17
ARIS
FOUR MONTHS LATER . . .
It seemed unreal that Roya chose to be with me, that the gorgeous woman carried my child, that I’d be a father. Unreal and utterly fucking amazing.
Regal, exotic, and brave, she was mine.
This remarkable woman had turned her tragedy into a philanthropic venture, her non-profit an organization solely for the benefit of other women who, like her, had no place to turn or the resources to run from cruel situations or unsavory arranged marriages.
I whistled under my breath as I strolled up the spiral stairs from the galley of The Ruby Princess, which I’d rechristened in Roya’s honor. We’d been at sea for just over two weeks, traveling aboard my vast yacht. I’d figured we were due a holiday and what better way to keep Roya all to myself?
A small discreet crew accompanied us consisting of the captain, stewards, bosuns, and a world-class chef although Roya did some of the cooking as well.
I’d maintained a couple of soldiers, as always concerned about Roya’s protection above all else.
We’d navigated the Red Sea, the Suez Canal. We’d sailed between Africa and Saudi Arabia, making shore trips along the way. I’d all but cut myself off from Bratva business for the duration, letting Konstantin, Yas, and Zain handle the details in my absence.
I’d been right. Zain had been an excellent choice. He hadn’t even shown a single smidgen of shock when I’d informed him of the illegal part of my operations.
Roya had left Daisy in charge of her organization with the aid of Lina. Non-profits weren’t exactly Daisy’s wheelhouse, but both women were competent and had volunteered enough to know the ropes.
While she was onboard The Princess, I wasn’t letting my woman lift a single finger. I fucking loved being able to spoil her.
This was our first voyage together, and earlier this morning we’d anchored at our final destination. We’d remain here for a few more days before cruising back to Dubai where I was sure life would return to its usual hectic pace.
This entire trip consisted of sightseeing, swimming, flirting, and a whole lot of fucking.
And eating . . .
Roya’s appetite grew by the day, and I could never get enough of watching her indulge in the pleasures of fine delicacies, both foreign and local.
Her ass was definitely thicker. Just the thought of those big, bouncy cheeks made my fingers itch, my grin widen, and my cock respond by lengthening and hardening.
Even with the trio of stewards on board, I delivered breakfast to Roya in bed, easily handling the tray with one hand while propping open the door to our large stateroom suite.
On the bed, she reclined like an Arabian goddess. A light and filmy robe—loosely belted beneath her breasts—did nothing to hide the dark shadows of her nipples.
Her caramel-rich skin glowed against the super soft white sheets. She was even more luminous in pregnancy, her serene smile soft and glowing too.
Every morning and night she rubbed cocoa butter into her belly unless I took over.
Which I usually did.
I enjoyed the ritual too much to keep my hands to myself, feeling the burgeoning of her flesh blend with a love I never thought would be mine.
It was too early yet for me to feel the baby kick, but Roya described little fluttering movements, sensations that made her giggle unexpectedly. I couldn’t wait to feel the motions firsthand, this extraordinary new life we’d created.
In the meantime, I made do with fondling Roya every chance I got, awed and aroused by the changes in her body. The gentle swell of her belly growing, her figure becoming fuller, her breasts preparing to make milk . . .
Blyad.Something about Roya always hit me in the center of my chest then down lower at the head of my dick.
“Good morning.” Taking in every detail of her sleep-tousled appearance, I set the tray on the table by the windows covered by semi translucent shades.
“Have we anchored? Where are we?” Her grumbling tummy put a halt to any more interrogations, and I grinned at the sound.
“That is a surprise. Breakfast first.” Leaning over her, I snatched a kiss. “I have to keep my ladies’ appetites appeased.”
Da.We were having a girl . . . I had no doubt she’d turn out to be as sweet and sassy as her momma.
I guided Roya to the table, leering at her lush backside in the gauzy robe. After settling her in a chair, I removed the cover from her plate and poured cold fresh-squeezed juice.
As usual, I pulled my chair right next to hers, only refraining from clasping her hand because her stomach growled again.
With one eyebrow hooked up and a smirk threatening, I started in on my breakfast.
“It’s too early to start teasing me, Aris.” She pointed the tines of her fork at me.
“I didn’t say a word.” I lifted my hands in a gesture of innocence.
“You don’t even have to open your mouth to tease me.”
Winking at her, I simply popped the rest of my muffin into my mouth.
Before long, the abundant meal distracted her, providing me the chance to watch her, exchanging one appetite for another. Amid the luxurious stateroom, my stunning woman was hands down the most luxurious thing of all.
After clearing her plate, she sipped her coffee—decaf—and toyed with the edge of the shade on the window.
I reached over, stilling her hand. “Uh uhn. No peeking.”
She hit me with a playful pout. I only chuckled, standing to draw her from the chair. Laying a hand on her cheek, I swayed her into a long, sultry kiss. I drew back with a nip and prodded her to the large adjoining bathroom.
I’d already dressed and showered but definitely didn’t mind stripping down again to join her. Especially as soon as she dropped the mostly sheer robe . . . I couldn’t pull my clothes off fast enough.
Roya had entered the large cubicle, steam pouring out and water flowing all over her ripe curves. Slipping in behind her, I wasted no time trailing my hands around her waist then up to palm her tits. Her nipples tickled my palms, and suds cascaded down her round drum-tight belly.
As I got closer to her, murmuring her name and kissing the side of her neck, my hard cock grazed her back.
“Now I understand the meaning behind the phrase one track mind,” she said, shuddering in reaction to the caresses.
“It’s your fault,” whispering hoarsely, I helped wet her hair when she turned.
“How is that?” Sparkling humor lit her dark eyes before she shut them and tipped her head back.
My cock eased up against the jut of her stomach. “You make me insatiable and you damn well know it.”
As much as temptation snaked through me, I didn’t fuck her in the shower. I wanted to ravage her, bend her over, cup her belly, and fuck her from behind. That went without saying. But, for now, I’d savor the sizzle of anticipation.
I wanted to show Roya her surprise, which was so much more than the arrival at our mystery destination. I was even slightly nervous, my pulse jacking up a little while I dressed again in light clothing.
After drying her hair and pinning the black tresses up to keep the heat from her neck, Roya slipped into a long floaty dress with a slit that opened to midthigh every time she moved. The soft material coursed over her rounded tummy and pleated over her breasts.
Barefoot and beautiful, she came to me and spun. “Zip me?”
I obliged, nibbling on her earlobe and inhaling the scent of her flesh. While she faced away from me, I quickly pulled out a dark sash.
“Close your eyes, prinkípissa.”
“This is part of the surprise?”
“Da.”