Chapter 25 - Jamie

It had been about three weeks since the incident. The den was almost ready to re-open, and Ashan was back to his stubborn self. The first week went surprisingly well. He allowed me to do most things for him and stayed in bed.

But after the second week, he insisted on doing his own things, and they all had to be done a certain way. He was driving me insane; I was about ready to climb the walls. I had taken up painting classes just to have a couple of hours to myself every day.

During the three weeks, Evelina and Leo also assisted me in finding Ben. During our search for Ben, Evelina introduced me to an underground mafia group from NY. They were also a smaller group but potent. Without them, I would never have found Ben.

Leo and Evelina’s men infiltrated Ben’s home and captured him. It took a couple of days to break him though, but we eventually got the information out of him. Ben confessed that he was working for a small mafia group. They were trying to cause issues between the bigger groups.

With the information I provided, they hoped to make the bigger groups fight against each other. Once most of them were taken out, they could make a name and rise. This, however, didn’t happen as I didn’t hand over what he wanted. He eventually confessed to setting me up and agreed to clear my name.

The next week was up and down as Ben worked with Evelina to set things straight. Having cleared the air eventually felt good. I could once again breathe without having to look over my shoulder. I could lead a normal life with Ashan after all.

After we cleared my name, I contacted the ungodly brothers again to thank them for everything. I also struck a deal with them for future trade. We gave them both Pedro and Ana to work off the debt they owed us. They had caused a lot of trouble and had to pay for it. The brothers were in need of hands and were grateful for two new slaves.

They were my first secure and I felt good. Everyone was pleased and I was now also seen as an invaluable member of the Morozov family. With their help, we were able to shut down all threats. The next couple of weeks were filled with meetings establishing stronger ties with our allies.

The work on the gambling den took a bit longer than expected. Instead of four weeks, we were now at eight weeks but finally ready. After the re-opening of the gambling den and the final signatures on the mansion, we moved in. At first, the three-story mansion seemed a bit much for me. But after a couple of days were settled nicely.

It wasn’t as big as Leo’s place but had more than enough house and yard. The house was nestled in one corner of the yard. Coming in through the gate, it almost seemed like half of the yard was made up of parking. That wasn’t the case, it only looked that way as the yard fell on a hill.

Coming in by the enormous gates, you could only see half of the house. The parking area stretched wide and was met by a lush green lawn that flowed up to the house. There were two small fountains where a footpath started in the middle of the lawn heading up to the house. The sides of the gravel-filled footpath were decorated by bedding filled with a variety of colorful flowers.

It wasn’t as elaborate as Leo’s, but it was stunning and perfect for us. The house was an older structure boasting a tinge of Victorian style. It had large windows with wooden frames and the most amazing patterns. I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it first.

Entering the house, you walked into a large entrance hall that led out to the kitchen, lounge, and dining room. From the kitchen were steps going up to the other two floors. On the second floor were three bedrooms and a study. The top floor held the most. It only had one bedroom and provided a study, library, office, and entertainment area.

I never truly understood why people had inside entertainment areas if they also had outside ones. We decided to change it into a playroom for the kids and the office would move to the second floor so we could have another bedroom upstairs. But all of this would come in time.

Outside behind the house was a reasonably large patio with enough space for about ten tables with chairs. It had a BBQ and bar area as well and led further down to the pool area. The place was breathtaking and more than I ever dreamed of.

To the side of the house, we also discovered an enclosed jacuzzi. It had a door leading into the kitchen and one leading out toward the patio. It was almost like a small entertainment area on its own with a built-in bar and enough space to host about ten people.

We will keep this space for ourselves for now. The jacuzzi had seating right around and looked very cozy. We couldn’t wait to try it, yet, we still had so much to do there was just never time.

Ashan organized a family gathering for the following weekend. I was excited to assist with the last plans for the get-together as it kept me busy. Now that the den was operating fully again, I had a lot more time.

Once everything was set for Saturday, Ashan arranged with a local contractor to start planning the changes we wanted done on the house. The week passed by quicker than expected, and before I knew it, Saturday had arrived.

I woke before dawn. Crawling out of bed, I stepped outside so I didn’t wake Ashan. Standing on our bedroom balcony, I could see and smell the ocean. The cool morning breeze kissed my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I was so entranced by the picture before me that I jumped when Ashan spoke behind me.

“What are you doing out here so early?” Ashan held out my robe as he walked closer. Smiling, I turned so he could throw it over my shoulders. He draped it over me and pulled me into his warm embrace. “Good morning, love,” he added as he kissed my cheek.

