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  Ben wanted to taste her and he settled himself between her legs. He inhaled her scent and closed his eyes with the first long stroke of his tongue between the velvety lips of her sex. Every shuddering breath she took, every whimper and moan drove him higher and he sucked at her clit, intent on making her come with his mouth. She cried out his name and arched, pressing herself more against the object of her pleasure. He groaned gutturally, enjoying the taste of her. Ben penetrated her with his fingers and used them to fuck her all the while sucking on her clit.

  “I’m going to come,” she whimpered.

  He heard her words and continued his ministrations of her body. He glanced up to see her head thrown back in wanton pleasure and Tricia pumped her hips against his fingers until she gave into the sensations. His groan mixed with her cry of pleasure when she came and he was rewarded with the small gush of juices her body released against his hand and tongue. The sounds that came from him were primal even to his ears and the need to fuck her consumed him.

  “I love how you come for me,” Ben said harshly. “I need to be inside you.”

  “Please now, please,” she begged.

  “On top,” Ben said. “That will be more comfortable for you.”

  “Won’t I be too heavy?” she asked in worry.

  Ben kissed her before he lay on the bed. “As if. You basically only have a gorgeous, round tummy.”

  “Thank you,” Tricia beamed. “Shall I take this off?”

  “No leave it on,” he ordered huskily. “I like the feel of the silky material and your skin.”

  Ben let her take the lead and bit the inside of his lip when she rubbed the tip of his cock across the wetness of her sex. He felt her pussy enclose his cock, wet and clenching, pulling him deeper into her sex and Ben felt like he’d died and gone to heaven. She began to move and ride him slowly while Ben caressed her belly and cupped her full breasts through the bronze fabric of her lingerie. Impulsively he sat up and sucked at her nipples through the barrier that covered them. It made her cry out and she undulated frantically against him. Ben felt his cock thicken inside her at her response.

  “Ben I’m so close, I need to come,” Tricia cried out her plea for release.

  Her words and the feel of her took him to the edge. Ben felt his balls tighten in readiness for release. “I’m with you, honey.”

  She cried out and whispered his name over and over again as she fell into the abyss of her release. She shuddered and her pussy milked his cock and he gave himself over to the pleasure of his own orgasm. His emptied his hot seed within her and for a fleeting moment he wished this was the time they would be creating their own child. Ben kept up the thrusts of his body until they were both spent then with her help got her comfortable lying next to him.

  “I’m never letting you go, Tricia, you have claimed me as yours,” Ben linked his fingers with hers as their breathing returned to normal.

  “This is an amazing start to our future if I do say so myself,” she laughed huskily. “I think you put my libido in overdrive.”

  He kissed her neck. “Luckily I’m right here beside you to take care of all your needs.”

  She yawned. “Ok, give me thirty minutes and I’ll be ready.”

  “Honey, you’re sleepy. How about you snuggle down? I’ll get us cleaned up and you can go nighty-night,” Ben chuckled. “Besides, you have these dreams. You seem distressed and you cry out, maybe we should talk about it.”

  She frowned. “No, we shouldn’t. It’s just pregnancy induced dreams that are more vivid. I read about them.”

  Ben looked at her and knew she was lying. He also had a sneaking suspicion the nightmares were about her ordeal with Nico. She still wouldn’t talk about it, not even the doll or that sometimes hang up calls came in and that scared her. He understood she wanted to be strong, but he knew from experience that if she didn’t talk about it she wouldn’t be able to start healing. Mental trauma was sometimes worse than physical abuse. He’d seen it before. At some point the situation would come to a head and he would be there for her. Nico wouldn’t get a chance to terrorize her dreams for the rest of her life.

  Chapter Six

  Tricia sat across from the bank loan manger that was looking at her business proposal. She disliked him immediately after he flicked his glance over her haughtily and commented. “Trying to get a loan for yet another clothing line, hmmm, I see this way too much.”

