MILLIE
As my due date drew nearer, I found myself in a state of eager anticipation, each passing day marked off mentally as I counted down the moments until the arrival of my baby. The weight of my pregnancy had transformed me into a creature that felt like a rhinoceros, every movement accompanied by a sense of immense effort. And when the night descended, the quest for a comfortable sleeping position became an almost futile endeavor. Even standing upright had become a cumbersome task, as I leaned my hip wearily against the kitchen counter, seeking a moment’s respite.
It was in this state that Gio, my constant companion since that incident which had shaken us, walked into the kitchen, his lips seeking mine in a tender kiss. His concern for me had been unwavering, evident in his perpetual presence by my side. While he hadn’t divulged all the details of what had transpired, the gravity of the situation had been etched in his demeanor. The incident had prompted Leonardo’s protective measures, fortifying our surroundings and insisting that I remain away from windows.
Gio’s involvement in my well-being had been so intensive that Sebastian had assumed a significant share of the business responsibilities during the ensuing weeks. Only recently had Gio begun to exhibit a slight relaxation, a testament to the ebbing of the tension that had gripped us.
“How are you?” Gio inquired, his gaze filled with genuine care.
“Hungry,” I responded, a perpetual state it seemed. The arduous beginning of my pregnancy had evolved into a voracious appetite, the act of eating now dominating my days. Miraculously, the weight gain had been minimal, a fact for which I silently thanked my fortunate genetics.
His hand tenderly touched my burgeoning belly. “And how is she doing?”
I covered his hand with mine, savoring the connection. “She’s incredibly active. Keeps me up at night.”
“I know. The pregnancy will be over soon.”
I chuckled softly. “I’m not entirely convinced our sleep will improve then.”
His thumb caressed my belly affectionately, a gesture laden with love and anticipation.
The sound of approaching footsteps diverted our attention, causing Gio to straighten and withdraw his hand as Leonardo emerged around the corner, freezing for a moment. “Will you be spending the day at home?” he inquired.
Gio’s demeanor shifted subtly, the tenderness from moments ago now receding. He couldn’t afford such displays of vulnerability in front of his men, though he didn’t mask his emotions as intensely when Sebastian was present.
“No,” Gio replied with a controlled resolve. “I have a meeting with the Captains.”
My fingers briefly brushed against his chest, right above his heart and the tattoo gracing his skin. Be cautious, my silent communication conveyed, a sentiment he understood all too well. He bestowed upon me a possessive kiss before departing.
Armed with a book, I made my way to the mansion’s garden, Leonardo trailing silently behind me. Under the late June sun, Harper and Sienna were basking, their sunglasses shielding their eyes. However, my burgeoning condition couldn’t tolerate the heat for long, a stark contrast to my longing for the familiar streets of New York. In the aftermath of the incident, Gio had insisted on my confinement within our estate’s walls. Yet, as the due date neared, I was compelled to return to New York, for it was there that Gio had chosen a hospital for the impending birth.
With a bit of maneuvering, I shed my dress and lowered myself onto a sun chair, a groan escaping my lips as I settled in. My bikini bottoms were obscured by my burgeoning belly, prompting a fleeting concern about their orientation.
Harper lifted her sunglasses, sharing a knowing glance with Sienna.
“Wait until you’re carrying a child and movement feels like a distant luxury,” I mumbled as I stretched out, another groan betraying my discomfort.
“Neither Sebastian nor I have any plans for parenthood,” Harper remarked, a note of certainty in her voice.
Sienna chewed her lip thoughtfully. “Dario and I dream of children, but we’re biding our time until the circumstances are right.”
Motherhood at twenty-three hadn’t been a part of my original life plan, yet here I was, embracing the unexpected journey with contentment.
Harper’s gaze shifted to Leonardo, who had settled at a shaded garden table. “Aren’t you sweltering in that ensemble?”
Dressed in black from head to toe, Leonardo seemed unfazed by the sun’s intensity. He looked up, bemusement flickering in his eyes. “I’m not here for leisure.”
