Filthy Beautiful Forever(Filthy Beautiful Lies, #4)

It felt good to clear the air last night between me and Mia. Better than I could have imagined, actually. So today, I’m relaxed and happy as we board the Gremlin. Pace carries Max around the boat, showing him every gadget and knob while Kylie watches them lovingly. Colton and Sophie arrive next and stroll over to where Mia and I are standing beside the railing, looking at the water.

“Mia! It’s so good to see you,” Sophie says, pulling her in for a hug.

Colton’s eyes meet mine, and he seems to understand that Tatianna is gone for good. “Good fucking call, bro,” he says, thumping me on the back. He and Sophie rarely joined us on the yacht when it was just Tatianna and I. He didn’t enjoy her company, and I can’t say I blamed him. Now that I’m free of her, I just feel better. More lighthearted than I have in years. It’s strange what being in Mia’s presence does for me.

“Pace and Kylie are here, I think just below deck showing everything to Max,” I say.

Colton nods. “Good. When they get back, we have an announcement to make.” He pulls Sophie close and they share a secret smile.

I have a feeling I know what the announcement is going to be. They were just married about six weeks ago, and I’m quite certain they fuck like rabbits.

When Pace emerges from downstairs, Colton waves them over. Then he takes Sophie’s hand, interlacing their fingers. “Do you want to tell them, or should I?” he asks, softly. I’ve never seen him quite so soft and tender. A feeling of warmth washes over me.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“We’re pregnant!” Sophie squeals, like she can’t contain the secret even a second longer.

“Ah!” Kylie cries out, lunging for Sophie as she hugs her tightly. Mia’s smile is wide and she bounces up and down, as if waiting for her turn to hug the mother-to-be.

“Nice job, dude,” Pace says, clapping Colton on the back.

“Congratulations,” I tell him, shaking his hand.

“Thanks guys. We’re pretty excited,” Colton says, pulling Sophie into his arms and kissing her. “She’s just six weeks along, so it’s still early, but we’re over the moon.”

Pace tosses Max up in the air and tells him he’s going to get a baby cousin.

The mood is happy and light, and I’m immensely pleased that my brothers have found so much happiness. The women take Max and retreat to the bow where there are scattered cushions for sunbathing. They talk excitedly, asking Sophie how she’s been feeling and when her due date is.

My brothers and I settle in the deck chairs overlooking the ocean. And even though it’s early, when James brings by a tray of frozen mojitos, we each accept one. There is a lot to celebrate today. Colton requests a virgin drink be sent over to his wife. I smile, knowing he uses any excuse he can to refer to her as his wife.

We sip our drinks as the yacht cuts effortlessly through the water.

“So, how are things going with Mia now that Tatianna’s out of the picture?” Colton asks.

I glance over at Mia who has stripped out of her clothes and is making a turquoise bikini her bitch. Goddamn. A warm shudder flutters through me. “Good,” I mumble.

Pace laughs. “You’ve got to give us more than that, old man. Are you guys together or what?”

“I’m working on it.” I’m not sure what else to say. My brain tells me I should go slow, explore where this could lead, while my body screams at me to make her mine. Visions of her on her hands and knees while I pump into her from behind make my vision cloud with lust. I don’t know how much longer I can hold back. I want to know how things could be between us now that we’re both all grown up. I drop a pillow into my lap in an attempt to conceal the half-erection I struggle to fight off.

Pace laughs. “Still haven’t fucked her.”

“Shut the fuck up unless you want to be tossed overboard,” I warn, my tone coming out harsh and ruthless. But goddamn, being this close to Mia for the past several weeks, she’s completely gotten under my skin.

My eyes wander over to her again. She’s gently touching Sophie’s belly and while there’s nothing to suggest she’s pregnant, Mia looks at her in complete awe. It’s beautiful. I can’t help watching Mia as she plays with Max, tickling his belly, and playing a silly game with him using her sunglasses. I’m awestruck, unable to look away. She will make a beautiful mother, and I feel overcome with emotion.

I listen to my brothers tease me, telling me they’re both fathers now, and it’s my turn next, but my attention stays captured by Mia. She is beautiful in so many ways.

“Excuse me, guys,” I say, pushing out of my chair and heading purposely toward Mia.

When I reach her, I extend my hand, and she takes it without question and rises to her feet.

“Collins?” she asks, letting me lead her below deck. I get the sense she’d let me do just about anything right now.

I don’t respond just yet, because I’m afraid of what I might say, instead I continue guiding her into one of the cabins.

“What are you…”

“Do you trust me?” I ask closing and locking the bedroom door behind us.

“Yes,” she says without hesitation.

I turn and face her, my body pressing her up against the back of the door. A primal growl eases up my throat as my mouth ghosts over hers. “I’m scared of all of this. My feelings for you, what the future holds, all of it. But I know one thing.”

“What?” she asks, her chest rising with an inhale while her lips brush mine.

“I need you,” I whisper.