A full month had passed, and Kacy was still not prepared for surprises.
That was why he was damn shocked when his two most annoying childhood friends walked straight into his house like they owned the place.
He hadn't expected to see them again so soon after their last visit, and definitely not after a whole month of silence.
Since he couldn't exactly throw them out immediately, he only grumbled under his breath and ushered them in. He didn't bother telling them to feel at home.
They did that perfectly well on their own, dropping their asses onto his living room couch like it was theirs.
His wife was still asleep.
Not surprising.
After the way he had dealt with her the previous day, she wouldn't be waking anytime soon.
Yesterday had been chaos. Rage. Fear.
She had gone to meet a stranger who claimed he could help her with something she hadn't even told him about. And the bastard had nearly raped her.
If not for Edna.
Her friend had called him in panic, telling him Ivana had followed a stranger to his house just to sign documents, even after she warned her not to. Ivana hadn't returned, and something felt wrong.
God… thank heaven he arrived at that exact moment, just as the bastard tried to violate his Ivy.
If he had been a second later, she would have been shattered beyond repair, broken in ways no one could ever put back together.
The image alone was enough to burn through him.
The way she looked, shattered, trembling, already halfway gone, had silenced every rational thought in his head.
He hadn't dealt with the man then, not because he didn't want to, but because his little moonlight was there. Cracked. Ruined. Needing him.
So he chose her.
His men knew better than to question him. A single command had been enough.
Take him to the warehouse. Tie him. Do not touch him.
He would handle it himself when he returned.
They thought he was consoling her.
The truth was uglier.
He did not soothe her with gentle words or patience. He drowned her fear in intensity, in control so overwhelming she had no space left to think.
The more she begged, the deeper he pulled her under, until exhaustion replaced terror and her body simply gave up.
And if she had truly betrayed him…
No. He did not finish the thought.
She was lucky. Terribly lucky.
When it was over, she could not stand. She barely made it to the bed, crawling there on instinct while his anger still burned behind his eyes, sharp and unforgiving. He had not meant to be that rough. Or maybe he had. He was not sure anymore.
But then she broke.
Not the quiet kind of breaking. Real tears. Sobs that shook her small body, raw and unguarded. That was when something in him finally cracked too.
He gathered her into his arms, pulling her close, one hand resting in her hair, the other steady at her back. No words. Just slow, grounding motions until her breathing evened out and sleep finally claimed her.
Only then did his jaw tighten.
The rage never left his eyes.
It was simply waiting.
Now, back to the real problem.
His annoying friends.
"So," Adam drawled, clicking his tongue. "You're still angry with her?"
"Tell me that's not why you came," Kacy replied, rolling his eyes.
"Well… partially," Adam said shamelessly.
"Your boys said you looked pissed off."
Traitors.
"And?" Kacy scoffed.
Damn, his childhood friends were the worst teasers alive. Always disturbing his peace.
"Well," Leon added, grinning, "we came to check if our sister-in-law is still in one piece."
They both laughed.
Kacy stared at them in pure irritation.
"Oh," he said, forcing a fake smile. "Physically? She's fine. Emotionally and mentally?" He shrugged. "Not so much. Satisfied now?"
"And sexually?" Adam added with a wink.
Kacy glared at him.
"Shut up, Adam."
"I won't," Adam laughed. "I'm interrogating
you. What do you think, Leon?"
Leon looked up from the cookie Ivana had baked the day before, chewing thoughtfully.
"She's shattered," he said calmly. "And probably paralyzed sexually."
Kacy rolled his eyes. "Maybe."
"KACY!" they both yelled.
"Adam, get lost before I tell Lilian you're hiding here to avoid her," Kacy snapped.
If looks could kill, both of them would have been dead already.
"Wow," Leon muttered, facepalming. "I thought you followed me here to lecture this man."
"And both of you are crazy," Kacy sneered. His patience was gone. Completely.
"I will kill these idiots one day," he thought.
"And you love us like that," they both chorused.
"Get out!" Kacy yelled, his nose already red with anger.
"Madam Ina!" they screamed toward the kitchen. "This idiot wants to throw us out. Save us!"
Madam Ina didn't find it funny.
She marched in, grabbed both of them by the ears, twisting hard while they begged until she finally let go.
