Page 83 of In Ruins
“I guess our girl is mad at us for taking so long to feed her, so she’s letting her displeasure show.”
“You know it,” she murmurs with a little smile playing on her face.
I take the yogurt and berries out of the fridge, make a bowl, and hand it to her. “Eat this in the meantime.”
She digs in, and I start making our avocado toast and boiled eggs. I feel her eyes on me, and when I look over, she’s definitely staring.
“See something you like,Principessa?”
“Doing something as mundane as cooking shouldn’t be that hot,” she mumbles, and I can’t help the laugh that leaves me.
“I’ll cook and let you watch me anytime you want, baby. Just say the word and your wish is my command,” I tell her as I set our plates on the island. I get coffee for myself and some juice for her, and then we eat in companionable silence.
Once we’re finished eating, I grab my guns from the table and strap them into my holster. I call my men and make sure they’re ready before I help Aria up from her chair.
Since we’re both already dressed, we head straight for the elevator. When it gets to the bottom, I motion for her to stay inside as I get out and look around to make sure it’s all clear.
My men are already parked in the garage and waiting. I take my woman’s hand and lead her to one of the SUVs, helping her in before I get in next to her.
Now more than ever, I have to be careful, which is why two other SUVs carrying my men are joining us for extra protection. While I was away, my men have been carrying out my orders, attacking a few more of the Russians’ businesses for fucking with me. I’d go after them myself, but my girl is my main priority at the moment, so they’ll just have to wait.
I didn’t tell her we were going to the Mafia clinic, which we arrive at a few minutes later. All the doctors and nurses here are on our payroll, which means that my men and I are always their top priority if something happens, because let’s face it, some shit is always happening.
“What are we doing here?” Aria asks with confusion in her eyes.
“I brought you here so we can get a 3D scan of our little girl. I thought it would be nice to finally get to see our baby together.”
“That’s so sweet. I would love that,” she tells me with tears in her eyes. “I wished so many times for you to be there with me so we could see her together.”
I pull her in and place a kiss on her forehead. My men nod to let me know it’s clear, and we step out of the vehicle. As we step into the clinic, one of the doctors rushes over to us.
“Hello, Mr. Andretti. It’s so good to see you today,” he tells me with a polite smile on his face.
“Good to see you too, Doc,” I reply.
“Everything is all ready for you if you’d follow me,” he says before walking away, and Aria and I follow along. We step into the room, and I walk Aria over to the exam table that’s already prepped and ready to go. “Hello, Miss Bellucci. My name is Dr. Wilson, and I’ll be taking care of you today. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing great so far,” she tells the doctor, and I listen intently to the conversation to make sure I don’t miss anything.
“That’s good to hear. Are you feeling the baby move regularly?”
“Yes. She’s quite the kicker,” she says, and both the doctor and I let out a chuckle.
“Have you experienced any cramping, contractions, or tightening in your belly?”
“No.”
“Any kind of bleeding or unusual discharge?”
“No.”
“Any swelling in your hands, feet, or face?”
“Just a bit of swelling in my feet.”
“Okay. I would avoid standing for long periods and make sure you keep your feet elevated. Also, wear comfortable shoes and ensure you’re staying hydrated,” he instructs.
“Yes, Doctor.”
