Expecting my Billionaire Stepbrother's Baby (a Stepbrother Romance Novel) (9 page)

N
o
, no, fucking no! This can’t be happening!

I backed away quickly, nearly losing my footing in the process. Perhaps if I hadn’t bumped into him I would’ve been able to retreat without him seeing me, but he shot out his arm so fast, there was no escaping.

“Viola! There you are,” Freddy grinned, showing a row of gold–capped teeth that had probably not seen the business end of a toothbrush in months. “Just the gal I wanted to see. Aww, now don’t run away.”

His hand clamped down upon my wrist and I reversed, trying desperately to twist out of his grasp, to yank my arm away and regain my freedom.

A solid mass of flesh hit my behind as I struggled with Freddy. Hopeful, I peered over my shoulder — perhaps a kind passer–by had stopped to help? But when I saw who it was, I groaned. Freddy’s muscle, Tiny Tim, stood blocking my exit. Tiny’s the guy you think of when the words brick shit–house are strung together… the one who ate all the pies and then some.

His meaty hands rested on top of my shoulders, not hurting me, but pinning me in position like a struggling butterfly.

“Don’t make this hard on me, Vi,” Freddy said. “I’ve already had to waste my precious time tracking you down. Time that could’ve been spent doing more productive things like, I dunno, breaking people’s legs.”

It was a typical scare tactic, I knew, but my legs still trembled. I was kind of fond of my legs, chubby though they were.

“Freddy…” I began, trying to think of an excuse but anything I said would fall on deaf ears. Freddy’s only language was money.

He tutted as if he were telling off a small disobedient child. His ghastly, scar–ridden face encroached on my personal space and I leaned away. But there was nowhere to go, unless I magically gained the ability to walk through meat–walls. “I think you’ve been telling me fibs. Seems you’ve gone up in the world if that car you’re riding around in is anything to go by,” Freddy continued.

I nodded eagerly. “I got a new job. It pays well. I promise you’ll have your money in no time.”

“Ah, but I want it now.”

“I don’t have it,” I said simply and shrugged, but as his face started to bulge, a vein popping on his skinny skull, I quickly added, “but I’ll get it, and more. How much do I owe you? Double it, but only if you give me a few more days. You have my word.”

Freddy’s beady eyes squinted, regarding me as he seemed to consider my Hail Mary. Because that what it was; it was pure bullshit, but it was the only thing I could come up with at short notice to get out of his grasp. I couldn’t have his hands on me, threatening the precious life inside me.

I’d have to go to Drake and ask him for help even though it was the worst timing. Christine had just tried to extort cash from him — how would me asking be any better?

I jolted my head back as Freddy reached out a grimy finger to touch my cheek. “Such a pretty face, it’d be a shame to have to ruin it,” he said.

“Freddy?” I whimpered.

He shook his head, silencing the additional pleas that were about to come out of my mouth.

Did he want me to get down on my hands and knees and beg? ’Cause I would, right here in the middle of the street.

I almost gagged when I considered that perhaps that’s exactly what he wanted. Sexual favours to get me off the hook? But that I would never do…

“You have three days.”

My eyes widened.
Thank fuck for that.

“But Vi,” he snarled, his lips grazing the side of my face. “This is your last chance. Fuck me over again and well, let’s just say I’ll be the one screwing you.”

My throat tightened and I closed my eyes, never wanting to see the image he was painting in my head ever again.

“I promise,” I whispered.

“Great! Good!” Freddy said, his face full of smiles again as if nothing untoward had happened, as he patted me gently on my arms. Tiny grunted and released his hold upon my shoulders. I shrugged them, trying to eliminate the lingering feeling of his sweaty hands on me.

I would need a shower to get the feeling of slime off me from just being in their delightful company for a few minutes, I thought.

Like a plant I stood rooted to the spot, not daring to move, and waited, obedient, until Freddy determined he was finished with me. If I took a chance and scarpered, he might change his mind.

“I’m glad that’s all sorted then. I’ll be seeing you soon, Vi. You know my number; call me when you have it.” Freddy winked at me like we were best pals as he passed by me. I closed my eyes and started to count to ten, but I only made it to three.

“Oh, and Viola,” he said drawing out my name one syllable at a time — it was enough to make me loathe it — “Don’t make me come find you again.”

Freddy didn’t wait for answer; his threat didn’t need a reply.

