“You sure you don’t want to postpone the court case? Maybe get yourself a new attorney?”

  Three weeks had passed since the horrible call from my attorney. Three weeks since I’d sent Walker back to her real life, but I’d watched after her, making certain no one from the Marciano family tried to derail her plans at having a normal life. Still, I wouldn’t put anything past Riccardo, which is why I’d issued a tough but necessary command.

  Within hours, Riccardo would be gunned down on the streets of New York, becoming just another victim of a random attack. While I might regret my decision, I knew it was the only way she could keep that normal life she so desperately wanted.

  Even if I’d suffered every day since lying to her at the winery.

  She’d made plans to sell the condo. I couldn’t blame her. She’d found a little house in an okay section of Chicago, convincing her mother to move in with her. I was glad they had each other. As far as my baby girl, I’d returned her to the care of Sandy and Miles, almost breaking down when Jasmine had burst into tears. Her screams for her daddy remained with me every night, preventing me from sleeping. That wouldn’t change for a long time to come.

  I raked my hand through my hair, no longer able to feel anything. I was cold inside, dead. Nothing mattered but business.

  “Is anyone ready to end the only good part of your life?”

  I could tell he had no idea what to say. “I’m sorry, boss. Do you want me to drive you? I’m happy to be there if you need someone.”

  Chuckling, I grabbed my keys and sunglasses, heading away from my desk. “I appreciate your offer, Brick, but this I need to handle on my own.”

  “You should take some time for yourself after this is all over.”

  I stopped just inside the doorway, thinking about what he said. “Maybe I’ll do that, Brick. Maybe I will.” But I knew I wouldn’t. There was a significant amount of work to be done.

  At least the drive was without incident, although I couldn’t remember making the turns or being on the highway. All I could think about was what it would feel like to have a family. I’d tried to recoup some of that feeling by spending time with my mother and father. At least I hadn’t gotten into an argument with my dad. In fact, he seemed happy to see me for the first time in as long as I could remember.

  Still, that couldn’t make up for the significant void I felt or the knowledge it was best for me to remain alone.

  Goddamn it. I loved Walker.

  As I walked into the courts building, sadness replaced anger. I’d failed the little person who needed me the most. One day, I would get her back. I would take Walker’s advice. I would find a judge who could help me.

  The moment I walked into the assigned courtroom, my attorney breathed a sigh of relief, walking toward me with a quick pace.

  “You worried me, Maksim. I was afraid you weren’t going to show.”

  “Stop worrying, Michael. I realize that I have to take responsibility for my actions.” I shifted my gaze toward Sandy and Miles. While it was obvious that they knew I was in the building, the inability to look at me was infuriating. They were ripping my heart out and they didn’t have the decency to acknowledge their actions. I noticed the bailiff’s approach, first talking with the attorney working with Sandy and Miles then heading in our direction.

  “Mr. Moorechower, a word, please,” the bailiff said quietly.

  “Stay right here,” Michael said with emphasis in his voice.

  I didn’t bother taking my seat, preferring to stand at this point. When Michael started to return, I could tell by the look on his face that he was baffled.

  “What’s wrong?” I growled.

  “It would seem there’s been a development. We’re wanted in the judge’s chambers.”

  “What? All of us?”

  “No, just us.”

  What in the hell was going on? As I walked toward Jasmine’s grandparents, I stopped in front of them, crouching down. I could hear Michael’s disgusted deep breath. “I just want you to know that I’m not angry with either one of you. I know how much you love Jasmine and I only want what’s best for her.”

  While Miles turned away, I was surprised when Sandy reached down, grasping my hand. “I know you do, Maksim. I can see why Maggie loved you so much. We just know that Jasmine needs to grow up a normal little girl.”

  “I know.” I squeezed her hand before rising to my feet. I had to make peace with this. I refused to put Jasmine in the middle.

  When we were in the judge’s office, I realized just how uncomfortable I felt. I continued to think about Walker’s words, her insistence that I was a good man. Well, this was my single attempt at doing the right thing.

  When I heard the door open behind me, I didn’t bother glancing to see who else had arrived. I wasn’t certain I wanted to know.

  Then I felt her, the woman I loved. Walker. As I slowly turned my head, I was floored at seeing her. She was dressed in scrubs, slightly out of breath and her skin was flushed, giving her a beautiful rosy color. As she walked forward, her eyes never left mine.

  “Please remain standing,” the bailiff stated as the door to the judge’s private chambers opened, the judge walking straight to his desk.

  “Please, everyone take a seat,” the judge said. After we were all seated, he glanced at Walker, immediately nodding in recognition as well as acknowledgement. What the hell had she done? He finally turned his head, his expression not nearly as pleasant as the man stared at me.

  “Mr. Calderon. Ms. Sutherland. I realize that this has been a difficult time for both of you, so I won’t delay in providing my decision.”

  Michael pressed his hand against my chest when I moved to the edge of my chair, about ready to launch into the man.

