Serena’s POV
The manager grinned with dollar signs practically dancing in his eyes. "Alright boys, make sure these lovely ladies are well taken care of!"
The male models quickly sward around us, making jump to my feet in alarm. Ryan was still waiting outside—if he knew I was in here surrounded by male entertainers, he’d probably lose his mind.
"Why so tense, beautiful? Sit down," one model cooed, boldly grabbing my hand. His eyes swept over with practiced charm. "We get clients like you all the ti. Husband not giving you enough attention? Here, you can tell this boy all about it."
I froze for a split second before yanking my hand away like I’d been electrocuted. "You’ve misunderstood. I’m not your client."
With a frown, I flung open the door and waved Bob in. "Watch Maya. Don’t let these guys do anything to her. I need to make a call."
Bob nodded, his eyes widening as he took in the scene—Maya surrounded by half-naked n, looking way too comfortable.
Maya was on a touchy-feely spree, caressing one guy’s cheek, tracing another’s jawline, then squeezing soone else’s abs with gleeful abandon.
"Fucking asshole," she slurred, eyes unfocused. "You didn’t want , huh? Why are you all over now?"
This was getting dangerous fast.
I stepped outside and called my brother, explaining the situation as quickly as possible.
"A bar? Why would you take a pregnant woman to a bar?" Ethan sounded completely confused.
"No ti to explain. Maya’s ordered a bunch of male models and she’s completely wasted. I’m worried she’ll—"
"Male models?" Ethan cut off, his voice suddenly sharp. "I’m on my way."
He hung up before I could say another word. I stared at my phone, caught between amusent and exasperation.
When I returned to the private room, Maya had collapsed into one model’s arms, her head lolling against his chest. My stomach clenched with worry.
"All of you, out. Now," I ordered, my voice leaving no room for argunt.
I motioned Bob inside. "Get rid of them and settle the bill."
Bob nodded and efficiently herded the disappointed entertainers out the door.
Finally, silence fell over the room. Maya slumped against the couch, completely out of it. I sighed deeply, thanking whatever instinct had made co along tonight. This could have ended so badly.
The door opened again, and Ryan appeared, looking annoyed.
"What’s going on in here?" he asked, eyeing Maya’s disheveled state.
"She’s drunk," I replied simply.
Ryan nodded. "Then let’s get her ho. This place is too loud."
I shook my head. "Hold on. We need to wait."
"For what?" Ryan’s brow furrowed in confusion.
Before I could answer, the door burst open. Ethan rushed in, his sleeves rolled up haphazardly and his hair a ss. He’d clearly dropped everything to get here.
His eyes imdiately found Maya sprawled across the couch, and his expression darkened.
"How did she get this drunk?" he demanded.
I shot him a glare. "Why do you think? What exactly did you say to her this afternoon?"
Ethan pressed his lips together, refusing to answer.
In her revealing outfit—tiny camisole and shorts that showed off way too much leg—Maya suddenly opened her eyes and gave Ethan a seductive smile.
"Heyyy, let’s keep drinking!" she giggled, clearly delirious.
Ethan’s jaw tightened as he shrugged off his jacket and moved toward her, draping it over her exposed shoulders.
Maya seized the opportunity, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him close. "Keep partying with . I’ve got plenty of money for tips, baby."
That comnt made Ethan’s face darken even further. Realizing the futility of reasoning with her, he scooped her up in his arms, turning to us with a resigned expression.
"Serena, Ryan, I’ll take her ho."
I didn’t comnt on his sudden formal acknowledgnt of Ryan, just smiled and waved him off. "Go ahead."
Without another word, Ethan carried Maya out, cradling her protectively against his chest.
Ryan watched them leave, then turned to with an amused smile. "What was that? So kind of honey trap?"
I couldn’t help laughing. "Sothing like that. If Ethan didn’t care about Maya, he wouldn’t have rushed over here tonight."
"So people need a push to realize what’s in their hearts," I added.
Ryan nodded, a knowing smile playing at his lips. "Shall we go ho now?"
The ride back was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I kept wondering if my matchmaking attempt would pay off or if I’d just made things worse between Maya and Ethan. Ryan’s hand found mine across the center console, his thumb gently stroking my skin.
When we reached ho, the tension that had been building between us finally erupted. The mont the elevator doors closed behind us, Ryan’s mouth was on mine, his kiss hungry and demanding.
"Do you know how crazy I went imagining you in that place?" he growled against my lips, pressing against the wall. "All those n..."
I gasped as his hands gripped my waist. "I wasn’t there for them."
"I know," he murmured, trailing hot kisses down my neck. "But seeing you walk out of there, knowing they were looking at you..."
We stumbled into our bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. His fingers fumbled with my dress zipper, his usual composure completely abandoned.
"Ryan," I breathed as he laid on the bed, his eyes devouring every inch of . "The baby—"
"I’ll be careful," he promised, his voice rough with desire. "So careful, Serena."
His hands explored my body with reverent intensity, pausing at the slight curve of my belly. The way he touched —like I was precious and sexy all at once—made my heart race.
I reached for him, pulling him down to , needing to feel his weight, his heat. When he finally entered , slowly and with exquisite control, I cried out, arching against him.
"God, I’ve missed this," I whispered, wrapping my legs around him.
Ryan’s pace was asured at first, his movents deliberate and gentle. But as our passion built, his restraint began to slip.
"Tell if it’s too much," he panted against my ear.
"Don’t stop," I urged, digging my nails into his back.
Our bodies moved together in perfect rhythm, finding that familiar dance that had always been so right between us. Ryan’s hand slipped between us, his fingers finding exactly where I needed him most.
"Look at ," he commanded softly. "I want to see you."
I opened my eyes, eting his intense gaze as waves of pleasure began to build inside . The intimacy of that connection—seeing the raw emotion in his eyes—pushed over the edge.
I cried out his na as ecstasy crashed through , my body trembling beneath his. Ryan followed monts later, his face buried in my neck, my na a prayer on his lips.
Afterward, he gathered against his chest, his heartbeat gradually slowing beneath my ear. His hand traced lazy patterns on my back as we lay tangled in the sheets.
"I’ve been thinking," he murmured into my hair.
"Hmm?" I was barely conscious, floating in blissful exhaustion.
"About what you said earlier. So people need a push to realize what’s in their hearts." His voice grew softer. "I was one of those people, wasn’t I?"
I tilted my head to look up at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his expression.
"We both were," I admitted, reaching up to trace his jawline. "But we’re here now. That’s what matters."
Ryan kissed my forehead, pulling closer. "I’m never letting you go again. You know that, right?"
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