Harper scoffed playfully. “Heaven forbid anyone has fun around here.”
Laughter bubbled from me. “Cut him some slack.”
Leonardo’s face lit up with gratitude as he shot me a warm smile, then shifted his attention back to surveying the surroundings. The day was gently fading into evening, casting a warm, golden glow across the estate. I succumbed to the drowsiness brought on by the sun’s caress, allowing myself to slip into slumber. However, my tranquility was short-lived, shattered by Maria’s uproar. Blinking against the intrusive sunlight, I roused myself and inquired, “What time is it?”
Harper, her focus drifting away from the book she had been engrossed in, responded with a nonchalant shrug, “I have no idea.” My gaze wandered toward the vast expanse of the ocean, and my mind meandered, yearning for the possibility of returning to Italy the following year. The weeks of confinement within the mansion had kindled an intense longing for the unbounded freedom of the sea.
Harper’s concerned gaze fixed upon me as she questioned, “When was the last time you ventured outside?”
“Well, technically, I’m outside right now,” I replied, a hint of amusement dancing in my words.
“You know what I mean,” she persisted.
I contemplated her query for a moment before recounting, “According to Dario, it’s for the best that Millie’s pregnancy remains a secret, even though there’s speculation about her mental well-being due to her marriage with Gio.”
A puzzled expression crossed Harper’s face, prompting me to clarify, “What?”
Sienna winced, her features contorting with discomfort. “Because you’ve withdrawn from the public eye over the past four months, rumors have begun circulating. Some suggest you’re in rehab or a psychiatric facility. Others claim Gio has confined you because your beauty is too overwhelming for him to share with the world.”
Harper interjected with an incredulous tone, “What kind of nonsense is that? Sounds like something Sebastian would concoct just for amusement.”
Chuckling softly, I closed my eyes for a moment, finding humor in the absurdity. “I must admit, I’d rather embrace the ‘too beautiful’ rumor than the ‘nutcase’ one.” My gaze drifted downward, fixing on my growing belly. “Even though I don’t particularly feel beautiful at the moment.”
Harper’s reassurance followed promptly, “Once you’ve brought that little one into the world, your body will bounce back in no time.”
Sienna chimed in playfully, “At least Gio isn’t developing a ‘dad bod’ in solidarity.” She grinned mischievously. “I read somewhere that many men gain more weight than their partners during pregnancy, supposedly in a show of ‘sympathetic pregnancy’ or something like that.”
Gio’s voice, unexpected and resonant, cut through the conversation as he materialized behind me. I emitted a surprised yelp, twisting around to face him. There he stood, arms folded across his chest, clad only in swim trunks. The notion of Gio experiencing a solidarity pregnancy was nothing short of a fantasy his physique remained as chiseled as ever, devoid of any excess weight.
Sebastian sauntered up beside his brother, his grin infectious as he patted Gio’s well-defined abdomen. “I think I can sense a slight protrusion.”
A wry smile tugged at Gio’s lips as he retorted, “The only protrusion I’ll ever have is in my pants, and I expect you to keep your hands away from that.”
Lighthearted banter persisted as Sebastian playfully teased Harper, resulting in a roll of her eyes. Even in his beach attire, Sebastian exuded a casual charm, much like the rest of our companions.
With a touch of humor, I interjected, “Alright, enough of the bulge talk.” I attempted to shift into a sitting position, realizing my mobility was currently more restricted than a beetle on its back. A hand extended toward me, offered by Gio, who wore a half-smirk that barely masked his underlying protectiveness.
I let out a sigh as he helped me to my feet, my fingers grazing his toned abdomen. “I almost wish you had put on a bit of weight. Then I wouldn’t feel quite so enormous.”
Gio’s frame leaned closer, his palm resting gently on my belly. “Millie, you’re being unreasonable. You’re beautiful, and you’re still petite.” I was prepared to protest, but the intensity of his gaze silenced my self-doubt, if only for that moment.