  She let that one pass. In her portfolio was her business plan, the fact that she owned her own home she could use as collateral and verification that this was the bank she always used. They could check her account and see what she made and what money was in there. She could start her business from her own savings but that would deplete her and with the baby on the way she didn’t want to go into motherhood broke.

  “As you can see I was a model. I do know the designs, I have collateral and more than enough...”

  “Ms. Turner,” he raised his hand and cut her off. “That’s all well and good but in this market giving you a loan for this amount would be foolish. Most businesses have a sixty percent chance of failing and then you would default on the loan. Then we take your house and you have nowhere to live.”

  “I would not default on the loan, I am willing to put my house as collateral, I used some of the money I made and bought it outright.” Tricia said as calmly as she could. “Bryce Forte has given his input on my business plan and can attest that it’s a solid proposal.”

  “Still I have to look out for the bank’s interest. If you had a guarantor, perhaps Mr. Forte....” the loan manager said.

  “I would rather not. I have a solid business plan, I have money in the bank, and I own my own home that can be used to secure the loan. I don’t see what the problem is,” Tricia answered coolly.

  “You’re pregnant Ms. Turner and you’re a model, I’m sorry to be blunt but what if you get bored and the business falls through,” the loan manager said. “Models by nature are ... flighty.”

  “So you’re insulting my intelligence and work ethic?” Tricia said.

  “No, I’m saying that you’ll be busy being a mother and this is probably not the right time to try and start a business,” the loan manager said. “We can of course revisit this in six months.”

  “I’d like to see the bank manager please,” Tricia said.

  “Why?” The loan manager asked. “Going over my head won’t help in this matter.”

  Tricia smiled coldly. “We won’t be revisiting anything, I see this is the place where I don’t need to keep my money. I’d like to close my account.”

  “Now don’t be hasty, Ms. Turner,” the loan manager said quickly. “It’s the hormones...”

  “Listen to me, you little twit of a man. Get the bank manager or these hormones are going to cause me to burst out crying and be very loud about the dispassionate loan officer I’m dealing with,” Tricia snapped.

  The loan offer nodded stiffly and stood. “Yes, of course.”

  Tricia felt like crying but would be damned if she let a chauvinistic prick see a tear fall from her eyes. Regardless of everything he said, she knew herself and hated being stereotyped. She could see the bank manger and the loan offer talking before he cast a glance at her through the glass that made the walls of his office. The bank manager turned and pointed to her. She could tell he was yelling at the loan officer before he hurried out.

  “Ms. Turner, how can I help you?” The bank manager said. “Mr. Abner has told me you want to close your account.”

  “I won’t be part of a bank where I’m called flighty, hormonal, and every other stereotype of what women are by one of your employees,” Tricia explained. “Apparently because of my pregnancy, the fact I am a model and oh yes, hormones, I’m not a good candidate for a loan unless I have Mr. Bryce Forte co-sign for me to make my poor witless idea more solid.”

  “Ms. Turner, please let me apologize for our employee...”

  “No apologies necessary. I’d like a check drafted for
my money and my account closed please,” Tricia said. “I have been a loyal customer for years and to be spoken to in such a manner is appalling to me. Refuse me on the merit of my proposal but not because he thinks it’s a bad idea or I’ll get bored and default on the loan—his words, not mine. I surely hope he doesn’t treat your employees that way let alone female patrons of the bank.”

  The bank manager paled. “I understand, maybe if we step into my office we can discuss this calmly.”

  Tricia met his gaze with her own cold stare. “I’ll sit right here, thank you very much and watch Mr. Abner close my account and draft me my check.”

  “Right away, Ms. Turner. Again I apologize and I’m sorry to lose your business,” the bank manager said.

  The look he gave Mr. Abner was chilling, the man was in trouble and he knew it because he tried to loosen the collar of his shirt underneath his tie. Serves you right, Tricia thought mercilessly.