"Don't come again if it's about teasing my Kacy," she huffed. "Now get lost."
"I knew she didn't like us today," Adam muttered, wiping imaginary tears.
"She never liked you," Kacy replied dryly. "From day one."
"Alright," Leon said, raising his hands. "Enough teasing."
Then he looked straight at Kacy.
"We all know you shattered her," Leon continued. "But are you still angry with your wife?"
"And when," he added, smirking, "are you finally going to tell her you love her?"
Leon stuck his tongue out playfully.
Kacy grabbed the knife from the table and pointed it straight at him.
Leon yelped and pulled his tongue back instantly.
"When she gets pregnant," he murmured calmly, as though he hadn't just threatened to cut off Leon's tongue.
"Uh… okay. Your business," Leon scoffed, no longer daring to tease. Kacy's wide grin earned him a sharp huff, while Adam laughed at their silent bickering.
"And yes, I'm still very much angry at her…"
As if summoned by the words, a soft yawn echoed from the staircase.
All three men turned at once. Even Madam Ina paused.
Ivana appeared at the top of the stairs, carefully placing one foot down. The moment she tried to bring the other forward, her legs trembled violently. She froze, gripping the railing for balance.
Leon and Adam exchanged knowing looks and winked at Kacy.
Kacy didn't react. His eyes were blank, void of emotion.
He had warned her. Told her he would cripple her for a day. He meant every word of it. She hadn't taken him seriously.
Now she was paying for it.
Madam Ina moved swiftly, grabbing a cookie from the tray beside Leon. He opened his mouth to protest, but her glare shut him up instantly. She tossed the cookie at Kacy flatly. He groaned, annoyed, but stayed silent, watching her.
She went straight to Ivana.
Assisting her down the stairs slowly, carefully, Madam Ina guided her into the kitchen and helped her sit on the chair beside the counter. Breakfast preparations resumed, but Kacy's eyes never left Ivana.
Not until she was seated.
Then their eyes met.
The noise around them faded. The clatter of plates, Adam and Leon's bickering, Madam Ina's movements. It was just the two of them, locked in a silent stare.
Ivana broke eye contact first, scanning the room.
Fuck his friends.
"Good morning," she murmured.
Kacy smirked, his gaze dark and possessive, as if silently reminding her that she was his.
Her face flushed. She turned away, feeling the heat of his stare burning into her back.
"Hi," she added shyly, lifting her hand in a small wave.
"Aww, our sunshine," Adam teased.
Leon and Kacy rolled their eyes.
"Our?" Ivana asked, confused, her face turning scarlet.
"Don't mind him, our sister in law," Leon added, grinning, earning a sharp glare from her.
Argh. Leon and Adam were seriously impossible, still using that annoying our like it meant something.
She blinked. "Uh… um…" she replied, clearly confused.
"At least you welcomed us with love," Adam said, pointing at Kacy. "This fool didn't."
Realization dawned on her face.
"The fool," she echoed, tracing Kacy with her eyes and winking.
Adam nodded approvingly.
She burst into laughter, soft at first, then unladylike. Leon and Adam stared at her in surprise. Kacy only smirked, watching calmly.
Feeling his gaze, she abruptly stopped laughing, twisting the strands of her hair and pretending she hadn't just mocked him.
"Really?" Kacy finally spoke, his eyes amused but dangerous.
She swallowed.
"I'm sorry," she said sweetly.
"For what?" His tone was calm, bored even.
"You know… about yesterday." She fidgeted with the rope at her waist, attached to her floral gown.
"And what about yesterday?" His voice rose, sharp and cold.
She opened her mouth, closed it. No words came.
"Chill, man. Slowly," Adam cut in, noticing the attention they were drawing.
The workers froze. Plates hovered mid air. Even the maids stiffened until Madam Ina's loud voice snapped them back to work, sending everyone retreating quickly to the staff quarters.
Kacy cursed under his breath and glared at Adam.
"Shut the fuck up," he snapped. "You don't support stupidity like hers. She followed a stranger to his house to sign what documents? Are you that desperate, Ivana?"
He didn't care who heard.
His hands raked through his hair.
Adam, Leon, and Madam Ina quietly left, sensing the storm.