  “The facts of this case are different from others and quite frankly disturbing on several levels. I’m well aware of who you are, Mr. Calderon, and what you do for a living. That being said, Jasmine is your biological daughter who has expressed interest in returning to her home to live with her father. While I wouldn’t ordinarily put but so much faith in the testimony of a three-year-old, I found her remarkably intelligent and mature for her age.”

  What the hell was he getting at? I remained tense, barely able to contain my anger.

  “However, I wasn’t inclined to grant her wishes given the circumstances,” the judge continued.

  “Judge Jericho,” Michael started until the judge threw up his hand, giving my attorney a nasty look.

  “Let me finish, Counselor. That is until I received a rather presumptuous visit from Ms. Sutherland. I will say that while I certainly didn’t appreciate your tactics in demanding that you be allowed to have a conversation with me, I did appreciate your tenacity, which is why I granted a few minutes together in the first place.”

  “What does Ms. Sutherland have to do with this?” Michael asked. Now I was the one who pushed my arm against his chest.

  The judge lifted his eyebrows before continuing. “You’re very lucky to have a woman like Ms. Sutherland in your life, Mr. Calderon. It is quite apparent how strongly she feels about you as well as the child. She mentioned how you were with Jasmine and exactly how she feels about you. Even for an old man like me, I was touched. I was also happy to hear about your upcoming engagement. I do believe that having two people in Jasmine’s life is a necessity. Still, I can’t ignore the concerns as expressed by Mr. and Mrs. Cooper.” He seemed uncomfortable, still weighing his decision.

  I slowly turned my head, amazed at what Walker had done. As she darted a look in my direction, I almost laughed as a slight rush of color crested along her jaw and cheeks.

  “I’ve decided to award permanent custody to Mr. Calderon on the condition that Mr. and Mrs. Cooper be given full visitation rights. There will also be a subsequent meeting in one year from this date to make certain that Jasmine is thriving. Is my decision understood?” He looked me directly in the eyes, his expression unreadable.

  “Absolutely, Your Honor. And thank you.”

  “Bailiff. Please send in Mr. and Mrs. Cooper.”

  As we were guided through the door, Michael pushed me past Sandy and Miles, refusing to allow me to stop and talk with them. I’d never felt such a rush of emotions in my life and as I walked into the corridor, a moment of utter happiness rushed into my system.

  Walker finally walked out the courtroom door, remaining where she was.

  Michael noticed my stare and shook his head. “We have some paperwork to deal with, Maksim. Don’t get off track. I’ll wait outside but you and I need to talk.”

  “Sure thing, Michael.” I watched him walk away then moved closer to her. Finding the right words was next to impossible. “Is that your way of asking me to marry you?”

  She laughed softly, the flush still remaining. “I improvised when I finally got an audience with the judge. I’m sorry. I just… I knew Jasmine should be with you, but other than telling him I was your fiancée, everything I told him was the truth.”

  “Such as?”

  “That you’re a kind and loving father, watching out for Jasmine in every aspect, encouraging her to become her own person while keeping her out of harm’s way.”

  I inched closer, the scent of her perfume instantly intoxicating. “And what else?”

  “That you made me happy.”

  “Oh, really?” I slid my arms around her, pulling her close.

  “Mmm-hmmm… And that I couldn’t wait to be your wife.”

  “What else?”

  “You’re needy,” she whispered.

  “Yes, I am. You make me that way.”

  I entwined my fingers in her hair, tugging on the pin holding her long strands in a bun. She swung her head back and forth, rising onto her tiptoes as she slipped her arms around me. “That you were one of the kindest, most generous people I’d ever met.”

  As I lowered my head, my body began to shake from the rush of adrenaline. “Lady, I can’t live without you.”

  “Then don’t.”

  As I crushed my mouth over hers, I knew that being with her was more important than anything in my life.

  Money.

  Power.

  While I would do my duty, ensuring the Novikov organization flourished, my love and my loyalty would be given to the two women who mattered the most in my life.

  And for the first time, I was whole.

  Happy.

  And in love.

  Walker

  Life was a beautiful yet delicate flower that needed to be nurtured from time to time. Love was much the same way. The days and nights I’d spent without Maksim had almost broken me in two. I’d worked long hours, hoping I could break free of the spell that kept me enthralled, but I hadn’t. And in my heart, I’d known that he needed Jasmine with him like I needed him.

  As I walked into his office, I couldn’t help but smile. He’d fixed up his lovely home, selling it almost immediately, replacing it for one much smaller but with a gorgeous back yard complete with a playset for Jasmine and a swing attached to two large trees just for me. He’d kept his promise to the judge, allowing Sally and Miles to see Jasmine whenever they wanted. They finally seemed okay with the arrangement.

  The gorgeous man stared at me with such intensity that I suddenly couldn’t breathe. I walked closer, tingling all over from the way his gaze traveled down every inch of me, his nostrils flaring.

  “Daddy! Walker!” Jasmine squealed as she ran into the room, lunging in my direction.