My shoulders sagged and I slumped against the brick wall of the cafe as they disappeared from view around the corner. My trembling hand cupped my gasping mouth.

Breathe, dammit. Breathe.

I
t took
a little longer than I expected for my heart rate to return to normal, and it wasn’t until Phyllis spied me through the window and came out to check on me that I remembered why I’d gone there in the first place.

Thankfully Phyllis was understanding of my sudden departure. I think she was already extremely used to the high turnover rate at the cafe. And I silently promised to make it up to her one day for all the kindness and compassion she’d shown me over the last few weeks.

Packing up my stuff in the tiny box bedroom was pitiful. Not counting the fold up camping bed and sleeping bag, the rest I could carry in one small bag. Not much to show for four weeks on my own, I thought.

After a few minutes of reassuring Phyllis I’d be OK, promising to call when I could, I left the cafe for the last time, and boy did it feel good.

I wondered if Drake’s driver was still waiting for me and made my way towards the alley he’d indicated. The alley was filled with cardboard boxes leaning against the walls of the back street. Suddenly a light bulb shone brightly in my mind, and I jogged back to the small alcove I’d just passed and peered into the shadows.

Smiling down at the filthy gentleman sitting on the ground, who was doing an amazing impression of blending in with his surroundings, I presented the folded bed and sleeping bag. My arms were outstretched, offering to pass on a kindness that was once done for me. Hoping perhaps it would keep him warm for a little while.

“
Y
ou’re back
!” Drake said as he sprang from living room and bounded down the hallway like an eager puppy. I’d only been gone from his side a couple of hours, but it was good to see the smile on his face, and even with the cloud above my head threatening to undo me, his energy was infectious. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried myself against his chest, under his chin.

You will not cry. You will not cry!

He’s in such a good mood, I thought, you will not destroy it. Give him a day at least, and then tell him about Freddy’s demands.

Drake brushed back my waves of auburn hair from off my face. Tingles danced across my scalp.

“What’s wrong?” he asked studying my face. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

“No! Of course not,” I replied. How could he think that?

“Then what is it? Is the baby OK?”

“Nothing. The baby is fine, as far as I know. Hungry but fine,” I said, trying to smile.

“OK, then well that’s one problem I can fix. I’ll feed you up,” he said grinning. “Gotta make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.”

“That’d be good,” I said, grateful he’d moved on to another subject.

We reached the kitchen, and Drake pulled out a stool and led me to it like I was an invalid.

“I’m not made of glass you know, I can get my fat ass up onto a stool still.”

“You’re not fat. What’s got into you?”

“Nothing,” I repeated more forcefully. “I’m just in a bad mood, I guess.”

“I don’t believe you. There’s something you’re not telling me.” Drake sighed and proceeded to gather up ingredients for the meal he was about to prepare. “But I’m not going to force you to tell me.”

He came back around the counter and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, my back against his torso. Cocking his head to the side, his kind lips planted a row of kisses down my jawline.

“When you’re ready to tell me, I’ll be here. You have to learn to trust me, OK?”

I nodded in response. Drake gave me a gentle squeeze and went back to prepping the food. What had I done to deserve him? He was patient and caring, and here I was lying to him. Not the best way to start off an already rocky, unstable relationship.

“Maybe this will take your mind off whatever you’re thinking about,” he said.

Intrigued I sat up on the stool and waited as he continued to slice a stack of mushrooms into slivers.

“What?”

“Guess,” he grinned.

“Oh, come on. I’m terrible at guessing games.”

He huffed, sad that I wasn’t going to play his game.

“Fine. Someone has a very special day coming up…” he said and raised his eyebrows, still hoping I was going to guess.

I squinted at him. I knew Drake’s birthday was months away, so it couldn’t be that. Then it clicked. “Leah! It’ll be her first birthday soon, right?

“Bingo!” He paused and glanced up at me. “And I want you to organise the party.”

“Me? Are you crazy? I don’t know the first thing about throwing a party. Let alone a kid’s party…”

“Always time to learn. I think it’ll do you some good, too. Keep whatever’s plaguing you off your mind.”

He had a point there. Ever since my little encounter with Freddy it felt like I’d lost half a lung. I could barely breathe, panicking about what I was going to do. How would Drake react when I eventually put my hand out and begged him for help? Would it be like Christine all over again? Would he be disgusted with me and tell me it was over?