We stood watching the sun light up the world as it rose higher, waking up nature. “Are you ready for the day?” I asked as I turned out of his arms and headed back in.

“Yes, are you?” Ashan replied following me in. “It’s going to be good to see everyone together again.” He added, pulling me in and kissing me hard. “Thank you for helping with everything; I am sure it is going to be a great evening.”

After taking a quick shower, we got dressed. As always, Ashan wore jeans, a casual button-up shirt, and his white sneakers. At eight months pregnant, there was no clothing to hide my bump anymore. After standing before my selection of dresses, I finally decided on one. Putting on the elegant peach-colored off-shoulder Tulle dress with slits up the sides, I took out a pair of sandals.

My feet had been killing me this week, and there was just no way I was wearing heels. I applied a light shade of makeup and pinned up my hair before joining Ashan in the kitchen.

We had a quick breakfast before the florists, caterers, and staff arrived. By midday, the décor had been done, and the place looked fit for a king and queen.

The caterers had delivered all the food by four, and we were set. Roman, Karine, Leo, Samantha, and Evelina were the first ones to arrive. They pulled in as if they were traveling together. We had barely shown them the house and had just sat down outside when the rest started streaming in.

Most of the men were quite content with having drinks outside while I took the women through the house. Luder and Skyler had been here twice this week, so they also waited outside with Ashan and the others.

Returning to the patio, I noticed some of the tables had been moved into a circle. Karine, Sam, and Skyler sat waiting for us to join them. They sat where an eye could be kept on the little ones exploring the back garden.

Grabbing a round of drinks from the bar, I gave Ashan a quick kiss and sat down with them. We had barely started when Ashan pinged a fork against his glass drawing everyone’s attention. I had not been sure why he wanted a gathering so soon at our house but seeing him step forward, I knew that something big was about to happen.

Ashan cleared his throat before speaking. “First, let me just thank you all for coming.” There was a string of “always, any time, thanks for the invite, sure thing,” and more making the rounds as most of the men replied to him. He waited for everyone to quiet down before continuing.

“You all know we have been through some rough waters these last months, and I am grateful to each and everyone who assisted.” Another murmur went through, and Ashan waited again. It was kind of strange to see him waiting patiently as they kept giving their replies.

“Please, you do not need to answer,” Ashan said as silence filled the backyard for a third time. He wasn’t usually the one to give speeches, and I was sure the family was teasing him as another set of murmurs started up.

Grinning, Ashan nodded his head to one side and then the other. “Okay, enough. Thank you for the encouragement but I do have something to say.” He took a couple of paces forward and waved at me to join him. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but went to his side.

Ashan looked around at everyone as he spoke again. “Some of you may know and others perhaps not, but you may have suspected.” He took my hand in his and turned to me. “Jamie is my wife; we have been married for some time now and are about to have a baby.”

My mouth fell open from shock as more murmurs came from all directions. “We know, we can see that,” Luder shouted from the back somewhere and everyone burst out in laughter.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Ashan said, “We can all see the bump, I know. But you didn’t all know that we had been married, now did you?” There were many “no’s” coming through this time. He pulled a sparkling diamond ring from his pocket and added it to the thin one I already wore. My heart leaped as I stared at it in utter amazement. It was beyond perfect.

Turning back to the family beaming, Ashan continued. “Also, I want to declare that I will ensure my family and all our allies will wreak havoc on anyone who dares touch Jamie again.” The late afternoon sky filled with cheers. Ashan pulled me into his arms and kissed me tenderly.

The staff brought out the meals and we all sat back down. The women all wanted to look at my new ring and congratulations done the round before anyone started eating. The food was brilliant, and we received many compliments. After supper, we all shared a round of cocktails before the family started heading home.

By the time everyone including the caterers and cleaners, left, it was just after nine. I made us some hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, and we sat outside watching the sky light up with stars. We sat next to each other on the wooden swing seat Luder had given us as a housewarming gift.

Ashan had them set it up between the patio and the jacuzzi. The air smelled of the ocean and we could hear the waves crashing on the shore. The evening was picture-perfect. Ashan took my hand and kissed my fingers as he turned to face me.

“Jamie,” he said softly. Turning to him, Ashan held my thighs where the dress had fallen away, exposing them. “I love you,” he breathed out. Leaning forward, I took his strong face in my hands. “Ashan, I love you too,” I whispered, feeling tears form in my eyes.