  She wasn’t going to be treated like some poor pathetic thing trying to start a business. She finally understood the stigma of being a mom in some areas of business and the stories of being passed over for a promotion because of motherhood or being a single parent. Being a mother didn’t mean the job couldn’t be done, in fact it more than likely meant that women would work harder to provide for their families.

  It took at least forty-five minutes to get her business concluded with the bank permanently. She left with a check for a substantial amount from her savings and checking accounts and without saying even a goodbye. She slipped it into her purse and drove to Isa’s home for lunch and some time with the twins. She’d figure out her banking conundrum later. Right now she felt defeated in a way. She went in with all her ducks in a row only to have her bubble popped.

  “You look like someone stole your puppy,’ Isa commented as she opened the door.

  “Bank said no to my loan and the loan manager was a dumb asshole with women issues,” Tricia said as she stepped in. “I closed my account and I have a check in my bag. I’m a little down but not out.”

  “Bryce and the twins are in the family room, come on,” Isa said. “You tell us all about it over lunch.”

  Tricia followed behind her. “Bryce working from home again? Does his company remember what he looks like?”

  Isa laughed. “He spoils those two and today the offices are closed for some team building retreat or something like that.”

  “Huh. Do they fall back and trust each other to not let the other fall?” Tricia asked.

  Bryce stood when he saw her and came over to give her a hug before answering. “Hey momma-to-be, to answer your question, they play flag football and knock the shit out of each other. Then eat lunch, pass out trophies and party in a hotel, all paid for by me. Hey, the baby just moved,” he put his hand on her belly. “That’s a lot of swimming going on in there.”

  Isa came over to put her hand on Tricia’s belly and laughed. “Feel her go. You may have a future gymnast in there.”

  “For some reason she reacts strongly to male voices and hands,” Tricia explained. “Bryce, move your hand and step away.” He did what she asked and the baby instantly stopped moving, she looked at Isa. “See what I mean?” She goes off the deep end when Ben is around, sometimes it’s like, calm down so I can sleep, please.”

  Isa chuckled. “Well now, we see that she will have all the males in this family wrapped around her thumb. We’re going to have to watch her and Ashley closely when they grow up.”

  “Ben and I already have plans made up and tasers,” Bryce teased. “You look bummed sugar plum, what’s going on?” Baby Ashley squealed and waved her pudgy hands before Bryce scooped her out of the large play area. “I’m sorry, you’re Daddy’s sugar plum.”

  “Can I work for you?” Tricia asked, smiling at the interaction. “I just got beat up by a loan officer and I’m a bit bruised.”

  “Anytime. Now who messed with you, so I can flay them for our favorite aunt?” Bryce asked.

  She stepped over the play gate and sat down on the floor so Avery could crawl over to her and she kissed his chubby cheeks noisily before speaking.

  “I went for the loan and they denied me because I’m a woman, I’m pregnant, I was a model, possibly flaky and will more than likely default on my loan,” Tricia said. “I pulled my money from the bank and took my leave.”

  “That’s some bullshit,’ Bryce said angrily and Isa threw a pillow at him. “Oops, sorry. No bad words around four little ears so they don’t pick it up.”

  “Well, they would’ve given it to me if you co-signed, I told them to shove it,” Tricia explained.

  “Sweetie, Bryce would have co-signed for you,” Isa said gently.

  “I would’ve in a heartbeat,” Bruce affirmed.

  “Of course I know that and I thank you,’ Tricia smiled. “Don’t be offended by the shove it part, I wanted to do this on my own.”

  “What do you plan to do now?” Isa asked.

  “Find a new bank that will take me and my money and give me a loan,” she answered.

  “Or give me that check in your pocket and let me invest it so it starts working for you and let me give you the loan,” Bryce said.

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Tricia said.

  “You’re not asking, I’m offering,” Bryce said. “I can invest your money and then with the loan you can start the business. To make you comfortable I can draw up the standard loan contract for you to sign and add an interest rate.”