Why had I promised Freddy more money? That had been stupid. Got myself into a worse situation. I wasn’t thinking, just wanted him away from me and the child within me, the child that I’d already felt so protective of, as soon as possible.

“See, you’re miles away,” Drake said, interrupting my spiralling, irrational thoughts.

“I’m here, I’m here,” I lied, tying to brighten up. With my mind made up, I added, “So, what kinds of parties do one–year–olds enjoy nowadays?”

He laughed, “Almost anything I guess; I’ll let you plan the little details — the party will be more for the parents anyway. Oh, and I was thinking we could hold it at the beach house, down the coast. Better than this drab place.”

“Wait. Back up. You have a beach house?” I don’t know why it surprised me. He was loaded after all.

“Of course, don’t you?” he teased and started to peel a couple of cloves of garlic. “There’s a lake house, too, but there’s always too many bugs this time of year. No, the fresh sea air will be ideal. Maybe there could be sandcastles? I’ll get Sigrid to send you over some photos and ideas. She used to plan all my parties for me.”

“I met her, at your mother’s 60th, right? She seemed nice, in a cute European sort of way,” I pouted and cupped my chin in my hands as I thought about all the hours they must’ve spent together. Perhaps she wasn’t as bad as Patricia; at least Sigrid had been able to look me in the eye without judging me.

He nodded. “Aww, don’t be jealous. She’s a great worker, and since you were gone… and well… the nightmare I’ve endured this past month with Chri—, you know who, Sigrid has been talking care of Leah again.”

“Oh, OK,” I said glumly. Guilt seemed to pour out of me just thinking of the way I’d left Drake’s little girl, knowing full well her actual mother had no interest. But I was back now, and I had every intention of making it up to Leah and showering her with all the love I could give her.

T
o say
I hadn’t a moment to sit down since Drake tasked me with his daughter’s birthday party was the understatement of the century. Who knew planning a one–year–old’s birthday would be so stressful, and if I was being honest with myself, fun as hell. Exhilarating, even. Maybe I’d finally found my calling?

Drake had given me unlimited funds to make it one special day. I’d organised a sandcastle themed day, primarily to please Drake’s inner boy, accompanied by a whole menagerie of baby animals the kids could coo over and pet.

The garden at the beach house was perfect for entertaining in every which way. Multiple levels for mingling guests, plenty of seating dotted along meandering pathways, and several spacious areas that could be set up for food, drinks and of course the animals. I was most excited for the kittens, but that was by the by.

“Where is this going?” Sigrid asked, as she brought over a literal lollipop plant made from hardened candy canes. She tottered on heels so high I was actually scared for her ankles.

“Over by the kiddies’ drink table, please. Are you sure you don’t want some flip–flops or sandals?” I asked as I looked at her peep–toe patent leather heels.

Her pale, luminescent face crumbled into confusion. “But these
are
sandals — see, they have a strap and everything!” she replied, her accent more prominent when she was frustrated.

“They are like a
gazbillion
inches high!” I said.

“I do not understand this word,
gazbillion
.”

“Aren’t you afraid you’re going to fall?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Better falling than looking like a midget,” she teased and gave me a huge, sparkling smile.

I chuckled and held up my hands. “Fine, never mind, just watch out for the uneven paving stones near the bottom; the last thing we need is a crisis today.”

Whilst planning the party, somehow Sigrid had become my new best friend. I think I was more surprised than anyone. I’d never felt comfortable around the beautiful top
bitches
in high school (Christine being one of them), and that trend had carried on throughout University, too. I’d always gravitated towards the geeks and musicians instead, but even then I’d had trouble clicking with anyone.

But being with Sigrid was a breath of fresh air. We got each other’s jokes, and I felt like I never had to put on a show. I think Drake was pleased that I had someone else to talk to. It’d taken a little of the pressure to be my constant companion off of him.

“Can you take the baby?” Drake asked, handing Leah to me while simultaneously holding his phone to his ear.

“Sure, about time I got some quality time with the birthday girl,” I said, grinning at them both, but Drake didn’t return the smile.

“Is everything OK?”

“Don’t worry, just an issue at the gate. I need to go sort it out.”

“What issue? Is it the caterer wanting to be let back in again? If it is, you know you should let me deal with it. It’s my job today, after all.”

“No. Stay here, keep getting the party prepped.”

