Page 79 of Irreplaceable

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Iblinked a few times in the darkness, the hoot of an owl punctuating the stillness of the night. Was that what had woken me? A light on the nightstand caught my eye, Mamma’s name flashing on the screen.

I assumed it was about Harper and me. I’d put off talking to Mamma, and I knew I needed to tell her about the baby. I honestly wasn’t sure how she’d react, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be as positive as the reception we’d gotten from Harper’s family.

Mamma had always wanted grandchildren, but I didn’t know how she’d feel about Harper. We weren’t married. Harper wasn’t Italian—or even Catholic, for that matter. But I did love her.

Love her?

I held my breath, trying to sit with that feeling for a moment.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized it was true. Crazy as it sounded, I loved Harper. I was in love with Harper. And we were having a baby together. That was what mattered—the baby and Harper. Everything else would sort itself out. With that thought, I finally relaxed.

I was drifting back to sleep when I heard a moan.

“Enzo,” Harper groaned. “Oh god.” She blew out a breath, writhing beneath the sheets.

I froze, listening to her in the darkness. Was she…dreaming of me?

I wondered what was going on inside that beautiful head of hers. I’d stopped us from going further once, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do so again. I pressed down on my cock, the urge to take her stronger than ever. Her scent was surrounding me, and I needed to be inside her.

“Touch me, please,” she pleaded, sounding very awake.

Was I the one dreaming now? I was in that state where I was still half asleep, but my body knew exactly what to do.

I rolled so I was facing her, fumbling beneath the covers for bare skin. I was already rock hard, and I needed to touch her. God, how I needed her.

“Yes,” she hissed, when I pulled her nightgown down to tease her breasts.

She’d always liked when I played with her nipples, but she seemed even more responsive since the pregnancy. Just thinking of the way she’d reacted in her kitchen had me ready to pounce.

I licked and sucked her nipples until her back was arching. I pressed my hard-on against her thigh, the pressure building. Fuck, this woman. What had she done to me?

I peeled her panties aside and teased her clit with my finger. Around and around, I went in a figure eight until she was panting. I brought her to the brink and then slid my fingers down in a V motion through her slit. Then back up again, restarting the whole cycle until she was on the edge once more. Finally, the third time, I let her come.

And fuck if I didn’t almost come too.

I continued rubbing her clit until her convulsions stopped, her body relaxing. She let out a satisfied sigh, and I smiled at the sound. I pressed my lips to her temple, and then she rolled over, dragging me with her.

I frowned and settled in behind her, wondering if she just needed a moment to catch her breath. My cock was nestled between her legs, her back pressed to my front. My body was tight with pent-up need, and if I didn’t do something soon, I was going to burst.

But then her breathing grew deeper, her body heavier in my arms. And I realized she’d fallen asleep. I shook my head and tried to relax, but my body was drawn tight and my mind was spinning.

The sky was changing from inky black to purple. A glance at the clock told me it was now almost six, and I let out a deep sigh. Knowing sleep would be impossible now, I decided to head out for a run.

The property was magnificent this time of day, the sun rising over the pond, fog clouding the surface as I circled it. It was peaceful, and by the time I returned, I felt more centered. Though my desire for Harper hadn’t lessened. If anything, it was even worse after last night. It spurred me on, and I climbed the stairs two at a time.

Harper wasn’t in her room, so I showered. I was headed down the hall when a door opened, and I nearly bumped into her.

“Oh, hey.” She startled, placing a hand to her chest.

I tried to peer around her, but all I could see was darkness. “Is that a closet?” I frowned. “What were you doing in there?”

“It’s actually a makeshift darkroom. For photography,” she added, perhaps sensing my confusion.

“Can I see?”

“Um, sure.” She stepped inside, and I followed her.