170

170
The morning sun slipped through the curtains.

Nico stirred first, his arm stretched across the bed. Red was curled close on one side, her hair fanned over the pillow, and on the other.

Nico’s eyes softened. He took in the sight quietly for a moment.

Then, his voice broke the silence, low and husky from sleep.

“Good morning…”

Red’s lashes fluttered as she stirred, and Noah mumbled a sleepy, “Morning, Dad…” without opening his eyes fully.

Nico’s lips curved into a rare, warm smile. He ran a hand gently down his son’s back, then brushed Red’s hair from her cheek.

“You know,” he murmured, voice uncharacteristically tender, “I never imagined I’d be the one waking up like this… with my family. With you two right here.”

He exhaled softly, almost in disbelief, and added, “Life’s… so damn good with you.”

Red blinked at him, her cheeks warming, and Noah shifted closer, hugging Nico’s arm like he never wanted to let go.

Just as the warmth of the moment lingered, a gentle knock came at the door.

One of the maids stepped inside quietly, bowing her head.
“Good morning, sir, ma’am… Little Master’s bath is ready. Granny is waiting to tell him his morning story afterward.”

Noah’s eyes fluttered open at the sound, and he sat up slowly, rubbing his face sleepily.
“Bath time already?” he mumbled.

Nico chuckled, ruffling his son’s messy hair.
“Come on, champ. Let them take care of you.”

The maid came closer, extending her hands gently. Noah hesitated for just a second before sliding toward her, still clinging to his father’s arm. Nico leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of his boy’s head.
“Go on, son. Daddy will be right here when you’re done.”

Noah finally let go, and the maid carried him off, his little voice trailing down the hall about Granny’s story time.

The door shut softly behind the maid, Noah’s little voice fading down the hall.

Nico leaned back against the headboard, watching Red with a slow, wicked grin. The kind that made her pulse skip.

He stretched an arm out, tugging her closer until she landed against his chest. His voice dropped low, teasing but laced with heat.
“Well… now it’s just you and I, Red. No kid, no excuses…”

Her eyes widened, a blush already creeping up her cheeks.
“Nico, it’s morning—”

“Exactly,” he cut her off with a smirk, sliding his hand up her thigh beneath the blanket. “Best way to start the day. Coffee? Who needs coffee when I’ve got you?”

Red gasped, swatting lightly at his chest, but he only laughed, catching her wrist and pressing a kiss to her palm.
“Stop it, you’ll wake the whole house,” she hissed.

Nico’s grin only deepened. “Then let them hear. Let them all know Daddy’s busy.”

Her face turned crimson, and she buried it in his shoulder, half-laughing, half-embarrassed. He tilted her chin up, eyes gleaming, whispering hotly against her lips:
“C’mon, Red… don’t make me beg.”

Nico pulled Red into his lap. His hands slid slowly over her waist, firm yet careful, and his lips brushed her ear.

His voice came low, husky, the kind that made her shiver before he even touched her.

“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this… waking up to you like this. My Red.”

Her breath stopped, her hands pressing against his chest as if she might push him away—but instead, she curled her fingers into his shirt, holding him closer.

Nico’s mouth traced along her jaw, whispering between every heated kiss.

“I love how you smell in the morning…” a kiss to her neck.

“How you make me forget I’m supposed to be the dangerous one.” His lips brushed lower, his voice breaking into a soft growl.
“And how badly I want you right now.”

Red’s reply came out as a half-laugh, half-moan against his shoulder, her legs tightening around him.

Nico chuckled darkly, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, his thumb stroking her lips.
“Say the word, Red… and I’ll ruin you before breakfast.”

Her eyes flashed, heat drowning out hesitation, and when she whispered his name—it was all the permission Nico needed.

His mouth claimed hers, slow at first, then deep, hungry, as his hands explored like he was memorizing every inch.

The bed creaked softly beneath them, the morning air filling with their mingled breaths and quiet gasps.

And through it all, Nico whispered.
“Mine. All mine.”


Nico lay back against the pillows, one arm pulling Red against his chest. His lips brushed her damp hair as he let out a deep, satisfied breath.

“Damn, Red…” he whispered with a lazy grin, his voice still husky, “…that was sooo good.”

Red buried her face in his chest, her cheeks flaming, and gave him a playful swat. “You’re so hott.”

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head, then tilting her chin so he could see her flushed face. His thumb grazed her bottom lip.

“Tell me… are you full?” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Or should we go down for breakfast?”

Red groaned, shoving his shoulder with a laugh. “Nico!”

He only smirked wider, pulling her tighter against him.

“What? A man’s gotta make sure his woman is taken care of… one way or another.”

Her laugh softened into a smile, and she rested her hand over his heart.

Nico tilted his head, studying her with that rare softness in his eyes. He brushed a strand of hair from her flushed face, his thumb stroking her cheek.

“Are you hurt?” he asked quietly, almost tender. “Tell me the truth, Red.”

Her breath caught at the unexpected gentleness, and she shook her head quickly. “I’m fine, Nico.”

He smirked faintly, not convinced. His gaze dipped over her, then back to her eyes.
“Can you walk?”

She hesitated, cheeks burning as she tried to sit up, only for her body to protest with a little wince.

That was all he needed. Nico leaned closer, his voice a low promise.
“If you can’t, I’ll carry you down myself. Don’t even think twice about it.”

Red’s face turned crimson. “You wouldn’t—”

“Try me,” he cut her off with a playful growl, already sliding an arm around her waist as if to lift her. His grin was smug, but his eyes held nothing but devotion.

“You’re mine to take care of… whether that means breakfast in bed or carrying you downstairs in front of the whole house. Your choice.”

Red whispered “Don't forget daddy we have a whole ass to kick ”.