Drake’s tone was firm and adamant. He really did not want me to go fix whatever was wrong. A darkness crept across his face as he turned and walked away, climbing the steps back up to the house.

Curiosity begged me to follow him, urged me to find out what he was hiding. If it had been a problem with one of the caterers or deliveries for the party, then he would’ve told me. Of course, it could be a surprise for Leah, for her birthday, but that wouldn’t have made him so rigid in his response.

As he disappeared through the floor–to–ceiling glass doors at the top of the balcony, I forced my body to look towards the sea and the crashing waves upon the beach. I had to start trusting him, so I stayed put, respecting his wishes.

“You better start getting ready,” Sigrid said, “you’re all sweaty and disgusting.”

“Gee, thanks,” I responded and gave her an exasperated look.

“Well it is truth. Friends tell each other truth, no?”

“Yeah, but you could say it a little more nicely.”

“Pfft. There’s no time for nice. Guests will be here shortly. Go!”

“OK. I get the hint.” I picked up Leah and began to walk away, but not before sticking my tongue out at Sigrid, who returned the gesture.

There were less than a couple of hours to go… just enough time to put Leah down for a little nap before the party started, and possibly enough time for me to get ready. Or so I thought.

I peeled off my jeans and t–shirt, kicked off my trainers and quickly shed my under garments like snakeskin as I walked naked along the length of the wet room. The whole room was sealed, tiled all around, and there were what seemed like a thousand showers heads fixed to the ceiling and upper sides of the walls.

I turned the controls on, and hot jets pummelled my body from all sides. It was delicious.

I closed my eyes and for a moment allowed the water to scour the sweat from me. The pressure was intense, and the water pressed against my skin, kneading into every part of my body. It was like a massage but with many hands and fingers doing all the work while I lay back and drifted away.

Knowing I couldn’t revel in it for too long, I soaped up my hair and applied shower gel to a natural sponge, dabbing it over every inch of me.

Bringing the soft sphere over my breasts, I looked down in shock as I realised how big they’d got. Rounder and plumper than usual and heavy in my hand as I cupped them. A sudden tantalising thought of Drake playing with them entered my mind, and almost instantly my now dark nipples started to crinkle and harden in excitement.

Who knew being pregnant had an upside? Finally past my first trimester, I no longer felt nauseated… just fucking horny all the time. Anything could and did turn me on.

Feeling naughty, I angled my body into the direct stream of one of the jets, and I moved the head so that it hit me bang on centre at my pulsing pussy.

In an instant I was gasping for breath as the water caressed and teased my clit. My pulse skyrocketed, and I braced my hand against the wall, letting the sponge fall as I started to grind my hips, trying to find the perfect position that would send me over the edge.

Parting my folds, I exposed my clit further and cried out, my ass jutting back in shock but then easing back into the stream.

“I could look at you doing that all day,” Drake said, surprising me.

I half turned and saw his naked, carved, statue–like body, coated in a fine mist of moisture, his cock high and thick, almost in line with his navel.

I held out my hand, wanting him to come join me, but he shook his head.

“Don’t turn around. Touch yourself,” he whispered, and his own hand moved down towards his shaft.

Following his lead, I slipped my fingers between my lips, urging them wider, letting the water hit my clit again.

“You’re so fucking sexy. I want to see you,” Drake said.

Wanting to please, I turned my body again.

“No, stay near the wall. Widen your legs… bend over. Yes, just like that. A little more.”

The thumping of my heart echoed around every limb as I did what he requested.

“Now spread your cheeks. That’s it. Show me that sweet pink pussy.”

I heard him moan behind me, closer now, as I tugged on my ass and he saw my most intimate parts. All I wanted him to do was plunge into me and take me right there, up against the shower wall, hard and without mercy. But Drake had other ideas.

“Slide your finger inside.”

From behind I dipped my digit into my swollen entrance. My short finger would never be enough to get me off, I needed Drake’s wide and lengthy cock to reach deep within me.

His breathing faltered and in seconds he had handfuls of my ass in his hands. He tugged at me as his cock pressed and slid between the gap, teasing me.

“Fuck me,” I demanded. Enough of the foreplay, I thought, I wanted to be rammed.

He spooned me from behind and danced me out of the shower room, his hands leading me by keeping a firm hold upon my waist.

My bare feet moved from the slick wet bathroom tiles onto the carpeted bedroom floor, the moisture being sucked from my soles.