He pulled me closer and kissed me passionately. Pulling back for air, I placed my hands on his muscular chest. Glancing down, I continued to speak. “I have something else to say as well.”

Ashan lifted my head and gazed into my eyes. “Yes, hun?” he asked.

Grinning, I gave him the news. “We’re having a girl.”

Watching him, his face light up and his being shone brighter than the stars were the headline of my day. He stood and picked me up. “This calls for a celebration,” he said as he carried me towards the jacuzzi room, but he didn’t enter it.

My breath was blown away as he walked around the side and through a hidden archway. The archway was overgrown with vines, and no one would ever find it without knowing it was there.

Around the upper edges hung fairy lights, and down between the vines. The floor was covered in the most amazing flowers. It smelled of vanilla and honey and my senses lit up like the night sky. I felt like we had entered another world as Ashan moved slowly through it, turning in small circles.

Moving towards the side, I saw a bench covered by leaves. The base was lined with tender pink and purple flowers. Ashan placed me gently down and sat down beside me. “I found this a bit earlier this afternoon and thought you would like it.” He whispered in my ear as he came closer and kissed my neck.

His lips were soft and his breath warm as it collided with the cool evening air, sending shivers down my spine. “It is truly beyond belief; I have never seen a place so magical,” I whispered back as I got onto his lap pulling the front half of the dress up. Ashan slid his hand under the hanging back piece and firmly took hold of my butt, pulling me into him.

Pushing my hands up the nape of his neck and into his hair, out lips met with uncontrollable passion. Our kiss was hard, and I felt his dick coming to life under me as he squeezed my arse tighter. It was pumping in his pants begging to be released. I slid my hands down his shoulders and unbuttoned his shirt before moving down.

Shifting myself slightly back, I loosened his belt and unzipped his pants. The throbs were now quicker, and his dick was rock hard as I pulled it free from his underwear. Ashan breathed out heavily as I touched him.

“Oh, hun, I love you,” he stated as he altered his position a tad bit on the bend to balance me on top of him. With his hands now free, he pulled the broad straps of the dress from my arms, lifting each through the sleeve to pull the dress”s bodice down.

The cool air touched my skin and slid over my breasts, bringing my nipples to life. Ashan quickly came in for the rescue sucking first at one and then the other. Lifting my head, I allowed my moans to meet the night sky. Sucking and nibbling in turns at my nipples made me squirm a little.

His hands found their way through the tangle of dress now around my waist as I felt him pulling at my sheer mech linen thong. I heard it tear before I could budge so he could pull it down. With nothing between us now, Ashan lifted me a little and lowered me onto his pounding dick.

Gasping for air, I felt him filling me. His dick felt harder and larger than usual, but I welcomed it as lust filled every bone and muscle of my body. Flinging my head forward, I softly bit him in the neck and nibbled at his ear. Ashan held my ass firmly as he moved me up and down his shaft.

He moved slowly and then pumped me hard and fast a couple of times before slowing down again. After a couple of times, I felt like I was floating on clouds of desire. I leaned back ever so slightly and placed my hands on his knees so I could spread my legs wider, wanting more of him inside of me.

Closing my eyes and allowing my head to fall back between my shoulder blades, I breathed out sharply. Ashan brought his head in and nibbled at my nipples again, sending sparks through every inch of my body. I felt his hands move from my ass over my hips. Holding my hips with his fingertips, I felt his thumbs moving to my clitoris.

Using his thumbs, Ashan made slow circular movements, first with one and then the other thumb over my clitoris. I screamed into the night air as my body started to shake then he stopped pulling his thumbs away. Grabbing hold of my hips tightly, he moved me slowly up and down his shaft again.

I dug my nails into his legs as my body craved more. Stopping again, he moved his thumbs back to play with my clitoris again. Every inch of me trembled as I floated higher on ecstasy. Ashan pulled back again and took hold of my hips. This time, I flung up and grabbed him around the neck. “Fuck me, baby, please, make me cum,” I breathed out. He was driving me crazy, and I was ready to explode onto him.

Feeling his hands moving back to my rear end, I was ready for him. Ashan lifted me up and down his dick in quick consecutive moves, but it didn’t take a lot. By the third time he brought me down hard filling me, I cried out in pleasure as I came. He also came with me, roaring like a lion.

He held me for a while before carrying me back inside. I filled the tub with bubbles as Ashan made us some hot cocoa. After a long, soothing bath, we crawled into bed cuddling.

