I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his strong body, standing on my tip toes to kiss his lips sweetly.
“I love you.” I said against his lips.
“And I love you. I just want you to be happy and I’ll do anything to make that happen.” He kissed me again, this time deeper until he pulled back, pressing his forehead against mine. We just stood there breathing each other in for a moment that was just ours.
“Eww.” The kids laughed.
“Catch up with the girls. I’m gon’ check in with Black and Blue.” He said, kissing me one last time.
“Hold on.” I said, catching his arm as he stepped back into the hallway to leave.
Crew turned and leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, and gaze locked on me like he knew what I was gonna say before it left my mouth.
“I know this is bothering you more than you’re letting on. But I just want you to know that I see you. Since the first time we met you have done nothing but be our protector.”
His eyes were darker than usual, the usual swirls of silver were now two deep pools of stormy gray, shadowed by deep thought and worry.
“I can’t lose you. Any of you.” He said taking my face in his hands.
“You won’t,” I sighed. “Because you’re smarter than them. And you for damn sure are more ruthless.”
He huffed out a small laugh but didn’t speak. I leaned in placing my hand over his heart, feeling how steady it was under my palm. The strong, steady rhythm grounded me. I guided his other hand to my belly and the baby kicked again, right on cue, like he knew his dad needed another reason to push forward. I watched as Crew exhaled slowly, pressing his forehead to mine.
“I don’t want our kids to grow up in a war zone.”
“Then we’ll end it.” I said quietly.
The words hung heavily between us.
Crew pulled back just enough to look at me. I didn’t see the fear that had been there when he woke up from his nightmare. What I saw now in those beautiful grey orbs was darkness and a cold precision that I was sure he would use to take their enemy down.
“Go back into the room with the girls and I’ll get breakfast ready after I make sure everything is running smoothly.” He breathed against my neck as he pulled me closer, sending a shiver up my spine.
“Yes, Sir.” I moaned. It was taking everything in me not to drop to my knees in front of my husband.
“Keep it up. You gon’ be face down ass up in our room for the rest of the morning. You know I’ll always make time to remind you who you belong to. Now go.” He said before turning metoward the room and swatting my ass as he made his way down the hallway.
I walked…more like wabbled back into the room with the girls. It had been decorated in the same country cottage style as the rest of the building, but this had been created all for my comfort in mind. The sofa and chairs were upholstered in a warm soft material that felt like cashmere under my fingertips. The plush rug under my feet was a mixture of pink, tan and grays that blended well with the soft theme of the space. The right wall was covered by a massive built-in bookshelf that was filled with books, while the left housed a big screen television that sat over the fireplace. I eased myself down onto the gray sofa next to Tyra and pulled the pink throw blanket over me. Tucking my feet underneath myself I got as comfortable as I could with my huge belly.
“So has he told you the plan yet?” Kema asked as she examined one of the books from the shelf.
“No not yet. I’m not sure if he has a plan already or if he just wanted us safe first.” I answered honestly.
I didn’t expect Crew to keep me in the dark about what he was about to do but I wasn’t sure if he would let me in on everything he had planned. I knew he wanted to protect me, especially because I was so far along now.
“The twins haven’t said anything to us either. I hope they don’t think we just gonna sit around here with you while they have all the fun. I mean we love you and all, but we want to have some fun too,” Mecca said.
“What about me? I have skills that could be useful in any situation,” Tyra whined.
“Like what?” I asked with a giggle and yawn.
It had been a long night, and I was definitely gonna need a nap before this day was over.
“Stop acting like you don’t know I have a black belt in wing chun,” Tyra said, smiling bright.
“Bitch, just because you watched all four Ip Man movies does not make you a black belt in kung fu.” I howled, laughing so hard my sides hurt.
“Whatever, I'll keep my skills to myself then.” She pouted.