Felicia could barely keep up. The atmosphere was too intense; everything felt both natural and surreal. When Stephan bit her earlobe again, Felicia bit back. Their passionate exchange continued until nightfall. The entire afternoon had slipped into evening before they finally settled down.
When Felicia regained her senses, a memory flickered. She asked Stephan, “Did someone knock earlier?”
“Yes,” Stephan responded calmly, his voice husky.
Felicia winced, confirming it wasn't a dream. She remembered Imogen arriving, perhaps to invite them to dinner, and locking the door while carrying Caleb. But the atmosphere had been too intense, and Felicia too groggy to respond. Stephan hadn't replied. Imogen, frustrated, eventually clicked her tongue and left with Caleb, instructing her men to prevent anyone from approaching the door until it was opened from inside.
Felicia sighed, pulling the blanket over her head. Her muffled voice emerged, “I’m not going out. Go away.” Stephan chuckled, pulling the blanket off her. He coaxed, “It’s all legal. What’s the problem? You’re too shy, Mrs. Russell.”
Felicia glared, unable to hide her rumbling stomach. Their bedtime activities had drained her energy, despite eating earlier. She muttered, “Too hungry,” but received no response. Glancing up, she found Stephan staring at her flat stomach, deep in thought. His gaze was dark and unreadable; her heart skipped a beat.
Stephan spoke softly, almost to himself. Felicia didn’t catch it, asking, “What?”
“It’s nothing. Let me carry you to the bathroom, then we can go downstairs for dinner,” Stephan said, lifting Felicia and heading toward the bathroom. She lacked the strength to resist.
After freshening up, they went downstairs. It was already 5:00 PM. Imogen hadn’t gone to bed yet. Postpartum recovery complete, and perhaps due to dealing with her husband, she seemed in a better mood recently, though occasionally briefly appearing lost. All her attention was focused on Gleb.
Caleb, one month old, lay on the couch. His round, curious eyes immediately met Felicia’s as she descended the stairs. At that age, babies fear no strangers and recognize few. They are interested in everything. Seeing Felicia, he grinned widely, babbling and flapping his hands. Felicia hesitated, pulling back her hand before picking him up.
Stephan leaned close, his voice low, “Do you like him?”
Felicia didn’t…