  “A low interest rate,” Isa added in.

  “You heard my wife and she’s in the Navy,” Bryce grinned.

  “Not for much longer. When my dates come up, I won’t be reenlisting. I’m off to law school,” Isa said.

  “Oh my God! I’m so happy for you, you can be my lawyer when you pass the bar,” Tricia exclaimed.

  “You’ll be my first client,” Isa said. “I’m going for a small practice, not the big corporate machine. Sorry, Bryce sweetie.”

  “No offense taken,” Bryce answered. “So T, is it a deal?”

  “It’s a deal,” Tricia looked down to where Avery was kissing her belly through her shirt. “I think your son is in love with my daughter.”

  “That would be perfect if they became best friends and then married after college,” Isa laughed.

  “Run buddy, they’re trying to marry you off and you’re not even potty trained,” Bryce whispered loudly.

  They continued their fun banter even though lunch and the task of feeding a very active set of twins. Tricia loved every minute of it, but by the time she left for home she was exhausted. Bryce had her check and she would be signing loan papers later in the week. She would have her new bank account set up with the bank Isa used. I’m definitely feeling pregnant, she thought happily as she got out of the car and stepped up on the sidewalk. Her phone rang and she fished it out of her purse while she was trying to get her keys in the door.

  “Hello?” she said brightly.

  The horrible words that spewed out from the cell were vicious and cruel. It took the smile off her face especially when the threat was to her unborn child. It wasn’t Nico but she knew he had to behind it. She hadn’t told anyone but the calls came in frequently after the doll. She refused to let them bother her because she knew the police were looking for him in New Orleans, plus Ben was with her at night. Nico was a coward and wouldn’t date go up against Ben. She knew that with a certainty.

  “Fuck you,” she said into the receiver angrily. “You tell Nico, keep it up. I’m recording all the calls and when the cops find him, let’s see how he likes an American prison cell.”

  She pressed the disconnect button and took a deep breath as she stepped inside the apartment. Tricia stopped short when she saw the flower petals sprinkled on the floor. She picked up one of the yellow leaves and inhaled the rose scent then followed the trail to the steps. There was a note stuck to the banister of the stairs and she read it out loud.

  “I don’t want you to close your eyes, but c
ome upstairs for a sweet surprise. Please walk, don’t try to zoom, but meet me in the bathroom,” Tricia snickered. “That was so cheesy, I love that man.”

  She heard her words and her smile widened, she did love him more than she thought it was possible to love one person. She’d been wanted because of her looks and her innocence and now there was this man who cherished her no matter if she was in a couture dress or wearing his sweatpants. He never tried to rule her or subject her to fear. The baby and Ben were her life now. Tricia pushed the call firmly out of her mind, hurried up the stairs and opened the door to the bathroom. Ben stood in the candlelight looking handsome with a boyish grin.

  “I’ve made a bath for m’lady,” he said.

  “How did you know I was coming home?” she asked with a laugh.

  “Isa gave me the heads up,” Ben replied. ‘The tub is not big enough for two. I’d join you but I want you to relax and then come out for the second part of your surprise.”

  “Note to self, get this room remodeled for a bigger tub,” Tricia said and came over to kiss him. “This is so very wonderful, Ben, thank you.”

  “I figured after a day of wheeling, dealing and business, my favorite girl would want a nice bath to ease her back,” Ben explained. “How did it go today?”

  “Didn’t get the loan, the guy was an asshole but I worked everything out with Bryce and Isa, they’re going to hold my loan for me so I can start my store,” she explained.

  “I would’ve helped you, babe. You know I got your back and your front,” he teased.

  Tricia caressed his cheek. “I know and I love you for it but I need this done the right way to suit my need for independence. It’s going to be run through his finance department and I’ll be repaying the loan with interest like a regular bank would.”

  “Say it again,” he said huskily.

  “The loan will be through his finance department....”

  “Not that part, Nutterbutter, the you love me part,” Ben replied.