"Yes, enough, Kacy," Ivana snapped back, tears spilling. "I'm desperate because you…"
He cut her off.
"And you still won't tell me what documents you were signing," he growled. "You open your mouth and say it's desperation and you fucking want forgiveness. You're crazy, Ivana Moore."
Calling her full name made it worse.
Maybe he really was that angry.
"You won't understand," she yelled back, sobbing.
"Then make me understand."
He was suddenly close, arms around her waist, kissing away her tears. And then she said it.
"You don't love me. So why are you so angry I met a stranger for a favor? Yes, thanks for saving me from being raped, dear husband, even though I know it's not because you love me."
Silence.
"Oh God… little moonlight".
He crossed the kitchen in two long strides, caught her by the waist, and pulled her flush against his chest.
His mouth claimed hers without warning, deep and reckless, stealing her breath as his tongue tangled with hers, leaving her dizzy and aching. His hand slid beneath her gown, curving over her breast as if it had always belonged there.
"Fuck, Ivy," he breathed against her lips. "I'm in love with you. I love everything. Your fire, your moans, your smile. Your beauty, your stubborn heart, your eyes, that sinful laugh of yours, your rose scent. I love the good and the ugly of you. I just didn't realize it until after the honeymoon."
He dropped to his knees in front of her, arms locking around her waist like a vow he refused to break. He kissed her trembling face, again and again, before finally pulling back, breathless.
"I love you, Ivy. Maybe I've loved you since the first day you stood up to me and told me to call you Mrs Ivana Lillard. That was the moment I knew this marriage would last. You were always going to be mine. Mine only. And our little prince or princess… fuck. I love you, little moonlight."
He kissed her like he was afraid she might disappear.
Ivana stared at him, stunned and glowing, then kissed him back with the same desperate hunger. At least she wasn't alone in this.
Fear melted into relief. Pulling away, she whispered, steady and honest,
"I love you too, Kacy. I'm sorry I never said it."
He froze.
Shock flickered across his face as he remained kneeling, then softened into something dangerously tender. His hand cupped the back of her neck, his forehead resting against hers, a smile breaking through.
"Little moonlight… say it again."
"I love you, Kacy. I always have."
She blushed and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
"Fuck," he murmured, smirking. "I wish you'd say those three words with that angelic voice every day." He lifted her chin, clearly pleased with the crimson spreading over her face and down her neck.
"Baby, stop teasing me," she said shyly, tapping his chest.
He caught her wrists and pulled her close, forcing a gasp from her lips. Her cheeks burned as she stared at him.
"About your fashionista dream," he said casually, watching her lips part in shock.
"Fuck… you knew?"
"I always knew," he whispered, fingers playing with her hair as he inhaled her rose-and-vanilla scent. His voice was slow and heated, sinking straight into her skin. "I told you before. Ask me, Ivy. I don't bite."
Tears welled up, this time bright and happy. "Oh God… Kacy, I'm sorry," she cried.
Seeing her tears made something dark twist inside him. He kissed them away gently.
"You're forgiven," he murmured. "You know I lose all sense when you cry. And I love you. I'll help you build your dream again. Every step of it."
She blinked at him, stunned.
"You mean it?"
"I mean every fucking word, baby."
Her breath hitched as she took him in, speechless.
"Oh God… I love you."
She pulled him up from his knees, wrapped her legs around his waist, and kissed him fiercely.
Her mouth drifted to his throat, teeth sinking just enough to leave a mark. A low moan slipped from him, and she smiled against his skin.
He stared at her like she'd undone him completely.
"I never knew you could kiss like that."
She blushed harder when his hand curved over her ass, squeezing gently. She gasped and buried her face in his neck. He squeezed again, firmer this time, drawing a soft moan from her lips.
"You deserve it," she whispered.
"And I'm sorry about your legs," he said, finally easing his hands away before moving to rub them gently.
She shot him a shy look, then hid her face against his chest. "Really… it's fine. At least I have a private leg"
He laughed at her shyness, pulling her head gently from his chest and flicking her forehead. She glared at him, rubbing the sore spot.
"Which is," he teased, pecking her forehead again.
She pouted, smiling up at him.
