Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“That’s great,” I echo, the realization leaving me a little breathless. The thought of him locked away for a long time sends relief flowing through me.
“With the mess he’s created, I’d be shocked if he manages to wiggle out of this,” Dillon advises, his voice thick with certainty. “They’ve got evidence, and now with the firm turning on him, things aren’t looking good for him.”
Banks stiffens beside me, relief rolling off him in waves. “I knew he wouldn’t just walk away from this. It’s about time he got what he deserves.”
“As much as we want closure, remember, the wheels of justice can turn slowly,” Dillon remarks, his tone reminding us that it’s not over until the court has had its say.
“God, I know,” I reply, realizing it could be years before this even goes to trial.
“I’ll keep you updated.” With that, Dillon stands, letting us know when he’s done, and I can feel the tension ease just a fraction. Once he leaves, Banks turns to me, his expression switching gears.
“You alright?” His tone softens, genuine concern woven into it.
“Heck yes,” I reply, sagging with the relief of knowing the whole situation is pretty much over. “I can’t imagine Richard having any time or energy left to screw with me after the shit show he created.”
He nods, pulling me close, and I lean into him, letting his warmth wash over me. “I’ll take care of you, no matter what.”
“And I’ll take care of you.” I reach down and wrap my hand around his cock. Even through the gray material, I can feel how it grows long and hard in my grasp.
“I love the way you think.” He smirks and lifts me up in his arms.
“And I love you.” I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on as he races for the bedroom.
Epilogue
BANKS
ONE YEAR LATER
It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since Yvette and I tied the knot. Time has flown by, and here I am, standing on the brink of fatherhood, waiting for our first little one to make his grand entrance.
Honestly, I never thought I’d be the guy counting down the days until I could say goodbye to the fire station for a month and dive headfirst into diapers, sleepless nights, and everything that comes with becoming a dad. But here I am, feeling a mix of excitement and terror as the due date looms over us.
Today is my last day at the fire station, and I’m surrounded by my fellow firefighters, who can’t help but give me a hard time about going on paternity leave. “You sure you want to leave us high and dry like this, Banks?” Emmett calls from the corner of the station, his eyebrows raised in mock concern. “What if we need a heroic save from an old-school fireman right at this moment?”
“Old-school? I’m only two years older than you,” I remind the fucker.
“Like I said, old.” I roll my eyes as he laughs at himself like he’s the funniest guy ever.
The minutes are dragging by so goddamn slow. The truth is, I’d rather be home prepping for baby madness with Yvette than sitting here with these assholes. My buddies might be pains in my ass, but I know they’re just as excited about this baby as I am.
As I’m casually dodging another round of teasing, Emmett suddenly calls me into the station dining room, and I’m hit with an odd mix of curiosity and reluctance. I can hear the raucous laughter and chatter echoing behind the door, and I have a sinking feeling that it’s about to be an awkward meeting.
“Come on in, slowpoke!” Emmett shouts joyfully through the door, and I force myself to push it open, greeted with a sight I wasn’t expecting.
The room is decorated with balloons, streamers, and a big sign that reads “Welcome to Fatherhood!” stretched across the far wall. A cake sits on the table, covered with baby-themed decorations, and the whole place looks like it was pulled straight from some cheesy party catalog.
“What the hell?” I shake my head, taking it all in. “Men don’t get baby showers.”
“Who says we can’t have baby showers, too?” Alessandro pipes up, a playful smirk lighting up his face. “We have equal rights with women, man.”
“That’s so progressive of you,” Dacen says with a laugh, clapping Alessandro on the back like they’ve unlocked some new level of manhood together. “I’m proud you’ve gotten with the times.”
I’m torn between laughter and disbelief, hands on my hips as I survey the scene. “You guys are really doing this? For me?”
“Damn right,” Emmett replies, a proud smile plastered on his face. “It’s time to celebrate the impending chaos you’re about to dive into. We figured we’d help you get geared up for all those sleepless nights.”
I shake my head, barely able to suppress a grin. “You guys are ridiculous.”