  “Goodness,” I said, laughing as I caught her in my arms. “Look at you. What a pretty little dress.”

  “Daddy bought it for me.”

  “Uh-huh. I think Daddy spoils you.” As Brick walked in, he appeared flushed from trying to keep up with her.

  “I’m sorry, boss. She got away from me,” Brick muttered.

  Maksim laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Brick. However, will you do me a favor?”

  “Sure, boss. Whatever you need.”

  “Why don’t you take the lovely Ms. Calderon to the store and have her pick out two flavors of ice cream.”

  “Really?” she asked, her eyes lighting up.

  “Yes, we’ll have a little celebration later in the garden. Would you like that, baby girl?” Now Maksim was the one lit up like a firecracker, which he did every time one of us walked into the room.

  “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes!”

  “Then be a good girl and don’t give Brick any trouble.”

  Brick rubbed over his eyebrow, taking a deep breath. The poor guy hadn’t anticipated being a pseudo babysitter until certain details were finalized in his… no, our lives. He held out his hand, waiting until Jasmine ran toward Maksim, hugging his legs. When she scampered out of the room, I pressed my hand over my mouth to try to keep from laughing.

  I failed.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked, growling afterward.

  “You. Brick. The entire situation.”

  “Oh, yeah?” He swept me into his arms, peering down at me with a stern look on his face. “And you’re one disobedient woman.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You constantly ignore the rules. You don’t listen to me.”

  “You’re a tough man to ignore.”

  He laughed, shaking his head. “Let’s go out to the garden.” As he took my hand, opening the set of French doors leading out onto the stone patio, I took a deep breath of the afternoon air. It was a gorgeous March day, a few of the trees already budding. He led me to the swing, finally letting me go.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You know we’re going to need to make the judge happy.”

  “Meaning what?”

  “Getting married.”

  I pressed my hand against his chest, pursing my lips. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

  “Would you accept if I did?”

  “Why don’t you try me?”

  “Ms. Rafaella Walker Sutherland, will you do me the honors of becoming my wife?”

  “Yes,” I answered without hesitation, the butterflies in my stomach finally set free.

  “To love and cherish, honor and obey?” he threw in, a twinkle in his eyes.

  I narrowed my eyes, huffing. “Wait a minute. Who said anything about obey?”

  “I did. And you will. Yes?”

  When I tried to push away from him, he yanked me tightly against him.

  “You’re such a bad man.”

  He grinned like a kid when I said that. “Answer me.”

  “Fine. Yes. I will. Now, be good and let me go.”

  “Nope. I can’t do that. Not until you get the spanking you deserve.”

  “What?”

  His grin remained as he tossed me over the wooden swing, immediately yanking my dress over my hips and exposing my naked bottom, the G-string covering nothing.

  “If you’re a good girl, you’re get a reward after this,” he said, the husky tone of his voice setting me on fire.

  “Ice cream?”

  He laughed, the deep baritone sending a wave of shivers dancing down the backs of my legs. “Of sorts.” As he brought his hand down, moving from one side to the other, I kicked out, which was exactly what he was expecting. “Be still or I’ll have to pull off my belt.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Do you want to make a bet?”

  “No. No, sir. Not a bit.” As the force of his hand moved the swing back and forth, I closed my eyes, the pain quickly turning into raging desire, my pussy quivering as my nipples became fully aroused.

  The man refused to stop, one coming after another until I was wet and hot all over, my bottom aching from his forceful smacks. He spanked me long and hard, covering every inch of real estate on my bruised and aching buttocks.

  “So mean. So horrible,” I muttered.

  “Keep that in mind,” he murmured, his breath sounds becoming even more ragged. When the barrage of brutal strikes stopped, I took a deep breath, blinking several times.

  When he helped me to my feet, I bit my lower lip to keep from moaning at the sight of his gorgeous, throbbing cock, pre-cum already dripping from his sensitive slit.

  “Oh, you are a bad man,” I whispered, reaching for his shaft, stroking the base.

  “As I’ve told you many times, that’s something you need to keep in mind. I will take you whenever and wherever I desire.” His wry smile and intense look took my breath away. When he sat down on the swing, gripping my hips and pulling me closer, he issued a series of low and deliciously husky growls.

  As always, he made me shiver to my core, but as the electricity built to a frenzied state, I couldn’t wait to have him inside of me. I straddled his legs, bucking against him.

  He was also a man with no patience. His fingers digging into my skin, he positioned the tip of his cock just past my swollen folds.

  “Something else for you to remember, my little bird. You belong to me.” As he pulled me down, thrusting the entire length of his shaft deep inside, I threw my head back, allowing several whimpers to float toward the sky.

  The beautiful blue cloudless sky.

  “I love you,” I whispered, feeling more alive than I’d ever been in my life.

  As he yanked me up from the deep arch, holding the back of my head, I realized something very important.

  Love wasn’t simple nor was it easy, but for every difficulty, every battle that needed to be fought, the only thing that mattered was family.

  And I’d found mine.

  The End

  AFTERWORD

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