Behind the Mask

Chapter 65

Marissa's POV

I sat with my teacup in hand watching the Christmas tree lights blink. Gabe had transformed the house and yard into a holiday wonderland. He'd even rented a horse-drawn sleigh after I raved about my date with Axel. I felt completely spoiled by these men. But for as much as I love it, I was going stir-crazy. I'd made a public statement about my force out in the law firm and several clients reached out in anger. Jackson hadn't made any type of announcement so they all thought I was still involved. I've been working with clients out of Victor's offices. His security is top-notch, and that way I'm never alone really. Owen and Kota had filed suits, but neither one seemed to be making much traction in the legal system, and I could only assume the Academy was involved.

I know Sean's worried about me. I'm not sleeping well and my stress was impacting my eating as well. At least the baby seemed to be doing well. Our little coffee bean - yeah, Marc's nickname stuck - is growing and healthy so far. Brandon and Axel helped North and Silas finish framing the nursery two weeks ago, and now that the drywall is up, Gabe has been plotting. Raven and Kota built a huge closet that mimics the wardrobe in Chronicles of Narnia, then built large bookshelves and put in a stained glass window. There's an actual closet that connects to mine. Owen is having a panic room built inside it as well, just in case. For that, they have a friend of Corey's contracted. Owen wants it to be one hundred percent safe and fully surveillance wired with a bathroom and mini fridge. He's having a larger one installed downstairs next to the playroom that would accommodate all of us.

The house smells amazing. They guys have been cooking all day, except Nate and Sean. They've been assigned Marissa babysitting duty. I'm banned from the kitchen because North says I keep 'grazing' and stealing food while they try to cook. I can't help it if the baby really wants to steal fresh veggies. I mean, at least it's good for us. Dominic and Luca are coming over for dinner. His other two men flew back to Italy for the holidays. Kota's mom is coming as well as his sister and her wife. This will be the first time I've met her and only the third time I've seen Erica. I'm a bit nervous, but I'm doing my best to hide it.

I felt Nate's hands on my shoulders, "Hey doll, do you need more tea?"

I leaned back, looking up into his blue eyes, "If I have any more, I'll have to spend the night in the bathroom," I giggled then groaned.

"Sweetheart?" Sean asked. I smiled and placed his hand on my stomach. "What? Are you," he started to ask then gasped as a smile covered his face. "Was that what I think it was?" I nodded and he yelled out, "Everyone, come here! The baby's kicking!"

It sounded like a small stampede as they stormed into the room. Nate and Sean had their hands on my stomach and were grinning like fools as the others. Luke knelt down and pressed his hand to my stomach. I saw tears form as the baby thumped against his hand. He had a look of wonder on his face then wrapped his arms around my neck. "I want that," he whispered with a hitch in his voice. He pulled back and looked into my eyes, "I know it's not realistic that you'd have children with all of us, but I hope you have more," he said. I was a bit shocked by his statement. It had never occurred to me that I would be denying them children. Was I making a mistake? They would all make amazing fathers, but how could I? "Hey, sugar, don't do that," Luke said, pressing a kiss to my lips. "I didn't mean to upset you."

I felt tears stinging in my eyes, "But how is this fair to all of you?"

"Sweetheart, our little light is a surprise blessing," Sean said. "We never figured we would have children after our marriage with Sang ended unless we decided to adopt. And we can still do that if you want, or this can be our one and only."

"Sean may be the biological father, kitten, but we are all his or her daddies," Kota said, running a hand along my cheek as he wiped my tears away. "We never expected you to have dozens of babies, Marissa." He pulled me up and nuzzled my neck, chuckling darkly, "However, that being said, we do hope you want to practice often." I moaned softly as his teeth grazed across my skin. I felt warmth rush to my core as his hands slid inside my dress.