He led me to the foot of the bed, where there was a dark mahogany ottoman, topped with a bulging cushion, waiting. My knees hit the cushioned edge. Drake’s rod wedged itself between the crack of my cheeks. Finally, I thought, he’s going to put it in me.

I scrambled onto the ottoman, getting ready for him, my hands planted firmly on top of the bed, my knees far apart.

Drake cupped my dangling breast and rubbed himself against my burning pussy. If he didn’t fuck me soon, I was going to have to take matters into my own hands.

Drake’s fingers skirted down the length of my back, his palms flattened to push upon my shoulder blades. Eager to please and overflowing with juices, I pressed my upper body and tender breasts into the duvet. My ass was propped high in the air, downward dog–style, wiggling for him to come forth. I expected to feel the tip of his cock pressing against the rim of my pussy, but instead warm air rushed from his panting mouth and up my thigh. His mouth clamped on upon my folds and sucked in my lips and all my flowing desire for him.

My hands balled up into fists as his tongue lapped at my searing core, his fingers pulling me wide so he could explore deeper. Drake thrust his tongue in and I whimpered, my clit throbbing for attention, too.

He was not gentle, and I did not want him to be. He rammed his tongue in and out as if it were a spear, hard and fast, driving it within me as I pushed back, my pussy and ass wrapping around his face, his nose pecking at my other hole.

“You taste divine,” he growled when he came up for air, but no sooner had he spoken than he was fingering me again. Warming me up for what was to come, but I was already hot enough.

“If you don’t fuck me right now, Drake, I’m going to get off this bed and leave you to it.”

“Well someone’s impatient,” he crooned. I looked over my shoulder and glared at him and his big, wide grin.

“Put your cock in me, now. Do it!” I demanded.

His eyebrow twitched into a high arc, and his smile evolved into a devilish grin.

“Have it your way,” he said and slapped my ass cheek so hard it sounded with a loud crack. There would be a red hand print there tomorrow, I knew for sure. No bikini–bottoms for me.

Without any further warning, teasing, nudging or stroking, the meaty head of his cock forced its way into my dripping wet, waiting pussy. My insides tried to stretch as quickly as they could, but the power with which he rammed it in sent acute ripples of pain through my body. A millisecond or so later, waves of pleasure overrode the distress my pussy was feeling as it got used to the unrelenting pounding it was taking.

“Is this how you want it, you dirty girl?” he grunted as his hips drove into me, rougher with each stroke.

I moaned, the air being forced out of my lungs with each battering as Drake’s ball–sack smacked against the fleshy part of my inner thigh.

“God, yes. Fuck me harder,” I said, trying to keep my cries to a dull roar, but it was impossible to contain the eruption of sound that started to accumulate deep at my base.

I was going to unravel at any moment, and the tightening inside was almost ready to let loose. Drake had wound me up like a toy, a jack–in–the–box, keen to spring up, eager to surprise you when it finally bursts its way out.

Drake’s fingers dug into my waist. My body was locked in position.

And just when I thought it was never going to happen, an unstoppable force overcame me, and I burst like an over–pressurised balloon.

I whimpered into the sheets, trying to smoother my cries. Drake eased down and my walls eagerly wrapped around his cock, a throbbing beat bringing him to climax, filling me up as he came.

My knees gave out, and I collapsed onto the bed; Drake crashed down beside me.

“Fuckin’ hell,” he mouthed.

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk…” I said, the flesh between my thighs already feeling tender and raw.

Drake pressed his cheek against the covers and stared at me, trailing a lazy hand over my face.

“You’re amazing. I don’t think I tell you that enough.”

I bit my lip and lowered my eyes, a wash of bashfulness overcoming me.

“Hellooooo?” A high pitched voice called from beyond the closed door of the bedroom.

Both our eyes went wide as saucers. We both lay there rigid, our breaths held, waiting for the person to retreat to another part of the house.

“Drakie?” Barbara called. “Is anyone here?”

“Oh, shit. It’s your mother!” I hissed, hearing her advancing footsteps on the wooden floor in the hallway.

“Go, hide. The bathroom, quick!” he said as he sprung upward and bolted to find a towel to wrap around his waist.

Shit shit shit!

I hobbled to the bathroom as fast as my ravaged body would take me.
Jesus Christ, I was aching!

“Get rid of her,” I whispered before pulling the door to, hiding away.