Over the next two weeks, we consulted the doctor on home birthing. After weighing all our options, we decided it was the way we wanted to go. It placed less stress on the mother and the child, and the doctor agreed to assist us.

We set up a small portable pool in Catalina’s room so she would already be where she needed to be. With my last scan a week before my due date, the doctor informed us that the pregnancy went well, and he couldn’t see any complications. Ashan also hired a home nurse who came to stay with us.

She would assist with the birth and the first week after Catalina came. I was initially nervous but settled with the idea as I counted off the days.

A sharp pain in my abdomen woke me. Looking out the window, I noticed it was still dark out. Moving carefully, I got up and went to the bathroom. My bladder felt like it was about to explode if I didn’t. After using the toilet, I felt better, the pain was almost gone, and it was more like a dull throb than pain.

I got back into bed but couldn’t fall asleep again, so I decided to get up. I didn’t want to wake Ashan yet as I wasn’t sure if it was time. Going downstairs, I poured a glass of juice and sat on the patio for a bit, admiring the stars and listening to the ocean.

After a while, I stood to go back inside. As I walked, I felt the dull throb becoming more prominent. Entering the kitchen, I knew that it was time. Ashan had installed a baby system as he called it. There was a button in each room of the house that rang on his phone when pressed.

It was for just such an occasion as this. Moving around the breakfast island, I found the button and pressed it. It was only seconds before Ashan appeared in the doorway.

“You rang,” he said, sounding excited. “Is it time?”

Breathing slowly and deeply, I nodded my head. He came to my side and held me around the waist as we walked back upstairs. The nurse slept in Catalina’s room on a spare bed we had brought in. She woke as soon as Ashan switched on the light.

“It’s time,” Ashan proclaimed as she rose.

Nodding, she called the doctor to let him know. Ashan walked with me up and down the hallway as ordered while she filled the pool with water and collected the towels and instruments the doctor had sent over the previous week. Standing in the doorway of Catalina’s room she kept an eye on us.

As we passed her for what felt like the hundredth time, I had to stop and ask. “How long before the doctor comes?”

My breathing was slightly labored and the cramps sharper. “It’s not a quick process. It can take all day, try to relax. Let me know when you feel a cramp so we can time them.” She replied.

Nodding, we started walking again. Every time I felt a cramp, we stopped, and she timed the duration. She also kept note of how far apart each one was. They were still irregular and far apart. She brought out a large ball and had me sit on it, rolling in circles. “This will assist with the opening of the bones,” she said.

It was well after breakfast and almost lunchtime when she called the doctor again. After speaking to him, she asked us to sit in the water for a bit until he came. Ashan sat behind me in his shorts as we did my breathing exercises together.

The doctor arrived about half an hour later and had me lie down so he could see how far I had dilated. “Well, well,” he said smiling. “It’s almost time.”

We got back into the small pool and proceeded with more breathing techniques. Shortly after supper, Catalina was born. I held her to my chest overwhelmed by the reality and beauty of it all. She was perfect with tiny little hands and feet, and dark hair. I had never seen anything as precious as her.

Kissing her head softly, I whispered through my crying. “Welcome to the world, Catalina.”

Ashan was leaning around me, caressing her tiny little arm. Glancing at him, I noticed he was also crying out of joy. She was a healthy weight and had the lungs of an elephant. After the nurse cleaned her and the doctor checked her out, the nurse gave me instructions on feeding her. She sat with me to make sure I came right.

Ashan had left to see the doctor out and grab something to eat. He brought some supper for us as well. I couldn’t believe how hungry I was. He held Catalina against his bare chest as I ate softly, humming to her. I knew he was going to be a great father, and this proved it.

The first week wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. Once the nurse left, things got a bit harder, but the joy outweighed the troubles. Ashan arranged a naming gathering for the entire family to come to meet our little angel. During the next couple of weeks, he handled everything.

He was hands-on with diaper changes, and baths. He even did most of the cooking for us. I couldn’t have asked for a better man and was genuinely astounded at all he did.

Time appeared to be flying past us as days turned to weeks, and weeks to months. Before we knew it our little angel was turning one. She had taken her first stepps, had four teeth and were chatting away in a language of her own.

Ashan now ran three gambling dens and were working on acquiring more. Our days were getting fuller and fuller but we couldn’t complain. Sometimes trouble knocked at the door sure, but nothing as tough as what we had lived through.