"You, of course. And I have a surprise for you." Her arms were still wrapped around him as she reached into her gown and pulled out an envelope. She held it up between them.
"Open it, daddy," she said sweetly.
"Really? Daddy?" he asked, visibly amused.
"Yes, daddy." She pecked his tattoo, her fingers tracing it softly before tapping the design. "What's the meaning of the rose and the moon on top?"
"I'll tell you another time, pretty." His voice softened as he took the envelope. "And I'm opening it, little moonlight."
He slid the paper out slowly.
As his eyes scanned the words, his breath caught. His fingers tightened around the page.
The room seemed to tilt, the noise fading as disbelief crashed into him.
His lips parted, but no sound came out. His chest rose sharply, eyes glossy, stunned, frozen, as though the world had just rewritten itself in ink.
"I'm pregnant, baby," she said softly, a bright note of triumph in her voice.
Her fingers brushed the mark on his Adam's apple, slow and deliberate, before her tongue traced it once more.
When she finally pulled away, a satisfied smile curved her lips, her eyes lingering on the deep crimson stain she had claimed as hers.
He gasped, staring at her like she was everything he had ever prayed for.
"Fuck, Ivy," he breathed, kissing her slowly before pulling away again. "Jeez… I'm going to be a father."
The words broke him.
He kissed her again, harder, tears spilling freely as he laughed and cried all at once. She tapped his chest softly, breathless, and he pulled back instantly, guilt flashing across his face.
"Sorry," he whispered.
Her face turns scarlet instantly.
"Fuck… I can't believe it. My Ivy's pregnant." He said in disbelief.
"Yes, baby. Your Ivy's pregnant." She smiled, taking his hands and placing them gently on her stomach. "I'm two months gone."
Carefully, reverently, he lifted her onto the kitchen counter and bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her belly. His hands rubbed slow circles, protective and trembling.
Then he felt it.
His breath hitched.
"The baby kicked," he whispered in disbelief. "I felt it."
Tears streamed freely as he hugged her tightly, kissing her neck, his voice breaking.
"Oh my sweet Ivy. I felt it. The baby kicked in my arms."
His whispered words sent heat flooding through her, her body reacting despite herself. He kissed her face endlessly, holding her close.
She moaned softly, eyes shining as she stared at him, then pushed him away gently, gasping for air.
"Are you not angry I didn't tell you earlier?" she asked quietly.
"Well, you had your reasons," he replied calmly. "And even if it took a few months more, I wouldn't be angry. I know you would tell me."
She stared at him, admiration softening her features.
Her face flushed. "So… are you going to tell your mom, or should Madam Ina tell her?"
"Madam Ina is more preferable," he said, lifting her effortlessly off the counter. Her legs wrapped around him as he pulled a chair closer and sat her down gently. "Because right now baby, sit."
He smiled at her. "Tell me what you want for breakfast."
"Baby, I want you and noodles," she teased, laughing.
He dropped the pot in his hand and turned slowly, a dark, heated smirk spreading across his face.
"Be careful what you ask for, little moonlight," he warned softly. "I can't guarantee I won't bend you over this counter if you keep saying things like that."
She gasped, eyes widening, lips parting and closing nervously. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to turn away. When she noticed the bulge in his pants, he winked at her before grabbing the noodles from the cupboard.
He began cooking, feeling her stare burn into him.
A low chuckle escaped him.
She watched him in disbelief.
Kacy Lillard, the infamous playboy, standing in the kitchen cooking for her, looking at her like she was his entire world. His possessive glances sent heat pooling low in her stomach.
She had never expected him to fall like this. Never thought he was capable of tenderness, or love. She had believed he only wanted her body, never realizing the bond that had been forming with every touch, every moment.
The kitchen door opened.
Adam and Leon walked in with Madam Ina, all three stopping short at the sight of Kacy cooking.
Madam Ina cleared her throat.
"I thought you two were on the verge of killing each other," she said dryly. "So what's with this sugar coated love you're displaying now?"
She smacked Kacy lightly on the shoulder and took a seat at the counter, glaring at him.
"Well," Adam said, smirking, "looks like his wife has the charm to turn Kacy into her puppet."
Kacy shot him a glare.
