joy on her face. She may hate me, but I truly believe she loves this child. I'm not sure how I'll break her of that, but she won't be taking my child out of here.
A countdown begins from ten and the excitement from everyone makes me chuckle. I watch the cannons and as we get to the count of one, it sounds like a war has started in my yard. The sky fills with pink glitter, confetti, smoke, fireworks, and balloons. My heart drops to my stomach and my eyes flash to Magdelena's expression. The horror on her face makes me move forward, pushing people out of my way to get to her. I grab her, yanking her toward me and she buries her face into my chest, breaking down. People try to pull her away from me but I won't let them. I know she's embarrassed to be crying, and the reason she's crying makes me feel guilty. This will prolong our time together and she's absolutely dreading it. I usher her inside, her face still buried in my chest and I don't stop moving. People keep trying to get our attention but I shut them out, then physically lock them out of the wing my bedroom is in.
"Magdelena," I say and she gasps in a breath like she's been holding it. A shrieking cry wails from her and her devastation is painful to hear.
"I'm sorry," she howls.
"Shh, come now." I strip my coat from her shoulders and lift her to the bed. "Rest, my pleasure." I push her hair from her face. "You need some rest. This doesn't matter. We'll have a beautiful daughter," I assure her. It'll be the truth, but until her brother comes, we'll be together.
She sobs into my pillow and won't allow me to see her face so I pull the blankets out from under her and cover her with them.
"Talk to me," I insist and she pushes me away.
There won't be any getting through to her right now so I exit. I see our guests off, telling them nausea has made her turn in for a nap. Her sister and mother are staying in the house and I've asked Gee to entertain them until Magdelena wakes. I lock myself in my office and allow the events to process. I'm fully aware of what this means, but I don't understand why I'm not upset about it.
"Your Grace," Lol interrupts my meeting and I glare at him in shock. He burst in here like the house is on fire. "Please." He gestures to the hallway.
"Callum," Tim says with annoyance because we've already had our meeting interrupted three times for various meaningless reasons.
"Lol, can it wait?" I bark at him.
"No, sir," he insists and a scowl hardens on his face. "It's in regards to your wife."
Ah, my wife. The woman I haven't seen since she physically attacked me the night of our gender reveal four weeks ago. I refused to sleep by her side after that. And every day since then, I've stood outside of my bedroom door, trying to convince myself to go in but her hatred for me is the thickest wall I've ever been faced with. Not even out of hate can I bring myself to bury my dick inside her just to get off. I'd hate to say it, but her coldness has left me frost bitten. The words that flew with her fists that night kept me awake for two days. She was hateful enough it made me question myself, and I have never questioned who I am as a man. I’ve heard from gossiping staff that they felt my unborn child move in her stomach, but she has yet to inform me that you can feel her. I even saw the joy on Magdelena's face while I watched from the shadows a week ago as her and Gee spoke to her growing stomach. When they squealed in excitement feeling the movement, I wanted to make my presence be known and feel my child, but I didn't. I stayed hidden until they left the room. She doesn't want to share this with me and though that hurts, I'd prefer if she didn't.
I almost tell him it can wait, but a bad feeling comes over me and I stand. "Gentlemen, give me a moment." I stalk toward him with a scowl on my face. "What is it, Rupier? This better be worth it," I growl. When I step into the hall, he closes my office doors and I snarl at his strangeness. "Lol!"
"She's lost the baby," he whispers and I pause in an attempt to think about where I last saw the child until I realize what he means. My child is safe in her womb. She did not misplace the baby. "Callum," Lol says and I blink, gasping in a breath when I realize I've stopped breathing.
"My child's dead?" I whisper the question while my body begins to numb.
"I'm sorry, Your Grace." He places his hand on my shoulder.
"How?" It squeaks from me and I rapidly blink, realizing emotions are getting the better of me.
"There is no definite reason."
"Where's…the baby?" I look at him with dread.
"She'll pass her within the coming weeks."
"Dear God." My stomach twists. "Lol, how?" I demand, feeling moisture slip from my eyes.
"I don't know. Stress?" he then says as if it's a possibility and not the facts.
"Where is she? Where is my wife?" I bark and begin to move down the hallway.
"I left her in bed. Perhaps you should give her time." He grips my arm but I yank away from his grasp. "Callum, do not disrupt her. She doesn't need your anger," he demands from me and I freeze. I think better of turning around and beheading him and I move quickly toward my bedroom.
Opening the door, I slow my panic. When I see her balled up on the bed with her back to the door, I quiet down. I inhale a deep breath and close my eyes. This entire room smells of her and I haven't felt the comfort of my own space since the last time I was in my bedroom. It's been weeks. The pillows that separate my side of the bed are still in place as if she still expects after weeks I'll return one night. I quickly remove my shoes and get into the bed, throwing the stupid fucking pillows across the room.
"Magdelena," I say her name in desperation, preparing for her angry fists when I touch her, but not prepared when she throws herself at me and wails into my chest. "My pleasure," I whisper, her crying making my entire body fill with pain. "I'm so sorry," I apologize as if this is my fault.
It very well could be.
I hold her tight, stroking her hair while she bawls for almost forty minutes. Only hiccupping remains until she falls asleep and I hold her as if I let go we'd drift apart. We're already so far apart. I wish I could sleep this away, but I can't close my eyes without visions haunting me. A bright blue eyed girl with my hair color invades my thoughts. My dead daughter.