Chapter 23 - Gwen

As we leave Kervyn’s house, the cool night air wraps around us, a refreshing contrast to the warmth and laughter we’ve just left behind. I can still hear the echoes of my family’s voices in my head, and I can’t help but smile at how well Gwen fits in. She handled it like a pro, charming everyone with her wit and laughter. Normally, I’m not one for big social events, even if they were warm family gatherings, but the way that Gwen fit in so flawlessly made me want to just watch her from afar for hours, socializing like it was her job.

But tonight wasn’t just about family gatherings; it’s about us. I glance down at her, and my heart swells at the sight of her sparkling eyes, filled with excitement and anticipation. I told her I had a surprise for her, and we’re coming close to it now.

As we round the corner, I turn to her, ready to catch her expression. “Surprise!” I announce, having led her to where I’ve parked my bike.

Her expression shifts to pure delight as she gasps and rushes over to it. “You got the bike out!” she exclaims, then laughs. She walks over to my Ducati Panigale V4, running her fingers over the sleek metal frame.

“Thought we could enjoy one last ride before…” I let the sentence trail off, knowing she understands the implications of her pregnancy and how it changes things, at least for a little while.

“I love it!” she beams, her excitement infectious. She turns around, leaping into my arms to plant a big kiss on my lips.

Once she settles, I help her onto the bike, lifting her into the air, securing her helmet, and straddling my own seat. As I rev the engine, the roar fills the air, and she grips my waist tightly, leaning into me with a sigh of contentment.

We take off into the night, the wind whipping through our hair as we navigate the city's quieter streets. The world around us blurs into streaks of light and color, but all I can focus on is her. The way she clings to me, the warmth radiating from her body, the laughter that escapes her lips—it’s intoxicating. I can’t get enough of it.

God , I am so lucky to have her.

If Riley getting kidnapped was all it took to put Gwen in my life, I would’ve orchestrated the whole thing myself ages ago.

With each twist and turn, I feel more alive and connected to her. We ride with the moon shining down on us, illuminating our path and casting a silver glow over everything. It feels like freedom, like we’re escaping the weight of the world for just a moment.

As we approach our home, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder to see her face alight with happiness. “Ready for one last adventure tonight?” I tease, pulling into the driveway.

“Always,” she replies, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She gives me a quick kiss before putting her hand in mind, and I guide her inside the penthouse.

Once inside, I can feel the tension building between us, the energy crackling in the air. Tonight is different than all of our other nights. Tonight is special, a culmination of everything we’ve been through together.

It doesn’t take long for me to get her upstairs. I pull her into my arms, our bodies fitting together perfectly as I lean down to capture her lips with mine. The kiss is soft at first, but it quickly ignites into something deeper, something raw and primal. Her fingers tangle in my hair as she presses against me, and I can feel the heat radiating between us, drawing us closer.

I lead her to the bedroom, our lips never breaking apart as I push the door closed behind us. Everything else, the world, it all fades away, leaving just the two of us in this intimate space.

With a gentle urgency, I guide her to the bed, my hands exploring her curves, savoring the softness of her skin beneath my fingertips. Every kiss and every touch is electric, igniting a fire within me that I can’t contain.

***

Hours later, I lay beside her, the weight of our bodies intertwined in a peaceful, sweaty embrace. The room is filled with the soft glow of the bedside lamp, casting gentle shadows across the walls. I can hear her slow and steady breathing, filling me with a sense of contentment I’ve never known before.

“Wow,” she murmurs, turning her head to meet my gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips.

“Wow indeed,” I reply, my voice low and filled with awe. “That was… something else.”

She laughs softly, a melodic sound that warms my heart. “I think we might have outdone ourselves this time.”

I chuckle, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Definitely. I’m not sure how we keep getting better at this, but I’m not complaining.”

Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and she nudges me playfully. “You know, we’ll have to make lots of time for these… adventures before the baby arrives.”

“Absolutely,” I agree, pulling her closer and enjoying the warmth of her body against mine. “Speaking of which… have you thought about baby names yet?”

Her expression shifts, a mixture of excitement and thoughtfulness. “A little,” she admits, biting her lip as she considers it. “What about a name that honors both of our family traditions?”

I nod, loving the idea. “That sounds perfect. We can mix our cultures and create something beautiful together.”

She smiles, her eyes gleaming with the possibilities. “What about naming them after our parents?”

“That could work,” I reply, feeling a swell of pride. “We could honor both sides and create something new. Maybe a mix of names?”

“Roman and Gwen,” she suggests, her tone playful, but I can see the sincerity behind her words. “Or we could stick with something more traditional.”

I lean in, pressing my forehead against hers. “Whatever we choose, it’ll be special. Just like you. Just like our family.”

We stay like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the weight of the world outside forgotten as we dream about the future. As the night settles around us, I can’t help but feel that everything is right in the world.

With Gwen by my side and a family on the way, I know we’re stepping into a beautiful new chapter together.

“I love you, Gwen,” I tell her softly, holding her close.

“I love you too, Roman,” she whispers without hesitation.

*****

THE END