Ivana smirked, trying to suppress a laugh. "I'm very charming, Adam. He can't resist me."
Kacy's eyes darkened as he smirked back at her.
She blushed instantly, heat flooding her body again.
Leon face palmed, shaking his head, already exhausted by the three fools bickering.
"Can't you just leave Kacy and his wife to sort out their mess without poking your nose, huh Adam?"
Leon scoffed, clearly annoyed. Adam only responded by sticking out his tongue and flipping him off with his middle finger.
Kacy rolled his eyes, done with them. He finished cooking his wife's noodles, dishing them neatly onto a plate.
He adjusted the side table beside her, placed the food carefully, then went to bring water and juice.
Sitting opposite her, he fed her slowly, blowing on each bite to cool it before offering it to her, his movements unhurried and tender.
Ivana took the noodles into her mouth shyly. He cupped her cheeks, smiling softly, then looked back at the three clueless people still standing in the kitchen.
"She's two months pregnant, silly," he said calmly. "So she's supposed to be treated like a queen. And for a fact, my queen."
Silence fell instantly.
Madam Ina sighed happily, breaking it as she rushed forward and pulled Ivana into a tight hug.
"Oh heavens, thank goodness you're well. And pregnant with a child. God… maids!"
She called out loudly, and within seconds the maids rushed in. She began assigning instructions left and right, making sure the surroundings were perfect.
She ordered the AC reduced, insisting it wasn't good for the baby. She even went as far as calling for doctors and pregnancy herbal tonics to be brought to the house immediately.
After kissing Ivana's cheek, she smiled proudly.
"I should go relay the news to your mothers."
With that, she walked out.
Leon and Adam congratulated Ivana excitedly, already declaring that her future son or daughter would marry their own children.
Who would even give their children to these two idiots?
"You both better get lost," Kacy snapped, annoyed. "You're disturbing my wife and my child with your useless bickering."
He pushed them out of the house.
"Fuck you!" they yelled.
"Same, fools," he replied without hesitation.
They hissed loudly, rolled their eyes, and stormed into their car, driving off.
Kacy returned to Ivana's side, still feeding her gently.
"Slowly, little moonlight."
She blushed deeply, glaring at him, her cheeks flushed.
"So what nickname are you going to call the baby," she asked softly, pointing at her stomach. "If it's a boy or a girl."
He raised a brow, and she flustered immediately under his stare.
"Oh… for my little princess, I'll call her My little snowdrop."
"And who told you it's a she?" she teased, pinching his cheek. "Are you suddenly a prophet, darling?"
He glared at her playfully. Smiling nervously, she soothed the spot, rubbing his cheek softly with her fingers.
He leaned into her touch, pressing his lips lightly against her fingers, holding each one for a moment. She stared at him, speechless, her face heating up.
What was it with him and the word little? Why did he always add little to everything?
She cleared her throat.
"Such a cute bunny."
She ruffled his hair, pecked his lips, and whispered softly,
"My cute bunny."
She pulled back immediately, shocked by her own words, her fingers slipping away from his lips.
Since when did she start flirting like this?
He stared at her, slightly taken aback, then smiled slowly.
"So your pregnancy hormones give you a different personality, hmm?"
Pinching her cheek, he looked at her with a sensual gaze, his eyes filled with playfulness and mischief.
"Jeez, little moonlight, can I get you pregnant every year so you'd be less annoying?"
Her smile vanished instantly.
She hit his head hard.
"Jerk."
"Ow… what was that for?" he complained, rubbing his head.
"I thought you were going to curse at me," she replied, turning those intoxicating emerald eyes on him.
Damn those eyes.
The innocence in her expression, the shock written all over her face, left him speechless. He simply stared, then smirked slowly.
"Not now, baby. Later. You'll see."
He winked at her.
She flipped him off, flustered, while his gaze remained locked on her face, drinking in every reaction.
"She's mine," he thought. "Mine only."
"I'll deal with you later, little moonlight."
She stared at him.
He stared back.
The air between them tightened, thick with unspoken promises. His gaze was dark, possessive, unwavering. Hers was heated, defiant, trembling with desire she refused to hide. Neither looked away.
In that moment, nothing else existed.
Just hunger.
Just ownership.
Just two hearts daring the other to break first.