Consent (The Loan Shark Duet 2)

Charlie lives with us in the new house we built on an acre of property on the border of Kyalami. It’s a family house with toys scattered over the floors, a swing in the garden, and a bicycle on the lawn. We have five dogs, all strays, and an array of cats that come and go, some staying longer than others. Oscar is still with us, but Bruno sadly died of old age last year.

All of our lives revolve around the small woman in the center of the spectators. Another flash goes off as the Minister of Home Affairs shakes her hand. Last month Valentina was on the cover of every magazine and newspaper, and this week she’s been invited to a congregation of leaders who hope to vote her into government on a national level, but she already decided to decline. Like any couple with their own business, two young kids, and another on the way, we lead a hectic life, but one I wouldn’t exchange for anything. I wish Carly could have known her half-brother and sister and share this incredible moment, but I believe she’s here with us.

Since Valentina became busy with city council business, I run her company. My main focus is still protecting her and our children, but I’m happy to have something in which I find purpose, something I enjoy. Something clean. No more breaking. No more violence.

Sophia starts to fuss. I know this particular cry. Soon, she’ll be bawling. I lie her down in the stroller to check her diaper and drop the bag to the ground.

“Be a big man and get me your sister’s bottle, please,” I tell Connor.

He unzips the bag, locates the item, and holds it out proudly. “Here, Daddy.”

I ruffle his hair before taking the bottle from the insulation holder and testing a drop of milk on my wrist to ensure it’s not too hot.

My little girl takes a greedy gulp when I put the nipple in her mouth, first swallowing air. A soft hand falls on my shoulder, and Valentina’s voice washes over me.

“Are you managing?”

I grin at her. “Always.”

“You’re a good daddy.”

I steal a chaste kiss, careful not to tip the bottle and break Sophia’s suction. “You’re a better mommy.”

“Thank you.” Her words are soft-spoken.

My gaze rakes over her body. “For what?”

“For doing this,” she motions at our baby girl, “so I can do that.” She flips a hand at the people enjoying the cocktails and finger food set out on the lawn.

“You’re welcome.” Truth is, I love daddying my kids, and there’s nothing I won’t do for my clever, industrious, pretty wife.

“Just a few more minutes and then we can escape.”

Connor runs off to Charlie. I keep one eye on him and the other on my daughter. “Go mingle and do whatever mayors are supposed to do. Sophia doesn’t need to nap for another hour. I can go home with her and Connor if you’d like to stay longer.”

“I was thinking we could put the kids down for their nap and catch up.”

My body is immediately interested. “Catch up, huh?” I shift behind the stroller to hide the untimely hardening in my pants.

A pretty flush heats her cheeks. “Um, yeah.”

I know exactly how I’m going to catch up with her, and from the way she lowers her lashes and works her lip between her teeth, she knows, too.

“You better get your sexy butt in the car. Now.”

I use enough of the assertive tone she loves in the bedroom to make her eyes snap back to mine. Her pupils dilate a fraction, and her nipples turn into two hard points under the soft fabric of her dress.

She clears her throat. “Give me a minute to say my goodbyes and to get Charlie.”

“I said now. You disobey me, wife.” I lower my lips to hers, not kissing her, but breathing the words over the plump curve of her bottom lip, loud enough for only her to hear. “There will be consequences.”

“Promise?” she asks in a breathy whisper.

“You can count on it.”

She stares at me with the heated, adoring look that tells me she loves me for who I am, and that no matter what, she’ll always be there for me.

“I love you, too,” I say as she makes to turn.

“I didn’t say I love you,” she says with a mischievous smile.

“Yes, you did.”

In a few minutes she’ll be screaming it, too, in the only language that matters.

A language that surpasses words and time.

A language of love and forever.

Our unique language.